THE VILLAGE OF NO RETURN is a quirky Taiwanese comedy made with Chinese backing. It takes a while to get going with a slow, drawn-out, and somewhat nonsensical first half, but things gradually pick up for the second section as the plot kicks into place properly. The main problem is that it feels a bit disjointed and episodic in nature. A magic spell has the ability to erase the memories of a number of villagers, but a party of bandits are planning to rob the place, so a conflict of sorts ensues between the two sides. The film boasts a solid turn from the reliably amusing Shu Qi and a nice little cameo from Eric Tsang (too brief, though) along with plenty of bizarre jokes and slapstick moments. Some of the darker and more gruesome gags come out of nowhere to shock and surprise, while there's even a tiny bit of action. The a capella music is the best part of it.
Review of The Village of No Return
