Feng Shui Movie Review by a Feng Shui Expert

Feng Shui (2004) is a fictional Filipino horror movie directed by Chito S. Roño. It stars Kris Aquino as Joy Ramirez, a woman who discovers a seemingly auspicious Bagua mirror that brings both good fortune and deadly consequences to those who encounter it.

Plot Overview

The movie revolves around Joy, who finds a Bagua mirror in a bus and takes it home, unaware of its mysterious powers. Initially, the mirror seems to bring good luck to her and her family, but soon, they experience a series of strange and deadly events. Each victim who looks into the mirror meets a gruesome death related to their Chinese zodiac sign. As the story unfolds, Joy realizes that the mirror’s power is deeply connected to the traditional Chinese practice of Feng Shui, where good fortune is believed to be achieved through proper spatial arrangement and harmony with the environment.

Connection to Feng Shui

The movie uses the concept of Feng Shui, particularly the Bagua mirror, as a central plot device. In real Feng Shui practice, the BAGUA translates as Ba meaning eight and Gua meaning symbols. Eight symbols or eight trigrams which represents gender, members of family, direction, element, color, body part, illness and number. However, the film takes creative liberties, turning the Bagua mirror into a cursed object that brings misfortune and death rather than protection.

While the movie is rooted in the idea of Feng Shui, it leans more towards a supernatural interpretation rather than an accurate portrayal of the practice. The film uses the Bagua mirror as a symbol of both luck and doom, playing on the idea that disrupting natural harmony can have dangerous consequences.

Misconceptions

1. Bagua Mirror as a Cursed Object

In the Movie: The Bagua mirror in “Feng Shui” is depicted as a cursed object that brings death and misfortune to those who look into it, specifically targeting individuals based on their Chinese zodiac sign.

Misconception: In Reality, the Bagua mirror is not used as a form of decoration . In fact when you place it at your front of your house people tend to think there is something wrong with your house and the reason for the Ba Gua to be displayed. Another point is its like having a beautiful home with a Pimple on its face.

2. Feng Shui as a Source of Supernatural Power:

In the Movie: Feng Shui is portrayed as having a direct and powerful influence over life and death, with the Bagua mirror acting as a conduit for supernatural forces that can control fate.

Misconception: Feng Shui is a traditional Chinese practice focused on harmonizing individuals with their environment to promote well-being, prosperity, and health. While it involves the flow of energy (Qi), it is not a mystical or magical practice. The film exaggerates Feng Shui’s influence, attributing supernatural powers to what is essentially a set of guidelines for arranging space to optimize positive energy.

3. Fatalism Linked to Chinese Zodiac Signs:

In the Movie: The victims in “Feng Shui” die in ways that correspond to their Chinese zodiac signs, implying that one’s zodiac sign can dictate their fate in life or death situations.

Misconception: While the Chinese zodiac is an important aspect of Chinese culture and astrology, it is not used in Feng Shui to predict or cause death. The zodiac signs in Feng Shui are more commonly associated with personality traits and compatibility rather than fatal outcomes. The film’s use of zodiac-related deaths adds a dramatic and terrifying twist, but it distorts the actual role of the zodiac in both Feng Shui and Chinese culture.

4. Feng Shui as a Double-Edged Sword:

In the Movie: The practice of Feng Shui is depicted as a double-edged sword, where even good fortune comes with deadly consequences, implying that altering the flow of energy can be dangerous.

Misconception: Feng Shui aims to enhance positive energy and minimize negative influences, but it is not inherently dangerous. When practiced correctly, it is meant to improve the quality of life, not to create harm. The film’s narrative suggests that tampering with Feng Shui can lead to unintended and fatal outcomes, which is a misrepresentation of the practice’s true intentions.

5. Immediate and Drastic Effects:

In the Movie: The effects of the Bagua mirror and Feng Shui adjustments are immediate and drastic, with characters experiencing instant changes in luck or meeting sudden deaths.

Misconception: In real Feng Shui, changes in energy flow and the resulting effects are more gradual and subtle. The practice is about long-term balance and harmony, not instant or extreme outcomes. The film dramatizes the impact of Feng Shui for suspense and horror, which can mislead viewers about the true nature of the practice.

6. Cultural Superstitions vs. Feng Shui Principles:

In the Movie: The narrative blends cultural superstitions with Feng Shui, creating a mix of fear and misunderstanding around the practice.

Misconception: Feng Shui is often mistaken for superstition, but it is actually a complex system rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy, including the concepts of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements. While some superstitions may overlap with Feng Shui, the practice itself is based on principles of environmental psychology and spatial arrangement rather than supernatural beliefs.

“Feng Shui” taps into Filipino beliefs and superstitions, blending them with Chinese cultural elements. The movie became popular in the Philippines for its unique take on horror, intertwining familiar cultural practices with a suspenseful narrative. Its success led to a sequel, “Feng Shui 2,” released in 2014.

“Feng Shui” is a gripping horror film that cleverly integrates the concept of Feng Shui into its story, though in a highly fictionalized manner. If you’re looking for an accurate representation of Feng Shui, take note that this movie takes significant artistic liberties. However, as a horror film, it effectively uses cultural elements to create tension and fear, making it a standout in Filipino cinema.

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