"Centipede Horror" (also known as "Centipede Curse" or "Wugõng zhou") is a 1981 Hong Kong horror film directed by Keith Li. The plot revolves around a supernatural curse fueled by revenge and involves a lot of gross-out imagery, particularly with centipedes.
Here's a breakdown of the typical plot:
- The Curse Begins: The story often starts with a young woman, Kay, deciding to take a trip to Southeast Asia. Her family, particularly her mother, is strongly against it, due to a long-standing family curse related to that region. Kay's brother, Pak, tries to offer some protection, but it's ultimately insufficient.
- The Centipede Spell: While in Southeast Asia, Kay encounters a powerful sorcerer.
It's revealed that this sorcerer is seeking revenge against the Pak family for a terrible wrong committed by their grandfather 50 years prior - specifically, a fire that destroyed his village and caused many deaths. The sorcerer places a deadly
"centipede spell" on Kay.
- Horrific Symptoms and Death: Kay returns home with a mysterious and rapidly deteriorating illness. Doctors are baffled, as her symptoms are unlike any known medical condition. Eventually, she dies a horrific death, with centipedes crawling out of her body.
- Investigation and Discovery: Her brother, Pak, deeply disturbed by his sister's gruesome demise, sets out to investigate the cause. He begins to learn about the history of his family, the curse, and the sorcerer's motives. He discovers that the family's current wealth is tied to the tragedy caused by his grandfather.
- Confrontation and Black Magic: Pak, often with the help of a friend or a new love interest, delves into the world of black magic and witchcraft. They seek out other spellcasters or spiritual guides to combat the sorcerer. This often leads to intense magical duels, involving various forms of dark arts, including reanimated creatures and grotesque spells.
- Escalating Danger: As Pak gets closer to the truth, he and those around him become targets of the centipede spell themselves, experiencing visions of centipedes, debilitating headaches, and physical attacks. The sorcerer's vengeance is relentless, and he aims to wipe out the entire Pak family.