Written and directed by Bo Wang, exploring haunting memories of Asia’s late 20th-century modernization. The story departs from a 1965 United States embargo on the hair trade, known as the “Communist Hair Ban”. Yet, in every wig resides a ghost from the imperial past. Starring: Michael de Roos, Sydney Vereycken, Sai Wang Lau, Zoenie Liwen Deng, Ruoyao Jane Yao, Zoe Tang and Jo-lene Ong.

When it comes to documentaries, the majority of the time filmmakers paint within the lines, so it’s always a fun experience when someone shakes things up, which is what Bo Wang does with An Asian Ghost Story. It’s delightfully unusual, experimental and parody-esque, mixing comedy, spirituality, economics, politics and ghost stories, which sounds like madness, and it kind of is but in a good way.

A simple way to explain what unfolds in An Asian Ghost Story is that it’s a loose and curious interpretation of facts. The aspect which Bo Wang has a fantastic handle on is capturing the absurdity of prejudiced politics during the Cold War. The tone that brings to the film is one of the strongest things it has to offer, creating an interesting and captivating sense of humour. It gives the film a playful tone, which is such a great vehicle for its creative nature.

Visually, it hits some superb nostalgic notes, it both authentically captures the era but also creates a satire of it. Especially in its use of narration which hits that tone of war-time sensibilities perfectly but is also a fantastic way to enhance the absurdity. It does well to beneath all of that still have something to say, it does comment on trade, prejudice and superstition, or the longevity and how memories are tied to objects.

An Asian Ghost Story is entertainingly unusual, Bo Wang has created a genuinely unconventional documentary. It’s inventive and creative, it may run slightly long and struggle to find its feet in the latter half but the style and tone are extremely well done. It may seem strange at first but you’ll likely be surprised by how well it draws you in.

Verdict: ✯✯✯½ | 7/10

Screened as part of Open City Documentary Festival 2023