13: Game of Death (2006) 8/10

It seems that Dimension Extreme predominately releases foreign horror flicks that are just bland enough to appeal to a broad audience so they can rake it in. 13: Game Of Death is not one of these flicks.

13: Game of Death is a Thai film about a guy who's lost his beautiful girlfriend, his job, and his money. He needs a miracle. What he gets is a new reality game show ala fear factor, but gone horribly wrong. There are 13 tasks he must complete, each level earning him more money but each subsequent level being more and more illegal and inhuman. If he fails or quits he loses all he's won and if he tells anyone he automatically loses. Tasks include eating a plate of feces, physically assaulting a stranger, killing an innocent dog, the list goes on.

What we have here is an intelligent film that exposes our global culture of greed and exploitation for the sake of entertainment. Reality shows like Flavor Of Love and its numerous spinoffs encourage contestants to be greedier, meaner, sluttier, and more conniving then anyone else. Lying, cheating, backstabbing and black mailing are the order of the day. The cesspool of reality television, whether it be on cable or on a network, is getting filthier all the time. It's so refreshing to see a film that examines this trend and exposes it for all its society destroying influence. The film is very well acted and the script is fast paced and engrossing. Each time he's asked to do something terrible for a heap of money the director asks us, where would we draw the line? How far is too far, and I think thats wonderful. The film pushes our buttons, but for a reason. It's not just another Hostel clone gross out fest. There's real thought behind it. The film is masterfully directed with great production value and believable sets. Step aside pang brothers, theres a new horror director in Thailand that puts you guys to shame.

Horror films can be insightful, poignant and intelligent. They don't all have to be remake crapfests. Its films like 13: Game of Death that make me truly love the horror genre head and shoulders above any other film genre. Do yourself a favor, rent this flick, if you've got the stomach for it that is.

Gore - medium

Nudity-none

Overall - 8/10