In addition to Exhuma, the current Vietnamese film scene also features a horror movie titled Den Mang, which draws inspiration from the infamous Chùa Vàng area. However, unlike the blockbuster Korean film, Den Mang has been criticized heavily, to the extent that it has failed to receive any positive recognition.
Before its release, Den Mang was marketed as a film about “the most haunted ghost in Thailand”, but from the poster itself, viewers speculated that it was likely a subpar horror film. And indeed, Den Mang turned out to be not just a poor horror film but also a significant disappointment, failing to impress audiences with its lack of creativity and engaging visuals. Speaking personally, as a horror film enthusiast, I can say that Den Mang featured an entirely unknown cast, at least within Vietnam. However, names like Janey Ratchanok, Cee Siwat, Son Sonthaya, and Oat Pasakorn left viewers wondering, “Why are these actors even in this film?”
On social media, viewers are still puzzled about why the production house decided to release this work in Vietnam. However, the “unfortunate” viewers who watched the film had to lament that this production offered no redeeming qualities whatsoever. Despite its horror label, the film featured an extremely slow pace, lacking any thrilling moments, and even included dull scenes reminiscent of Eight-Year-Old Ghost Girl, testing the patience of its audience. Many comments pointed out that viewers had to endure the film’s length, not wanting to further waste their time on such a lackluster piece.
As for the storyline, Den Mang revolves around a father who has been wronged by the spirit of Nang Rum, who decides to take revenge on the protagonist, August (Oat Pasakorn). August must uncover the truth to free himself from this curse, lest he pay the ultimate price with his own life. The premise sounds intriguing, but in reality, Den Mang is simply a tedious work that tests the audience’s endurance or even their patience.
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