Movie Introduction

Title: Troublesome Night 12: The Beauty Corpse (2001)

Director: Yip Wai-ying

Writers: Lam Wah-fan, Leung Bo-on

Cast: Helena Law Lan, Angela Cheung, Bonnie Wong, Lai Chun, Tong Ka-fai, and more

Genres: Comedy, Mystery, Horror

Country/Region: Hong Kong, China

Language: Cantonese

Release Date: October 18, 2001

Runtime: 87 minutes

Also Known As: Yin Yang Lu 12: Mei Rong Shi

IMDb: tt0311939

Plot Overview

Sun (played by Angela Cheung) and Aki work as beauty consultants in Hong Kong when their boss assigns them to manage a newly opened beauty salon in Shenzhen. Thrilled about the promotion, the two girls relocate, only to find the business struggling with few customers. Faced with impending failure, they visit a nightclub one evening to unwind and meet a man named Biki (Tong Ka-fai).

Following Aki’s suggestion, Sun and Aki decide to shift the salon’s operating hours to nighttime, targeting sex workers who finish work late. This strategy proves successful, attracting a steady stream of clients. One day, a wealthy local man, Mr. Cheng, visits the salon and requests beauty services for his bedridden wife. Eager to please such a prominent figure, the girls agree. However, they soon discover that Mrs. Cheng is a terrifying ghost, and Mr. Cheng harbors sinister intentions, plunging them into a supernatural nightmare.

Highlights

This installment of the popular “Troublesome Night” series blends horror with dark comedy, set against the backdrop of a beauty salon, offering a unique twist on supernatural tales. The film features strong performances by veteran actress Helena Law Lan, known for her roles in horror cinema, and a suspenseful plot that keeps viewers on edge. The eerie atmosphere and unexpected twists highlight the dangers lurking beneath ordinary appearances, making it a memorable entry in the franchise.

Reviews

Critics and audiences have noted that “Troublesome Night 12: The Beauty Corpse” maintains the series’ signature mix of chills and humor, though some feel the storyline follows a predictable pattern. Praise goes to the cast, particularly Angela Cheung and Helena Law Lan, for delivering engaging performances that enhance the film’s creepy vibe. While not as groundbreaking as earlier entries, it remains an entertaining watch for fans of Hong Kong horror-comedies, with effective use of suspense and lighthearted moments to balance the scares.

Conclusion

In summary, “Troublesome Night 12: The Beauty Corpse” is a solid addition to the long-running series, offering a fun and spooky experience with its blend of comedy and supernatural horror. It explores themes of deception and the supernatural in an urban setting, supported by a capable cast. If you enjoy light horror with a touch of humor, this film is worth checking out for a casual movie night.