I liked this movie. I think it was pretty efective without the CGI and all that. But I've read twice here (in one of the comments to the movie and in this message board) that it is going to be remade by Hollywood people, with the corresponding "hollywoodesque" budget. Is there any truth to this or is it just another rumour?
Oh man, the *beep* piled up so fast in Vietnam you needed wings to stay above it.
Err... I read minutes ago that Zhang Yimou is rumoured to direct it, but I also read that he isn't very willing to work in Hollywood. So... what's the point in remaking the thing if you're going to do it with an asian cast (assuming that if the rumour is true, he's going to do it with chinese production, resources and means, as was said)?
The Korean marines have already been used, so there's not much interest in doing it again, it would only shadow the original one, wich seemed pretty reasonable to me. Of course, a unit with the former ARVN (South Vietnam) could be used (not many changes to be done with the script) or NVA (North Vietnam) and Vietcong - major changes with the script, pretty stupid idea, would ruin the whole story, because in the original movie the invisible Vietcong also play an important part in causing fear.
So... The most logical thing to do if someone's going to remake this, and is going to use the same number of soldiers, is to use a US Marine Corps unit (heavy participation in the Vietnam war, and since R-Point is located in an island, that's the kind of territory where Marines are used).
Also, keeping in mind that the original movie has a very clear anti-war message regarding korean citizens fighting in 'Nam, that message can be easily imprinted in a possible american remake.
If done skillfully, could succeed. There are over 30 movies and TV stuff about the Vietnam War, and none, that I know, is horror.
It is not original of course, but nowadays Hollywood feasts on remakes...
What does everyone think?
Oh man, the *beep* piled up so fast in Vietnam you needed wings to stay above it.
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For the first time in my life, I'm going to have to reverse my usual opinion:
I think this movie could benefit from a remake.
Not necessarily a Hollywood remake - I can certainly appreciate a film without a white cast, a big budget and I can read subtitles as well as enjoy a film - but this is certainly an instance where an excellent premise has made an average film, but with a better treatment could be a great film.
A more experienced director could get a lot more terror out of the situation and a better script and cast would greatly improve it.
For once, a Hollywood re-make, expertly handled (not by Uwe Boll), could surpass an asian Horror original. And the situation could easily be transposed - American GIs in the same situation, Korean troops substituting the role of the US troops in the original.
However, I'm doubtful that the quality film I can imagine will materialise. Far more likely we'll get to see a Vietnam-set I Know What You Did Last Summer.
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I usually am the most anti-remake person you will ever meet, especially as in recent years, ALL of my favourite films (eg Ring, Oldboy, Assault on Precinct 13, Dawn of the Dead, The Wild Bunch and many many more) seem to be being remade by a Hollywood bereft of ideas.
However, with R Point, I believe it may benefit from a remake. I was frustrated througout the film by such an intriguing premise being wasted. It was confusing, badly directed and unsatisfying both in its war sequences and in its horror sequences. I had an great film in my imagination when i heard about the idea of a vietnam platoon being haunted, but i could barely finish R Point.
A remake might actually be a good idea for this one. A second attempt, if you will. Preferably directed by me.
"If done skillfully, could succeed. There are over 30 movies and TV stuff about the Vietnam War, and none, that I know, is horror."
While not completely set in Vietnam Jacobs Laddder is a horror movie set in vietnam with US soldiers.
just caught this on Film 4 last night, was very well done, Looking forward to a remake if its done well.
Full Metal Jacket is one of the scariest films I've ever seen, despite not technically being classed as a horror flick and not having any supernatural elements to it.
Humankind's mistreatment of one another is always far more terrifying than anything ghosts or vampires can think up.