Well lit, decorated and photographed (using some of noted genre Director Kwei's signature soft focus), 'Corpse Mania' is a generally engaging giallo-esque period slasher made by the Shaw Bros prior to the category III rating system, and whilst not violent nor gruesome enough to qualify for that notoriety, still earns plenty of cult cred for it's macabre mean-spiritedness.

The villain is a walking giallo cliche of epic HK cinema proportions, replete with face covering, black fedora, and a comically large and blindingly shiny butcher's knife big enough to slay a dragon. Over brandished it might be, it's certainly used to pleasing effect resulting in gallons of the bright red stuff that's not especially realistic looking, but a welcome sight all the same (assuming one doesn't watch a film entitled 'Corpse Mania' expecting hugs and handshakes).

One or two moments resonate in particular; the mink gloved talcum powder embalming and the scene in which police doubles practice subduing the culprit are visually impressive and well edited, whilst there's a surprise decapitation near the end to reinforce the 'mania' quotient anticipated by the provocative title.

Requires a little patience, and despite blatant overuse of mealworms and HK horror staple centipedes, 'Corpse Mania' is an entertaining, gloriously stylish crime thriller worthy of a second viewing.

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The body horror subgenre features the physical and psychological transformation, deformation, or degradation of the human body. In body horror stories, the human body itself becomes a source of fear, anxiety, and disgust, often through graphic and disturbing depictions of bodily changes, mutilation, or alteration.

The slasher horror subgenre features a distinctive formula of violence, suspense, and a masked or anonymous killer who systematically stalks and murders victims. Slasher stories are known for their intense and graphic scenes of violence, particularly focused on the act of murder, and they often incorporate elements of mystery and survival.

The crime genre features criminal activities, investigations, law enforcement, crimes, and the pursuit of justice. Crime stories often revolve around the planning, execution, and consequences of criminal acts, as well as the efforts to solve and prevent such acts. They explore various aspects of criminal behavior, motives, and the moral dilemmas faced by both perpetrators and those seeking to uphold the law.

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The mystery genre features the investigation and solving of a puzzle, typically a crime or an enigmatic event. Mysteries are known for their suspenseful narratives, intricate plots, and the challenge they present to readers or viewers to piece together clues and solve the central mystery alongside the characters.

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The thriller genre features suspense, tension, and excitement. These stories are known for keeping audiences on the edge of their seats and delivering intense emotional experiences by revolving around high-stakes situations, dangerous conflicts, and the constant anticipation of unexpected events.

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Corpse Mania

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