Based on writer Lilian Lees best-selling novels, the two-part Tales from the Dark series revitalizes Hong Kongs horror movie genre. Featuring a star-studded cast, the first half of the series, Tales from the Dark 1, comprises three short stories put together by three different directors. Actor-turned-director Simon Yams directorial debut opens the omnibus, followed by Lee Chi Ngai ( Magic Kitchen) & Fruit Chan ( Dumplings Three... Extremes).
In "e; Dirty Goods, "e; Simon Yam plays a down-&-out middle-aged man who resorts to stealing ashes from the graveyard & asking for a ransom from the departeds loved ones. Lee Chi Ngais "e;A Word in the Palm"e; tells a tragic story of an illicit teacher-student relationship. A fortune-teller (Kelly Chen) joins hands with a feng shui master (Tony Leung Ka Fai) to help the schoolgirls vengeful spirit who knocks on his door for help on his last day of business. Fruit Chans finale "e; Jingzhe"e; depicts a night when three strange customers visit an old lady (Siu Yam Yam) for "e;villain hitting"e; demon-exorcising services.