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Reviews
Janghwa, Hongryeon (2003)
literally the best 'horror' movie i've seen
if this website had allowed me to give more than 10 out of 10 for this movie, i would surely have done that.
it is somewhat hard to grasp the movie at first, i think primarily because the director has made it complex, and therefore making it stand up well for closer scrutiny on repeat viewing. It's truly amazing, but every time you watch this movie, you seem to understand more of it, and the way the discussion board right here on IMDb is so alive and prosperous even when the movie has been released 3 and half years proves that it is something that you can enjoy more and more as time goes on rather than being a one-off flick only picked up because you can't think of something better to do. If you like a movie that leaves you reflecting (both in a logical and emotional way), then this is definitely a title you shouldn't miss.
While it is classified as horror, and there are a few genuinely scary scenes (for myself at least -- but i'm an easily scared person), it is really a story themed on emotional traumatisation and its aftermaths, and in this aspect, it is truly deeply touching. I could find myself completely immersed in the situation of the main character and feel the pain that she's feeling. I must say the actresses/actors do a wonderful job, and the cinematography (including the design and symbolism of the set) and the music score are outstanding too.
It would be against the purpose of the movie for me to comment anything on what actually happens in the movie. But even if after you watch it (hopefully you will after seeing this review) and find it confusing/not so good, don't become immediately disappointed or cheated. Have a look at the discussion board here (especially the 'explanations of a masterpiece' post by opiemar). It may open up a whole new perspective for you like it did for me.
This is one of those few movies that you should not only watch, but want to keep as well (for repeat viewings). So i give my 120% endorsement for it.
Eorin shinbu (2004)
very refreshing comedy
i saw this movie on DVD not long ago, and although i didn't find it completely satisfactory (certain aspects of the story don't seem very convincing among other things), i did find it a very entertaining watch. Mun geun yeong's acting is still not fully mature here, but she certainly did challenge herself in this role (compare to her role in 'a tale of tow sisters) and is quite successful. Kim Rae Won's acting is also highly creditable. It is a very heart-warming comedy that mix and mingles some serious themes with amusing dialogue and narrative quite well. Not the typical tragic love story of Korean movies, and has a happy end. Worth a watch, especially if you are a Korean movie or Mun Geun Yeong fan.
Arang (2006)
good but could be better
Arang is a reasonably good story that tries to tie in the police investigation type drama into an essentially horror movie. In this attempt, it has some originality, and i applaud that. Also the idea of involving both the two cops investigating these murder in the original situation that led to the series of revenge murders is quite interesting. However i would have liked to see more of the investigation side of the drama rather than the horror side. There is far too many graphic images of the same ghosts that just keep coming back again and again and i feel it doesn't add anything to the story but to scare the audience. The movie is very ambiguous as to how the victims did actually die, whether it's supernatural or cases of poisoning. I find myself baffled many times how different things relate to each other, and i feel that again the director tries to confuse the audience deliberately to add to the suspense or scariness of the movie. It kind of put me off because the story seems less convincing because of all the unexplained elements. In summary, if you like horror, it's a movie that's worth having a watch if you've got the time. Nothing groundbreaking, and for me it's plainly too much blood and gore without the necessity for it.