The Bridge Curse is a 2020 Taiwanese horror film directed by Lester Hsi and starring Ning Chang and Cheng Ko. The film revolves around a group of college students who become cursed after using a cursed bridge as a setting for their horror short film. The storyline follows Wendy and her friends, who are studying film production at university. They decide to make a horror film for their final project and choose a cursed bridge as the location. Legend has it that anyone who crosses the bridge at night will be haunted by vengeful spirits. Ignoring the warnings, Wendy and her friends continue with their project.
Much as the Romantic poets showed their appreciation for nature by writing about its beauty, now Pagans throw their arms up to the sky to welcome in the rain when it is needed, grow native plants to feed the bees and only take as many leaves from nature as they need so as not to disrupt the balance of local flora. This care for and worship of the natural world in the face of climate change is perhaps why witchcraft and Paganism are the perfect practices to help us reconnect with the world and survive in the 21st century.
Often, it s about checking in with ourselves and paying attention to our needs so we can move into a more positive physical, mental, or spiritual state of being. There s this idea in contemporary spiritual philosophy that if you want to move forward in any area of your life, you must first honour and be thankful for where you are now.
Ignoring the warnings, Wendy and her friends continue with their project. As they start filming, strange occurrences begin to happen. One by one, the students face terrifying encounters with the vengeful spirits haunting the bridge.
Add Some Magic To Your Self-Care Routine
When we say the word ‘witch’, some people conjure up images of Halloween costumes, pointy hats and broomsticks. It’s sometimes seen as made-up or supernatural, sitting alongside vampires and werewolves.
Witchcraft however is very much alive and well, and has deep roots. Thousands of years ago, before Christianity was established, witches were known as healers.
People would come to them with a problem and would often be given a blend of herbs and a spell. The idea that magic could change the course of someone’s life however posed a threat to the new religion of Christianity - but what exactly is magic?
Some people describe magic as the combination of intention and action. The process of gathering ingredients and making a ritual can make simple acts full of intention and purpose. This concept can add a whole new dimension to self-care.
If this is peaking your interest and you’re keen to learn more, Semra Haksever’s book Everyday Magic, is a great place to start.
In it she goes over the basics of casting spells and offers up a whole host of herbal blends, spells and manifestations to try. Here are a couple of our favourites:
Spell to bring about change
If you’re feeling a little stuck or like you need a gentle kick up the bum to make a change, try this simple spell:
- Write down something that you would like to change in your life.
- Find an oak tree.
- Sit beneath the tree and visualise what it is you want to change.
- Bury what you have written down beneath the tree. Leave the tree an offering, like a crystal or piece of cake.
- Take a leaf from the tree (make sure you ask permission first) and carry it around with you (or leave it on your alter beneath a tiger’s eye crystal).
We so rarely give ourselves the time and space to what we want to change in our lives. Setting up this spell gives you an opportunity to really think about it and make a symbolic action to invite change.
Courage to walk in the right direction
If you’re struggling to know which direction to go in and can’t make a decision, this spell can help you feel more confident in your decision making.
You will need:
- 1 heaped teaspoon coconut oil
- 5 drops of peppermint essential oil
- Bowl of warm water
Directions:
- Place the coconut oil in a bowl of warm water and blend with the peppermint oil in a clockwise direction.
- Use the warm mixture to massage your feet for confidence in walking in the right direction.
If you know you have to make a decision later in the day, do this in the morning. By adding an action to your intention of making a decision, you’re giving it more power.
Spiritual cleansing bath
If you’ve had a bad day or are feeling energetically drained, this cleansing bath can help you rest and recover. Allow the water to energise you and wash away any negative energy.
You will need:
- Candles (white are good, but any colour will work)
- Pinch of dried or fresh sage
- 10 drops of peppermint essential oil
- ½ cup of Himalayan salt or Epsom salts (any salt will do if you can’t get access to
either of these) - 1 clear quartz
- White clothing to change into (optional)
Directions:
- Light some candles and add the ingredients to your bath along with the quartz. Soak yourself and visualise white cleansing light.
- When you step out of the bath, be conscious that the water going down the drain is taking away negativity.
- After your bath, wear white clothes (if you like) for the next eight hours as a reminder that you have reset yourself.
Extra power: If you are cleansing something specific, write it down on a piece of paper and burn it with a black candle before your bath.
Of course, taking a bath won’t solve all your problems but giving yourself permission to rest and setting an intention of letting go is an incredibly powerful action within self-care.
The beauty of magic is that it encourages us to be mindful of our actions and intentions, while offering us the space we need to do so. So, if your self-care practice is feeling a bit lackluster, why not add a little magic?
Everyday Magic introduces readers to simple magic and rituals for every day to encourage self-love, protect your energy and lead a fulfilled life.
Author Semra teaches readers how to weave bespoke spells, create their own alter and take part in moon rituals. Herbal teas, bath blends and candle manifestations make spells simple and accessible.
Pick up your copy and start introducing a little magic into your life.
Author: Semra Haksever
RRP: £10
Publisher: Hardie Grant Publishing
Images cover: Used with permission from Hardie Grant Publishing
In order to break the curse, they must uncover the dark secret behind the bridge and find a way to appease the spirits. The Bridge Curse combines elements of supernatural horror and mystery to create a thrilling and suspenseful atmosphere. The film explores themes of guilt, regret, and the consequences of our actions. It also delves into Taiwanese folklore, adding a cultural aspect to the storytelling. The performances by the cast, particularly Ning Chang and Cheng Ko, are commendable. They effectively convey the fear and desperation of their characters, drawing the audience into their plight. The eerie cinematography and sound design further enhance the horror elements of the film. Overall, The Bridge Curse is an engaging and chilling horror film that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It offers a fresh take on the genre with its incorporation of Taiwanese folklore and showcases the talents of its cast and crew. Fans of supernatural horror will find this film to be a satisfying and terrifying experience..
Reviews for "The Bridge Curse Film: The Perfect Blend of Horror and Mystery"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Bridge Curse" film. The concept seemed interesting, but the execution was so poorly done. The acting was wooden, the dialogue was cliché, and the scares were predictable. I kept waiting for something truly terrifying to happen, but it never did. Overall, it felt like a waste of time and money.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I cannot express how much I disliked "The Bridge Curse" film. It was filled with every horror movie trope you can think of - jump scares, creepy dolls, and a predictable plot. The characters were one-dimensional and I couldn't connect with any of them. The film was also incredibly slow-paced, making it hard to stay engaged. I was hoping for a thrilling and unique horror experience, but unfortunately, this film fell flat for me.
3. Michael - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "The Bridge Curse" film, but it turned out to be a major letdown. The story was confusing and lacked coherence, making it difficult to follow. The scares were cheap and relied heavily on loud noises and sudden movements, rather than building genuine tension. Additionally, the editing was choppy and disjointed. Overall, I found "The Bridge Curse" to be an underwhelming and forgettable horror film.