By doudou6 
Whether it lives up to expectations or not is yet to be seen; what’s crucial is that it actually curses people! Reflecting on last year’s Asian horror scene brought us four rising stars: “The Medium,” “The Queen of Black Magic,” “Incantation,” and the infamous “The Sadness.”
All four films eventually stumbled with none maintaining solid ratings. The reason for mentioning this is that a drop in ratings doesn’t necessarily mean failure; if initial scores are absurdly high, subsequent drops are inevitable. For instance, despite early hype pushing “The Sadness” above an 8 on Douban (a popular Chinese review platform), Yahoo Taiwan revealed its true colors with a dismal score of 2.6.
So how did “Incantation” fare in Taiwan? It scored 3.3 out of 5 on local scales—equivalent to 6.6 out of 10—lower than its Douban rating. This isn’t an epic downfall but rather an expected adjustment back down to earth.
“Do you… do you believe in blessings?” Can sheer willpower change outcomes or reality itself? This philosophical opening leads into chilling scenes: a scarred girl with teeth-filled mouth—no special effects here; this is Li Ruonan’s real ordeal.
A DV camera capturing forbidden footage spares no viewer; those around her die mysteriously as evil encroaches further and further into their lives. For viewers still daring enough to continue watching, Ruonan offers some ‘friendly advice’: Recite these blessing words: Huo Fo Xiu Yi Xin Sa Mu Mou.
It seems thoughtful but oh Ruonan—you’re so naive! Six years ago she followed A Yuan and A Dong into Chenjia Village—not just for family rituals but also seeking paranormal activity.
Legends spoke of an off-limits tunnel behind the village; as ghost hunters filming their adventure they couldn’t resist exploring it despite warnings about dire consequences if entered during rituals involving offering names every decade while worshipping Buddha Mother—the village deity who even sensed Ruonan’s recent pregnancy!
Could these legends hold truth—is this place divine? Despite internal hesitation they braved Hell’s Gate anyway only finding curses awaiting them once inside!
Six years later Li Ruonan emerges from psychiatric care seemingly normal again—as if nothing ever happened—heading straightaway towards picking up her daughter Duoduo from foster care after abandoning her earlier hoping now for fresh beginnings together!
Back home first thing she teaches Duoduo are names—Chen Letong & Li Ruonan—a touching reunion between mother & daughter indeed!
