[PREVIEW] Film "Haunters"

Published on 2010/11/09 | Source

A scene from film "Haunters" [Zip Cinema]

Film "Haunters" gets down to business right away. The story does not bother with details like how its nameless, supernatural character (Gang Dong-won) came to possess its power nor does it reveal the limitations or weaknesses his power has. The viewers are just as lost as main hero Kyu-nam who confronts him and tries to work his way to finding the truth behind this mysterious character. In the movie, supernatural power is no longer a mere prop used to highlight superheroes or create a spectacular scene. The true main character of the story is the supernatural power itself.

Although it was his power to control people with his eyes that left the mystery character a "monster" in the first place, it is also the only thing he can depend on. Hence it was this power that helped him survive living with a father that threatened him and a mother who tried to eliminate his power. It is also the power that allowed him to fight Kyu-nam who is otherwise much superior to him in terms of physical strength. Kyu-nam's life which was pretty ordinary until the point that all is turned upside down because of this supernatural power. Had it not been for the encounter with the mystery guy, he would have just lived peacefully as one of the workers at pawnshop "Utopia". And the supernatural power that shook everything of the two men will also leave its impact on the audience who watches the film.

Scenes from film "Haunters" [Zip Cinema]

The chemistry between the two young actors Kang and Ko alone is enough to make this film meaningful -- the unfamiliar, explosive moments created by actors that we once thought we knew are enough to enthrall viewers. Ko takes what he is good at, what he's expected of and perfects it in a style that is totally different. Kyu-nam's unfound optimism despite having no other future would not have turned out to be so positive had it not been for Ko's own earnest aura, actor or not. In contrast Kang created an image we've never seen before nor expected to see. Who would have imagined being freaked out by the handsome Kang or actually feel afraid of him as if having seen a snake? Kang's looks that features heavenly body proportions and his handsome face actually succeeds in displaying not the beauty but the twisted inside of human kinds, proving versatility of the actor.

True to the testimonies of actors, crew member and director Kim Min-suk-IV who said they thoroughly enjoyed making the film, viewers will be able to see for themselves how much they enjoyed filming the movie. It is director Kim's resolve to pour all his passion toward the concept of supernatural powers that enamored him since his boyhood. One would almost feel the director's own sizzling sensation as the music escalates the comic book-like tension and supernatural power flares up between the two guys. There might be a small crack in the flow of the tempo or switch in the scenes but even then, it is no excuse not to welcome the emergence of a new director who pursues beyond same old and the good versus evil plot and the dried up old humor. The film opens on November 10.