Nowhere near the manic pace of productions of this era from Hong Kong, emphasis eventually leans towards the "special" effects rather than the high flying wire enhanced fights. Having set up characters as it turns out efficiently enough for the wild second half, The Beheaded 1000 reveals its charms here. Especially a long sequence with Wang Yu dodging obstacle after obstacle during his confrontation with the dead has some trademark ventures into the bizarre that you would only find in a movie of this sort. You'll get to see a Gremlin like creature, multiple beheadings, ghosts ripping their fellow ghost's intestines out and so it goes. As poor as special effects and especially animated ones are from this era usually are, The Beheaded 1000 possesses some quite extraordinarily ropey ones. Literally ropey as underneath all colours, not much can hide the Ed Wood-esque execution of certain elements. You do know the filmmakers are aiming for a dramatic narrative but as failed as that facet becomes, you'd gladly choose the grade moderately charming when it comes to summing up the hokey experience. The future Image dvd will get its chance to prove how Hong Kong wanted Ding Sin-Saai's vision to look and feel. I wouldn't mind too much if they actually got rid of the character driven bits as they make little to none impression. Also starring Chin Siu-Ho, Joey Wong, Pauline Wong and Wu Ma.