A good story and a pity.
This well-paced comedy is laced with sharp social metaphors, championing an anti-burnout message that embraces ordinary life. The film could have gained more depth by directly critiquing the corrupt officials who exploit the ghosts (workers). Given its narrative polish, the movie's underwhelming box office performance likely stems from its modest budget—lacking the flashy set pieces and CGI spectacles that typically draw crowds.Was this review helpful to you?
We make ourselves monstrosities, lest others look down on us
An hilarious horror comedy, satire.In Dead Talents Society,, the afterlife, is a metaphor for Acting and Celebrity culture....right down to the use of the term Ghostress - as obsolete and out of date as the term Actress.
The premise: Your existence, after death, requires acknowledgement in life. The worst thing that can happen in this world is that you're no longer acknowledged so you literally disappear.
Your family's maintenance of your acknowledgements is one way, to continue existing. VERY VISIBLE haunting is another. Your cause of death is important. Ideally you want a "golden spoon death," for haunting power - "Suicide Due To Unrequited Love," being the absolute BEST! The catch is, in order to be visible to the living, you have to have a Haunting Licence (a metaphorical actors union card). To get one you have to pass an audition and pay the fees.
Taking the metaphor further, the more your haunting is 'viewed', the more viral it goes, the more you earn....to cover the costs of you licence. And your haunting is judged and categorised, and in the running for The Golden Haunt awards! 10/10 for the puntastic humour!
This is worth a view for its silliness, but with just enough pathos to make it endearing. It is NOT scary at any point, so horror avoiders can definitely watch.. it's a good example of how the music/sound sets the tone, as without it, it's all very much OTT make-up and back bends.
For a bit of silly self-torture, watch through the end credits for Makoto's song.
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