Ghost Month Movie

This was the official website for the 2009 low-budget horror film, Ghost Month, which won the Best Director and Best Cinematography award at the Chicago Horror Film Festival.
Content is from the site's archived pages as well as other sources for reviews.

 

REVIEWS

Josh Bell
Las Vegas Weekly
Thu, Jul 16, 2009 (midnight)

Local filmmaker Danny Draven’s shot-in-Nevada low-budget horror feature Ghost Month is an admirable effort to bring the atmospheric storytelling and mythological focus of Asian horror films to the American direct-to-DVD market, but it falls pretty far short of its influences. Slow and plodding rather than atmospheric, with very few scares, Ghost Month avoids much of the cheese of B-horror gorefests, but the lack of blood, guts and nudity only puts that much more focus on the stilted dialogue and stiff acting.

Marina Resa gives an extremely flat performance as Alyssa, a young woman running away from her past who takes a job as a housekeeper on the remote desert estate of Miss Wu (Shirley To), a Chinese immigrant who lives with her elderly aunt. Miss Wu doesn’t work, and her home seems perpetually tidy, so her use for a housekeeper is questionable, and Alyssa has lots of time to snoop around and inquire about the Chinese tradition of the Ghost Month, when spirits roam free. Soon those pesky spirits are bugging Alyssa, while back in the city her psychotic ex-boyfriend works to track her down.

Draven tries to create a sense of foreboding but mostly just ends up with boredom, and his occasional scares come mainly from jump moments. Its depiction of the Chinese as superstitious and sinister aside, Ghost Month has solid artistic ambitions. Unfortunately, the result is just as slapdash as the typical horror cheapie, only less fun.

 

Danny Draven Director
(Danny Draven) is an award-winning director, producer and writer of horror films. From slashers to robots to vampires to beds that kill, each one has a unique story behind it. He started out working with genre notables like Full Moon Entertainment’s owner Charles Band (Puppetmaster, Blood Dolls), as well as producing and directing Deathbed for “Master of Horror,” Stuart Gordon (Re-Animator). Draven’s production company, Darkworld Pictures, recently finished a 35mm feature called Ghost Month, a supernatural-thriller which he produced, wrote and directed.  It will be released on June 9, 2009 on DVD and Blu-ray in North America.

Draven is also the owner of a post-production company, Darkworld Post), through which he recently edited the Sci Fi Channel original movie, Ice Spiders. Here he recounts a story from the filming of Cryptz.

 



GHOST MONTH - 2009 OFFICIAL MOVIE TRAILER

 

Editorial Note: This film was handicapped from the outset by bad luck and karma seemingly supernatural in scale. Money problems, technical catastrophes, talent issues, weather, and trolls. Yep a horror film beset by trolls. Some haters started posting disgusting reviews and one star ratings even before the film was edited. These posts were bad enough, but then Google turned on us. At first we thought the website was a victim of a Google penalty. But the problems were more likely due to mischief by trolls. At one point, searches for Ghost Month had phony reviews of made up plot lines along with horrible personal behavior by the actors. Google's first page showed search results where these bogus posts were higher than our film's site. We were told that the only way to remove Google results was by hiring a search expert who could manipulate the search results to downplay the bad stuff. These guys can actually change what Google displays using search engine optimization in a non-traditional way. But the work is very expensive and there was no chance of it happening. The cool part is that once the story of the troll attack became public, the fake bad press actually worked in the film's favor. Everyone wanted to see why someone would go to so much effort to discredit a film. Then it hit me - what a great PR stunt - hire a troll...

 

 

Film Review: Ghost Month (2009)

Horrornews.net 03/13/201

SYNOPSIS:

Writer/Director Danny Draven takes the helm for this supernaturally driven shocker about an unassuming housekeeper drawn into a terrifying world of vengeful apparitions. According to the Chinese calendar, the seventh month of every year marks the time when the restless spirits of the dead break free from the gates of hell to mix among the mortals .During this time, specific rules must be followed to avoid falling prey to the spirits of the damned.When a solitude-seeking housekeeper arrives at the desert home of a superstitious Chinese woman and her devoutly religious aunt,death senses an opportunity to extend its grip into the mortal realm.

REVIEW:

An independent release starring Marina Resa, Shirley To and Rick Irvin.Wri ten and directed by Danny Draven, Ghost month as we are told is the period where Heaven, Hell and the realm of the living are open and which ghosts and spirits, including those of the deceased ancestors, come out from the lower realm. For the Asian culture, this is a serious time to be respected, even though it is not believed by all of the culture. Certain religious preparations are made as well as traditional aspects that should be adhered to. Breaking those rules, can lead to the spirits taking notice and a potential haunting can occur. Sounds pretty reasonable. Don’t mess with the spirits during ghost month. Of course this kind of premise is a horror movie waiting to happen and follows a formula that is familiar in other similar trends. Though as a viewer I never tire of a good ghost story and seem to never get enough.

Alyssa (Marina Resa ) a newly hired housekeeper arrives at a beautiful house set in the country. Owned by a wealthy Asian family the house is found to be be both tranquil and mysterious. She is greeted by her employer Miss Wu and Aunt Chen who are hospitable but a bit cold and traditional. As the story goes Alyssa tries to deal with her new job, spooks, some hidden secrets on the former housekeeper, a noisy neighbor and here abusive ex boyfriend. The tales is centered around this unwakening of the dead spirits and their haunting of the house.

It does have its mix of thrills and chills. Even though this movie is rooted in Asian tradition it is by no means in my opinion an Asian horror film. It just happens to be focused around a myth that is honored in the culture and stars a couple of Asian actors. I know the influence was there, but to me Asian films have a combination of certain camera moves, pacing and story quirks, that simply wasnt present here.

Danny Draven, it appears is no stranger to working on horror films as he has a pretty wide selection of roles he has taken on in productions. His credits include several other works in which he has done a number of various film making aspects. So he does come to the table with healthy experience.

I think Ghost month is a pretty solid attempt. While I find myself somewhat in the middle on this one, I think its worth it to point out pros and cons. The pros are when the scares are turned on, they are minimalist but effective. Which I think is the way to go. The CGI FX were pretty solid for there quick appearances as well. However, I did feel like there just wasn’t “enough” scares for me to keep me on edge. To be more specific it was lacking alot of that “scary sneak up on you moments in the background” creepiness. We do see a couple of hair movements under beds…kind of stuff, though I thought they could of really amped up more of these kinds of things to increase tension. Not sure why they chose to use a moving van as a symbol of evil. The scary music playing under the sign for "residential Columbia movers" set us up for a pretty disappointing reveal, when the truck doors open only to show an empty container. Some of the ghosts were hard to see due to lighting, which confused the visuals on what you were seeing.

GM has alot of drama that slows the pacing of what could have been a dynamic horror film. I would have liked to have seen more ghost action, and ethereal creepiness in place of drawn out drama. Another pro is GM was filmed on 35 MM, which tends to usually be a pro in most cases. However , a touch more film treating would have sealed the deal …maybe not alot just enough to give it some additional mood toning to convey a deeper sense of cinematic’s

I couldn’t review this film without mentioning how well the background score is composed. With music by Jojo Draven, it truly is a strength in this film by creating that creepy, orchestral ambience that covers the film front to back. Great job and very appropriate backing track to carry the visuals throughout.

As mentioned before Ghost month is a solid attempt. Its got some creepy moments that work and some middle story drags that slow things down a bit. Overall, a decent film with creepiness to satisfy, Nice to see it cover a tradition such as Ghost Month that may inspire others to take on the old lore in there film projects. I’d like to see more work by Danny after he’s had time to refine his approaches and techiques. I think he’s on the right trail though and the fine tuning will come out naturally in his future works.

 

 

TOMATOMETER CRITICS X | AUDIENCE 21%

* Al M
October 9, 2013
An interesting premise and a few creepy images do little to make this boring film even remotely palatable...

+++

* jen b
July 20, 2012
there was really nothing to it

+++

½ Nikita W
July 9, 2012
I would rather eat staples than watch this boring,bland movie.
The first part was okay,but then it became kind of a chore to finish watching it.

+++

** Luciano G
March 30, 2012
I think it's a worthwhile ghost story

+++

** Michael P
March 30, 2012
Low budget movie with only a few good plot twists, other than that was rather boring.

+++

** chanadh c
March 30, 2012
good but nothing special, and its a low budget movie i think

+++

*½ Michael A
March 30, 2012
A variation on the long haired dead chick revenge movie. chick is housekeeper for Chinese lady, chick starts seeing ghosts. chick finds out mystery and has to fight back.

Oh yea when you are fleeing a Haunted House DON'T STOP and pack a suitcase.

+++

** Joe A
March 30, 2012
A hot Asian woman hires a cute co-ed to be her housekeeper and there are no lesbian scenes! WHAT KIND OF MOVIE IS THIS?! Actually it's a fairly dull supernatural thriller with weak CGI. Asian folklore slant doesn't help.

+++

 

***½ Donna L
March 30, 2012
I found it slow and dragging. But it still kept my interest enough to watch it till the end.

 

 

More Background On Ghost Month (source #1)

"Ghost Month," a film released in 2009, offers a unique blend of horror influenced by Asian traditions and supernatural themes. Directed by Danny Draven, who is recognized for his previous horror endeavors, the movie delves into the chilling narrative set during the Chinese Ghost Month, a time when spirits are believed to roam the Earth.

The story follows Alyssa, portrayed by Marina Resa, who is hired as a housekeeper by a Chinese family. Unbeknownst to her, she arrives during the Ghost Month, leading to a series of supernatural encounters orchestrated by restless spirits. The setting is a secluded house, adding a layer of isolation and mystery to the unfolding events. The film also features Shirley To and Rick Irvin in significant roles.

Critically, "Ghost Month" received mixed reviews, with some appreciating its attempt to infuse traditional Asian ghost stories into a Western horror framework, while others criticized it for its execution and quality. According to reviews aggregated on sites like Dread Central, the film was seen as a lower-budget production that struggled with plot and character development. Critics noted that while the film had some effective moments, these were often overshadowed by the film's limitations, including what some viewed as subpar acting and predictable plot elements.

The film's reception was further complicated by its similarity to other horror films, particularly "The Maid," leading some to view it as an uncredited remake rather than an original work. This aspect was highlighted in critiques which pointed out that the film could have done more to stand out in a crowded genre.

Despite these critiques, the movie does have its supporters who appreciate its atmosphere and thematic focus on a culturally significant period. The use of the Ghost Month concept provides a cultural context that is less commonly explored in Western cinema, offering viewers a glimpse into the superstitions and traditions that are prevalent in parts of Asia.

For those interested in a blend of cultural mythology and horror, "Ghost Month" might serve as an intriguing if not fully satisfying watch. It reflects an attempt to bridge cultural horror narratives with Western filmmaking techniques, offering a unique take on the supernatural genre.

 

More Background On Ghost Month (source #2)

Ghost Month is a 2009 supernatural horror film written and directed by Danny Draven. While largely flying under the radar, it explores the ancient Chinese folklore and superstitions surrounding the "Ghost Month" - the 7th month of the Chinese calendar when the gates of the underworld are believed to open, allowing spirits to roam among the living.

The film follows Alyssa, a young woman who takes a job as a housekeeper at an isolated desert home owned by a Chinese immigrant named Miss Wu and her elderly aunt. As the seventh month nears, Alyssa becomes increasingly exposed to the sisters' superstitions and cultural traditions related to appeasing the spirits during Ghost Month. Strange occurrences begin haunting Alyssa as malevolent forces are inadvertently unleashed.

While inspired by the eerie atmospheres and cultural mythology of Asian horror hits like The Grudge and The Ring, Ghost Month attempted to bring these elements to an American independent production. Shot on 35mm film in Nevada on a modest budget, it garnered a small cult following but little mainstream attention.

Critics praised Draven's ambitions to explore fascinating mythology rarely depicted in Western horror. However, many reviews cited the film's sluggish pacing, lack of sustained scares, and mediocre acting as major shortcomings. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a dismal 21% approval rating from audiences.

In her review, Jeannette Catsoulis of The New York Times wrote "Hamstrung by a minuscule budget and amateurish performances, the movie renders its creepy premise ponderous." Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter called it "relentlessly inert and unfrightening."

While far from a critical or commercial success, Ghost Month still represents an admirable low-budget effort to introduce viewers to enthralling but underutilized cultural folklore from a uniquely American lens. For horror fans craving something off the beaten path, it offers an interesting premise - even if the execution left something to be desired.

 

Popularity (#1)

"Ghost Month," released in 2009, directed and written by Danny Draven, has maintained a modest profile in the realm of horror cinema. The film incorporates the cultural significance of the Ghost Month from Asian tradition, where it is believed that spirits roam the earth. Despite its unique premise, the movie has not achieved widespread acclaim, primarily due to its lower budget and mixed critical reviews.

The movie has received an average rating of 4.2 out of 10 from 17 user ratings on AZ Movies, and a slightly better but still underwhelming 3.0 out of 10 from IMDb based on over 900 ratings​​. Additionally, its TMDb user score is 42 out of 100, which was compiled from 16 knowledgeable users, indicating a generally lukewarm reception from the audience​​.

These ratings reflect the challenges the film faced in resonating with its audience, often attributed to its execution and the quality of its production. Despite these hurdles, "Ghost Month" remains a point of interest for those fascinated by horror films that intertwine cultural superstitions with supernatural elements. However, as of now, it's not readily available for streaming​. For those interested in exploring this unique horror story, keeping an eye on movie databases for any updates on availability might be worthwhile.

 

Popularity (#2)

Unfortunately, Ghost Month was not a very popular or well-known film. Here are some details about its lack of popularity:

    It had an extremely limited theatrical release, playing in just a handful of theaters across the U.S. for a very short run in June 2009.
    It made only $17,625 at the U.S. box office, which is abysmal even for a low-budget indie horror film.
    It seemed to generate very little buzz or hype upon its release, failing to attract much attention from mainstream audiences or even hardcore horror fans.
    Reviews were mostly negative, with critics panning the film's sluggish pacing, amateurish acting, and inability to sustain scares despite an intriguing premise.
    It has developed little to no cult following in the years since its release. Discussions or analysis of the film are scarce online.
    On major user review aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDB, it has very low approval/rating scores around 20-30% based on a relatively small number of user reviews.

So in summary, despite an interesting cultural horror concept, Ghost Month never really found its audience. The poor reviews, lack of marketing push, and failure to deliver on its creepy potential all contributed to it fading into obscurity shortly after its inauspicious release. It remains a largely forgotten and unpopular film, even among devoted horror buffs.

 

Press & Media Coverage (#1)

"Ghost Month," a 2009 horror film directed by Danny Draven, has been covered in the media primarily through reviews and its official trailer releases. Despite not being a mainstream blockbuster, the film has received attention from various horror movie review sites and through its promotional efforts on platforms like YouTube.

The film, which delves into the chilling period of the Ghost Month as per the Chinese calendar—a time believed to allow spirits to roam the earth—has garnered mixed reactions. Reviews generally highlight the film’s attempt to blend Western horror elements with Asian supernatural traditions, though they often criticize its execution and low-budget constraints. The film's promotional trailers available on YouTube also play a crucial role in its marketing strategy, aiming to attract viewers intrigued by its unique cultural horror elements.

Regarding press coverage, "Ghost Month" has been featured on websites like HorrorNews.Net and Dread Central, which discuss its thematic elements and overall impact as a horror film. These reviews often point out the film's independent nature and the challenges it faces competing in a genre dominated by higher-budget films.

While the film did not make a significant mark on mainstream media, its presence in niche horror film communities and specific coverage on horror-focused platforms suggests a targeted appeal to fans of the genre who appreciate cultural nuances within horror narratives.

For those interested in exploring this unique blend of horror and cultural tradition, the reviews and discussions available online provide a comprehensive look at both the merits and limitations of "Ghost Month."

 

Press & Media Coverage (#2)

Ghost Month received very minimal press and media coverage, especially for a new horror film release. Here are some details about the lack of attention it received:

Mainstream Media:

  • It garnered virtually no major reviews from top film critics at big national publications and media outlets. Reviews that did exist came mostly from smaller genre websites and local critics.
  • There was no substantial advertising push or marketing campaign to generate buzz in the mainstream press prior to its release.
  • It did not get featured, previewed, or spotlighted in major entertainment magazines, TV shows, or other mainstream media channels.

Genre Press:

  • Even within the horror genre press, coverage was quite limited. It received some reviews in genre websites/magazines, but no major feature articles or spotlights.
  • Horror bloggers and online influencers in the genre space gave it very little attention or discussion.
  • It did not get highlighted or promoted at major horror film festivals beyond a couple of smaller regional fests.

Home Video Release:

  • For its DVD/Blu-Ray release, there was negligible promotional campaign or media coverage surrounding it.
  • It did not crack any video rental/sales charts or get highlighted as a new genre release to watch.

Overall, the media blackout stemmed from Ghost Month's extremely low-budget origins, no major studio backing, and failure to generate positive buzz out of film festivals. Without anyrom stellar reviews oruplift from influential horror media, the film never gained traction or attention from press outlets looking to spotlight noteworthy new genre releases. It came and went very quietly.

 

Audience (#1)

The audience reception to "Ghost Month" has been relatively mixed, with viewer ratings reflecting a modest engagement. The film has an IMDb score of 3.0 out of 10 based on 921 ratings, indicating a generally lukewarm response from those who have watched it​ (MovieMeter)​. Similarly, on AZ Movies, the film has a user rating of 4.2 out of 10 from 17 ratings, and on TMDb, it holds a score of 42 out of 100 from 16 users​.

These ratings suggest that the film has a specific appeal, likely attracting viewers interested in low-budget horror films and those intrigued by cultural and supernatural themes. However, it hasn't resonated broadly with mainstream audiences, perhaps due to its execution and the niche nature of its theme centered around Asian ghost lore.

Overall, while "Ghost Month" has found an audience among horror enthusiasts and those interested in cultural myths, the general reception indicates mixed reviews and modest popularity.

 

Audience (#2)

Ghost Month did not manage to attract a significant audience, either during its brief theatrical run or after its home video release. Here are some details about its limited audience:

Theatrical Audience:

  • As mentioned before, the film had an extremely limited theatrical release, playing in just a handful of theaters across the U.S. for a short period in June 2009.
  • Its total box office gross was a paltry $17,625, indicating it played to nearly empty theaters during its run.
  • There are no available data on attendance numbers, but such a low box office gross suggests the theatrical audience was minuscule.

Home Video Audience:

  • While no official home video sales/rental numbers were released, the lack of buzz, poor reviews, and minimal marketing point to it having a very small home video audience as well.
  • User ratings on sites like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb are quite low (around 20-30%) based on a relatively small number of audience reviews, implying a limited viewer base.
  • It does not appear to have developed any kind of cult audience or following over time after its home release.

Target Audience:

  • As an independent low-budget horror exploring Chinese cultural folklore, the film's natural target audience was genre fans interested in more obscure fright films.
  • However, the negative reviews and word-of-mouth seemed to turn away even much of this potential core audience.
  • Mainstream audiences showed little interest as well due to the lack of promotion or distribution reach.

So in summary, Ghost Month had a extremely small audience, failing to attract sizable viewership in theaters, on home video, or from any particular underserved audience segment it could have appealed to with its unique cultural premise. It never found its niche and quickly faded from view after its inauspicious release.

 

Known For (#1)

"Ghost Month," directed by Danny Draven, is known for a few distinct elements that have shaped its identity within the horror genre:

  1. Cultural Theme: The film is particularly noted for its use of the Chinese Ghost Month as a central element. This time, according to Chinese tradition, is when the spirits of the dead are believed to be most active and able to interact with the living. This cultural aspect provides a unique backdrop and adds a layer of authenticity to the horror narrative, appealing to viewers interested in supernatural and cultural legends.

  2. Low-Budget Independent Film: "Ghost Month" is recognized for being a low-budget horror movie. This aspect is often highlighted in discussions about the film, as it sets expectations regarding production quality, special effects, and sometimes the performances. Despite budget constraints, the film attempts to deliver a compelling supernatural story.

  3. Director Danny Draven: The director is known in the horror community for his various roles in low-budget horror productions. His name is associated with a specific style of horror that often includes supernatural elements and a focus on atmospheric storytelling. His involvement is a key aspect of the film's identity.

  4. Mixed Reviews: The film has received mixed reviews for its storytelling, acting, and technical execution. Some reviewers appreciate the unique cultural angle and the director's attempt to create a spooky atmosphere, while others criticize the film for its pacing, script, and the quality of its horror elements. This mixed reception has made it a topic of interest among horror movie buffs who are curious about non-mainstream films.

  5. Promotional Efforts: "Ghost Month" has been promoted through its trailers and limited media coverage, mostly on horror-specific platforms and websites, which focus on its thematic and cultural aspects. This promotional strategy is part of its identity, targeting a niche audience that appreciates horror films with a cultural twist.

Overall, "Ghost Month" is known for its unique incorporation of Chinese supernatural beliefs into a Western horror film framework, directed by a filmmaker with a background in the genre. Its reception and characteristics make it a notable, if not widely celebrated, entry in the realm of independent horror cinema.

 

Known For (#2)

Ghost Month is not particularly well-known or famous for anything significant. As a low-budget indie horror film that received poor reviews and little attention, it largely faded into obscurity shortly after its release. However, here are a few of the most notable things it became somewhat known for, albeit in a very limited capacity:

  1. Exploring the Chinese "Ghost Month" Folklore One of the few distinguishing aspects of the film was its attempt to bring the ancient Chinese beliefs and superstitions around the 7th lunar month "Ghost Month" to American horror audiences. Drawing inspiration from this rich cultural mythology was an intriguing premise that some critics gave the film credit for, even if the execution was lacking.
  2. Micro-Budget Production With an extremely small budget, even for an indie horror film, Ghost Month became known as an example of a true "micro-budget" production trying to punch above its weight class. For better or worse, the limitations of the budget were visible on screen.
  3. Sluggish Pacing and Lack of Scares Numerous reviews criticized the film's sluggish, plodding pacing and inability to deliver sustained frights or an overall scary experience. This lack of effective horror despite the intriguing premise is one of the most consistently mentioned criticisms it became known for.
  4. Internet Trolling Controversy According to the film's production notes, it claims to have been the target of an internet trolling campaign with fake negative reviews prior to release. While likely an over-exaggeration, this alleged trolling did generate some minor notoriety and curiosity around the film for a time.

Overall, Ghost Month's biggest claim to infamy is simply being a little-known, mildly intriguing horror misfire that failed to capitalize on its culturally-inspired premise. It's largely forgotten today outside of the smallest circles of low-budget horror buffs.

 

Cultural & Social Significance (#1)

"Ghost Month," a horror film directed by Danny Draven, holds particular cultural and social significance primarily through its exploration of Asian supernatural beliefs, specifically the traditional Chinese Ghost Month. This period according to the Chinese lunar calendar—usually the seventh month—is believed to be a time when the spirits of the deceased are free to visit the living. Here's how the film taps into and portrays these cultural and social themes:

  1. Cultural Reflection and Interpretation: By centering its story around the Ghost Month, the film introduces Western audiences to a significant aspect of Chinese culture. This is a time traditionally marked by various rites and customs designed to appease wandering spirits, such as offering food or burning incense and paper money. The film uses these elements to build its atmospheric tension and develop its horror narrative, providing a cultural education through entertainment.

  2. Dialogue Between Cultures: The setting and premise serve as a bridge between Eastern and Western horror traditions. While it incorporates the thematic depth and supernatural elements typical of Asian horror films, it does so through a Western cinematic lens. This cross-cultural dialogue can enrich the viewing experience by offering a different perspective on familiar horror tropes—such as the haunted house or vengeful spirits—rooted in a specific cultural context.

  3. Social Commentary: Through its depiction of the Ghost Month and its impact on the characters, the film also lightly touches on broader social themes such as respect for tradition, the consequences of cultural ignorance, and the clash between modernity and tradition. It subtly invites viewers to consider how cultural beliefs and practices can intersect with, and even exacerbate, personal and psychological conflicts.

  4. Exploration of Fear and the Unknown: At a deeper level, "Ghost Month" explores universal themes of fear, the unknown, and the unseen forces that shape human lives. This taps into a fundamental aspect of horror as a genre—its ability to articulate common human anxieties in highly metaphorical or symbolic ways. The film uses the concept of ghosts not just as scary elements but as symbols of unresolved pasts and unaddressed cultural tensions.

By weaving these themes into its narrative, "Ghost Month" does more than just tell a horror story; it serves as a cultural artifact that reflects the complexities and nuances of integrating different cultural beliefs about the supernatural. This can foster greater understanding and curiosity among viewers about traditions that might be unfamiliar to them, highlighting the power of cinema as a medium to explore and communicate diverse cultural practices and social issues.

 

Cultural & Social Significance (#2)

Ghost Month does not appear to have had any significant cultural or social impact or significance. As a low-budget, little-seen horror film, it failed to reach a wide enough audience or generate substantial commentary to be considered culturally or socially significant in any major way. However, here are a few minor points about its attempted cultural exploration and some concerns raised:

Cultural Representation:

  • The film did make an effort to explore ancient Chinese folklore and the traditional "Ghost Month" superstitions in a way rarely seen in American horror films.
  • However, many felt it did not handle these cultural elements with much authenticity, depth or nuance beyond surface-level appropriation of the mythology.
  • There was some minor criticism about perpetuating superstitious/sinister stereotypes about Chinese and Asian culture.

Limited Social Commentary:

  • Ghost Month touched briefly on themes of domestic abuse through the antagonistic ex-boyfriend character, but did not explore this in any meaningful way.
  • The film's portrayal of the central Chinese-American family was seen by some as lacking dimension or insight into the Asian-American experience.

No Lasting Impact:

  • Ultimately, the film made no discernible impact on cultural representation in horror or commentary on social issues due to its extremely limited audience.
  • It did not spark any substantive conversations or acclaimed perspectives on representing ethnic cultures and myths on screen.
  • With its quick fade into obscurity, Ghost Month left no notable cultural or social footprint or significance behind.

So while it aimed to explore Chinese cultural traditions often ignored in Western horror, most observers felt Ghost Month did not approach this goal with enough authenticity, depth or prominence to be considered culturally or socially significant in any lasting way. Its impact and commentary were minimal at best.

 

 

GhostMonthMovie.com