Review by Peter Syslo
HELL'S GROUND (2007 Pakistan) is a recent DVD offering from TLA Releasing, under the Danger After Dark label (www.tlareleasing.com). The best way that I can categorize this film is by saying that it is a true Grindhouse film. Seriously, this would be something that you would see in a Grindhouse theater or at a drive-in, in the 1970s. The funny thing is, it doesn't intentionally try to be that; it just has that sort of "feel" to it. From the soundtrack, to the odd blend of story elements, HELL'S GROUND has a certain charm to it and it really reminded me of the fun that you could have, while watching a horror film.
HELL'S GROUND is written and directed by Omar Ali Khan and is co-written by Pete Tombs. The film stars Kunwar Ali Roshan, Rooshanie Ejaz, Rubya Chaudhry, and Haider Raza. The DVD features include: anamorphic widescreen, 5.1 Dolby Digital, English subtitles, director's commentary, Ice Cream Zombieland documentary, LUMS premiere and interviews, Zuj music promo, and the original film trailer.
The story begins with a group of five teens, who are planning to go to a rock concert. On their way to the concert, they run into a few snags. First of all, their van runs out of gas in an area of woods called "Hell's Ground", where some recent disappearances have taken place. Second, there are zombies roaming the forest who have been infected by the polluted river. Third, there is a killer running loose in the forest, who uses a large mace as a murder weapon and who wears a burqa. Fourth, they try to get out of the forest alive, but they encounter a crazed mother and son who appear to have ulterior motives, regarding the teens. With all of those key elements in place, the film becomes a fast-paced game of the hunter versus the hunted, as the teens try to survive Hell's Ground.
As you can see, the film seems to roll several horror movies into one package. For the most part, it is a slasher film with a burqa clad murderer stalking teens in the forest, with a larger-than-life mace. But, it is also a zombie flick (actually, the zombie element is more of a side story). Along with those two main forces, you have a third aspect of the crazy family. In fact, HELL'S GROUND isn't really anything new for an American viewer. Rather, it is sort of like a crash course in 1970s-1980s American horror, combining all of the traditional elements of the slasher film, the exploitation/Grindhouse film, and the Romero-type zombie film. I do have to say that the film does accomplish this feat very well and it makes for an enjoyable, international treat. Yeah, the film doesn't make a whole lot of literal sense, at times, but it does give the viewer a sense of excitement and fun. It is like you are witnessing the birth of the Pakistani horror genre, in a way, where political correctness, reservation, and proper behavior are thrown out the window for the sake of entertainment... which is a good thing (I hope the American horror genre gets some of that "edgy" quality back).
The only real downside to the film is that question of originality. It has the familial aspect of THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, complete with the hitchhiking son who terrorizes the teens when they give him a ride in their van. It has all of the fundamentals of any 1970s/1980s slasher film: the teens run out of gas in a spooky forest, the mysterious killer, gratuitous/bloody violence, and a soothsayer who warns the teens not to go into the woods. Also, it contains the aspects of traditional zombie pictures: the infection (although the polluted river was very plausible), the hunger for human flesh, and the turning from being bitten. While watching HELL'S GROUND, you will have the feeling that you have seen all of this before, but I think that the international interpretation of it all, is very exciting. It is sort of like a good cover version of one of your favorite songs - you know the song, but the different take on it has given it some new life for you.
Gnawing through the flesh: HELL'S GROUND was very enjoyable and it is neat to see some of the American horror influences in a foreign film. It has all of the makings of a Grindhouse film and it pulls off its quirkiness, effortlessly. Though not very original, it is edgy, bold, unapologetic, and it does satisfy a horror fan's craving for blood (sorry, no gratuitous nudity). In general, the film is well-shot and just the scenery/backdrop of Pakistan gives a fresh, vibrant "coat of paint" to the story elements. The actors all did a fine job in their roles and they managed to do so without being annoying or "fake". The effects (all practical/makeup) were very well done, were exciting, and looked realistic. Finally, the film gives a glimpse into the culture of Pakistan, which adds a nice texture and flavor to the story material. So, if you have a taste for modern international horror, give HELL'S GROUND a try. I liked it and I give it a 7/10.