Runtime: 105 minutes
Directed by: Huh Joon-Ho
Starring: Kim-Myung Min, Kim In-Kwon, Lee-Hye-ri, Choi-Woo Shik, Lee-Kyung Young
From: Several Korean companies
Combining political machinations/feuds, the plague and a creature feature managed to work. Sadly, a lot of the Korean films I’ve viewed in the past few years (new or old) after Parasite were ones I didn’t care for, nevermind the popular consensus of said films. The fact that I gave this 3 stars is a relief. It was a film I liked and it did not cause anger or disappointment. While it would have been more interesting thematically if there wasn’t actually a monster, the film does in fact have a hairy creature which at least has an interesting look and lore attached to it.
On the Korean peninsula in the 16th century, someone was put into power then almost immediately those same forces attempt to usurp him. Meanwhile, there’s a plague in the region AND there is the titular monstrum who some say is just a rumor to undermine the ruler. This claim is investigated while he meet up with our leads. They are several dudes plus a young woman who is the “girl boss” type without being insufferable. All these pieces are put into the right spot on the chess board before
The general story contains various cliches even if the blend of disease film, action and horror managed to be a different take on a giant monster picture. The look of the CG when it comes to the title character will either work for you or you’ll think it looks too “fake”; it typically wasn’t an issue w/ me. That element out of the equation, many will enjoy the look/aesthetic of the movie with the rural scenery and the ancient villages/cities shown. There’s also some gory moments for those that love seeing the claret fly. The one face that people will know is Choi-Woo Shik of Parasite (Ki-Woo) and Train to Busan fame.
There are some moments that strain credulity and sometimes the film is too flashy; overall, the movie manages to be a fun ride for what it is.
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