Cue the flamboyant special effects and abundant nudity.

It made no sense at all but looked really cool.

Having since watched a DVD version with English subs Id say my conclusion is much the same.

Only the blood of an eagle can save them.

The obligatory Battle Buddhist who turns religion into laser power pops up for a few minutes too.

Black Magic With Buddha (1983)

When you wish upon a braaaain… Theres something joyous about seeing some goofball scrambling around after a sticky red brain on a string screaming You!

Come back, you!

This leads to a whole string of gloopy magical violence.

Ears are pulled off, brave stuntmen are flung off balconies and a priest gets dragged through a toilet.

The plot involves a block of flats constructed on a site that was previously full of snakes.

Later on, he bites one in half while its still alive.

The whole thing ends with some poor stuntman rolling around on fire for what seems like forever.

How much were they paying these people?

Its a cavalcade of suffering for all concerned.

Hex (1980)

Far more palatable isHex.

For quite a while, it seems like a reasonably restrained period drama.

but the pace is measured and its got much more story than usual.

Its blasphemy to suggest it but this could actually benefit from a sympathetic remake.

Theres a deep religiosity toThe Boxers Omenthough.

Its depictions of both Buddhism and Thai black magic although wild are rooted in knowledge.

I think I love her but, at the same time, am utterly terrified of her.

What kind of mind…!

Oh my God, so many, many centipedes.

Admittedly, the plot gets tangled up in flashbacks butCentipede Horrorhas a creepy power thats hard to deny.

I dont think many could watch this and be totally unaffected.

They even set themselves on fire while, literally, coated in scorpions.

None of this is big or clever and but adds an edge of tension to watching the film.

Its very likely that something that will sicken or appal you could show up at any second.

It is, however, very effectively constructed.

The photography is fantastic.

Youd never place this as 1983 if you didnt know.

It has a fresh, modern visual style that really didnt come into vogue until the flashier late 80s.