Des Mangan defines this movie as being the one that defined the Hong Kong horror scene for the rest of the century. Not being too familiar with Hong Kong cinema, I cannot agree or disagree, but there seems to be a lot to things in this movie that other Hong Kong movies have borrowed from.Hong Kong horror is nothing like Western horror. In Western cinema, horror films are either of two sorts: a real horror such as is seen in movies like Misery, or a supernatural horror, as is seen in movies like poltergeist. In the supernatural horror films, it is generally defenseless people fighting evil creatures of hell which are ultimately more powerful.Hong Kong horror differs in the way that the protagonists aren't always defenseless. The hero of this movie, Fearless Cheung, is not able to fight the ghosts on his own, and as such enlists the help of a local wizard and both of them fight the antagonists together. The horror is always supernatural, which represents the highly superstitious Chinese demeanor, and magic is generally thrown around everywhere. The plots aren't always direct either nor is their generally one spooky antagonists. In this movie, the antagonist is actually a governor who hires a corrupt sorcerer to kill Cheung, thus Cheung faces everything from ghosts to hopping vampires, to corpses that he accidentally animates while sleeping next to it.Another difference, which is mimiced in Magic Cop and Erotic Ghost story, is the final battle. Hong Kong cinema generally have very spectacular closing scenes with much magic flying about. In this film we have two sorcerers fight each other while summoning deamons to possess their servants. In Western cinema it is generally an underdog priest battling helplessly against an even more powerful demon. In this movie the spirit world is divided into good an evil, while in Western cinema, the spirit world is evil while the real world is good.Close Encounters of the Spooky Kind is an exceptionally good movie. The action never lets up and goes right through to the close. It is not tense or scary, though it seems that it is one man against not only the establishment, but the forces of hell as well. As with a lot of Hong Kong action, the action is also very animated which makes it very entertaining to watch.

This film deals with the persecuted character of "Bold Cheung", played by Sammo Hung, as he simultaneously battles to find those who framed him for murder and also escaping a pursuing detective. It is a mostly kung-fu comedy film, and really defined the genre of kung-fu horror, (from which titles such as "Mr. Vampire" capitalised off greatly).The brilliance of this film lies in it's great mix of excellent choreography, and interesting and exotic characters - the horror themes are like an extra background setting that improve the film even further. Not only is it a first in it's (sub)genre, but it happens to be one of the best - and this is due to Sammo's awesome talent.The development of the plot really does centre around Cheung, as he uses his wits and savage kung-fu to overcome various set-pieces of action such as a resurrected corpse (Chinese vampire), a voodoo-doll, a band of policemen, yet another undead corpse, ghosts, specters, and men possessed with summoned Gods.His slapstick style is present again, as well as his unique ability for weapon choreography. The ending sequence rivals "Odd Couple" as the best weapon skills caught on film - (watch those spear techniques closely!). Cinematography in this film is superb, and the restored version I own has not dated in the slightest. In fact, the film looks better than those brought out much later, (I did notice a wash of blue across the entire print, though).Hang in there for the end - one of the most vindictive and vengeful endings I have ever seen. It has a strange satisfaction though!

The first real successful horror feature in Hong Kong to mix action with horror. Even though there were similar films before this like The Legend of the Seven Golden Vampires, it was this movie that laid the groundwork for many future horror films in Hong Kong. Gui Da Gui/Encounters of the Spooky Kind(1980) sports a physical incredible performance from Sammo Hung Kam Bo as Courageous Cheung. The special effects are some of the best ever seen in a Hong Kong film. Sammo excells in the role of writer, star, and director. The fight sequences involving the Inspector and his men are wonderfully choreographed. Influenced many American filmmakers including Sam Raimi. Sam Raimi uses scenes from this film as inspiration for Evil Dead(1983) and Evil Dead 2(1987). Courageous Cheung is a model for the character ofAsh in the Evil Dead films. Gui Da Gui/Encounters of the Spooky Kind(1980) along with Eastern Condors(1987), Pedicab Driver(1989), and Prodigal Son(1983) are my favorite films by the director.

This movie is really great! I was really caught by surprise because before I saw this movie, I thought all Hong Kong movies were hyper-violent actions with "rock hard" characters. The characters in this movie are actually very funny. They're not all cold, hard murderers who go around shooting or beating people up.There's lots of great humor in this movie, mixed with the standard Hong Kong stunts. I bet you would have to look for a long time to find a Western stuntman who can do all the stuff Sammo does here. And he's fat!!! There's really not much I can say without giving up too much of the story, so I suggest you just see it. It's incredible, and matches even the best American comedies.