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Cast: Hwang Jung-min , Chun Woo-hee , Kwak Do-won
In this unbelievably tense supernatural thriller, a foreigner’s mysterious appearance in a quiet, rural village causes suspicion among the locals - suspicion which quickly turns to hysteria as the townspeople begin killing each other in brutal outbursts for seemingly no reason. As the investigating officer watches his daughter fall under the same savage spell, he agrees to consult a shaman for answers - unknowingly escalating the situation into something far more dangerous.
"The Wailing" takes place in the small Korean town, Gokseong, the town and its people have their lives turned upside down when a number of deaths suddenly occur and other people become sick with noticeable blisters all over their bodies. The local police officer in charge is Jong-goo, he is clueless and helpless as the killings and sickness plagues his town. There is one lead that he can follow, it seems as though all this started when a Japanese man entered his town but when his daughter also falls sick he brings in a shaman to help but he must continue to search and find who or what is responsible for what is going on in Gokseong before it is too late.
"The Wailing" is Writer/Director, Hong-jin Na's third feature film, he has had a great start to his film making career with his first two films, "The Chaser" and "The Yellow Sea." If you haven't seen either one of those two films, you need to. "The Wailing" is a much different film than the latter two but it is also his best film to date. When I saw that the film was two hours and 36 minutes I thought that it might be one of those movies that just drag a long and becomes boring but that was not case here. Instead the time just flew by because there is so much going on.
A supernatural thriller but it is much more than that, the film is a mix of genres including comedy and drama and horror with zombies, demons and ghost as well making for a unique and original film. It's disturbing and fascinating at the same time and the plot always keeps’ you engaged because it is drenched in mystery. I am not going to give any plot details away here so not to ruin the film for those wanting to see it but I will say that it has an abundance of suspense and tension. I enjoyed every minute of the film and it just got better and more involved as it went along. About half way through the film there is a major plot twist which is a real shocker and it is brilliant but just when you think things are wrapped up the film isn't finished yet.
"The Wailing" is available now on DVD and Blu-ray with Special Features that include:
The Beginning of The Wailing
Making Of
Trailer
You can order the DVD HERE And the Blu-ray HERE.
So far the film has received great critical acclaim and for good reason, easily one of the best films so far this year. Director, Hong-jin Na is a master film maker who just gets better with each film and that is saying a lot because his first two were amazing as well. "The Wailing" is one of Korea's finest films and it will have you wanting to watch it again and again. Production wise the film is beautiful to look at and the sound is just as great. Another thing that made the film so great was it's cast which includes, Hwang Jung-min , Chun Woo-hee and Kwak Do-won. I cannot recommend seeing this masterpiece enough, it will have you hooked right from the start and it will put you at the edge of your seat all the way to its heart pounding end.
Released by Well Go USA
***** Out Of *****