In western culture, ghosts are often depicted as terrifying apparitions eager to haunt the living. For Chinese people, on the other hand, ghosts are not so much evil entities as much as the spirits of their deceased loved ones.

Traditionally, it is believed that the gates of the Chinese underworld are opened during the Hungry Ghost Month, which begins on Aug 16 this year.

During this month, ancestral spirits roam the land of the living, with their living family appeasing them with food offerings, joss paper and incense.

How appropriate then that a heartfelt Malaysian film on the Hungry Ghost Festival is hitting the silver screen this month.

“Hungry Ghost Diner” is a critically acclaimed film by local director Cho We Jun which was released on Aug 10. The film recently received the Netpac Award at the 27th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival in South Korea.

Needless to say, if foreign critics are impressed by it, it’s likely that Malaysian audiences will enjoy it just as much, or more.

So, what’s the movie about? Set largely in the real-life sleepy town of Behrang Stesen in Perak, the film tells the story of Bonnie (Chen Keat Yoke), a food truck operator in Kuala Lumpur.

After a visit from her beloved maternal uncle, Ah Kiu (Sam Chong), she returns to her family home and father, Bobby (Eric Chen) in Behrang Stesen.

And much to her dismay and confusion, she learns that Ah Kiu had just passed away. Then it becomes clear that the boundaries between the dead and the living are thin.

Despite the supernatural shenanigans, Bonnie embarks on a journey which reunites her with long-dead loved ones and reminds her of the importance of family and tradition.

At first glance, it might be strange to see themes better befitting a Chinese New Year film in a film about the Hungry Ghost Festival.

After all, Chinese New Year is all about joy and family, while Hungry Ghost Festival is a mournful season of remembrance, right?

Nothing’s ever that simple though, and the film seems to suggest that the love one holds for their family can transcend even death.

It is amazing that this is director Cho’s first feature film, and one that was made during the tail-end of the pandemic.

At its heart, the film is very Malaysian, with the characters facing dilemmas that you yourself may be acquainted with.

Bonnie’s dilemma, aside from seeing more ghosts than she wishes, is her estranged relationship with her father, Bobby. Both are hard-headed individuals, with Bobby once describing himself as hard and spiky as a durian! And Bonnie is inclined to agree with him.

As it turns out, she too is a chip off the old block and she barely conceals her fury over her father’s decision to shut the family’s kopitiam.

Their relationship is so estranged, in fact, that at one point, the two get into an argument over the fate of the place and Bonnie unceremoniously leaves him by the highway.

Despite the emotional distance between the two, it’s clear that both father and daughter still love each other.

After all, they both lost someone they loved when Bonnie’s mother passed away, with her memory still fresh in their minds.

Putting in a strong performance is actor Sam Chong, whose character of Ah Kiu is more approachable compared to his brother-in-law.

Aside from setting the film’s plot into motion, he provides Bonnie with much needed comfort and advice that any member of the audience would appreciate.

The film’s dialogue is largely in Cantonese and Hakka, with Bonnie’s maternal side implied to be Cantonese and her paternal Hakka.

So, does this mean that non-Chinese speakers will derive less entertainment from the film? Not at all! The film’s themes are universal and very Malaysian actually.

In one scene, Bonnie sits down for a meal with her deceased uncle and grandparents. And what do her grandparents do? Load up her bowl with more food than she asked for!

That’s a pretty Malaysian thing to do. Malay, Chinese, Indian; All grandparents love spoiling their grandkids silly with food!

That said, there are some elements in the film that those familiar with Chinese culture will understand better. One visual gag early on depends on your Chinese literacy. Hint: The padlock.

Some Chinese jokes lose their humour when translated to English, so it’s something of a bilingual bonus for Chinese speakers to look out for.

Hence, with Hungry Ghost Month upon us, perhaps this film is a timely reminder of what is most important in life.

‘Hungry Ghost Diner’ was released in cinemas nationwide on Thursday.