Watch Ebola Syndrome

Ebola Syndrome is an intense Hong Kong horror film that tells the story of Kai, a restaurant worker who contracts the Ebola virus while on a trip to Africa. Instead of getting treated for the disease, Kai decides to spread it as far and wide as possible, creating a trail of destruction that spans two continents. The film, directed by Herman Yau, is not for the faint of heart. It's a gruesome, blood-soaked experience with few redeeming qualities. But for horror fans who crave the goriest and most disturbing images imaginable, Ebola Syndrome delivers the goods.

Anthony Chau-Sang Wong gives an unforgettable performance as Kai, a man with a twisted sense of humor and a perverse love of violence. He's a repellent character, but Wong makes him oddly compelling, even as he commits one atrocity after another.

The film opens with Kai and his boss traveling to Africa to purchase meat for their restaurant. While there, Kai becomes infected with the Ebola virus, but instead of seeking help, he decides to keep it a secret and continue on with his life. When his boss confronts him about his strange behavior, Kai slaughters him and his family, causing a media frenzy.

From there, the movie follows Kai as he flees to Hong Kong, where he sets up shop as a chef and begins infecting the local populace. We see him spreading the virus in a variety of ways, from spitting in food to deliberately infecting people with his own bodily fluids. It's all extremely revolting, but also strangely mesmerizing.

In addition to Wong's unforgettable performance, the film also benefits from some spectacular gore effects, which are a highlight of the movie. There are scenes of people literally melting away, as the Ebola virus consumes them from the inside out. It's not for the squeamish, but it's undeniably impressive.

The film also comments on the nature of viruses and how they can be spread from person to person. In one poignant scene, Kai points out that the virus is simply doing what it was designed to do – survive and spread. It's a chilling reminder of how little control we have over the microscopic world that exists all around us.

There are a few missteps along the way. The film is often tonally uneven, veering wildly from horror to dark comedy to drama with little rhyme or reason. And the subplot involving a young couple who get caught up in Kai's rampage feels tacked on and unnecessary.

But for the most part, Ebola Syndrome is a gripping, disturbing film that will stick with you long after the credits roll. It's a testament to the power of bleak cinema, and a reminder that sometimes the scariest things in life are the ones we can't see.

Ebola Syndrome is a 1996 horror movie. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.