kobeno1

I’ve been watching K-Dramas for almost eight years now. I’ve watched shows from Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, and Taiwan. For my money, the Koreans are masters of the industry because they almost always incorporate some kind of meaning and wisdom. Not to mention that they are experts at putting different genres together and making them all work.

This collaboration of Korean and American performers is incredible! Frankly, I was hesitant to give this movie a try until a co-worker came in the next morning and told me how much he loved it.

The film takes all of the best elements of K-Dramas and K-pop music to give everyone—no matter what your age—an absolutely magical thrill-ride and puts them front and center! Better yet, this movie presents an important message for both young and old.

A “demon” is nothing more than the culmination of your fears that originates within your mind. Of course, none of the things that your mind tells you about yourself are real. And yet, so many people allow those thoughts to tell you who you are. They can reveal no more about who you are than a freckle can at the end of your nose. Too often, we focus too much on who we are not.

Rumi, Mira, and Zoey are three friends of the hottest K-pop band in Korea. They are also given the ability to fight demons. Thus, they provide entertainment, love, and protection. However, Rumi has a secret. She is also part demon, and she refuses to let anyone know for fear of everyone seeing her differently. Sound familiar? How often do people do all they can to cover up parts and aspects of themselves that they are too afraid to reveal? Guilt and shame are learned behaviors.

Enter the Saja Boys, a new K-pop boy group who secretly work for Gwi-Ma a powerful demon who wants the souls of everyone. Led by Jinu, he and his group are actually Grim Reapers—if you’ve watched enough K-Dramas, they are easily identified by their dark coats and black hats. Grim Reapers in Korean lore have the job of helping souls cross over. Some depictions have them as good beings, while others have them depicted as evil and serving evil.

Jinu uses Rumi—especially after finding out that she’s part demon—to get close to her with the hope of tricking her. It nearly works as Rumi is suddenly forced to face who she is and come to terms that there is nothing wrong with her, nor has there ever been. This is the core lesson that this wonderful movie is attempting to pass on to its viewers, and for my money, it more than succeeds. Children, teens, and everyone should take heed of this message.

The end of the film has one of the most inspirational songs and scenes that I have ever seen. I can only recall a handful of films that touch both the heart and the soul, and frankly, I can’t think of another animated movie that has done this. As the fans begin to snap out of Gwi Ma’s control, they begin to lend their own voices—and power—to Rumi, Mira, and Zoey. There are few things more inspiring than people coming together to fight for a common cause. Many viewers have been surprised to find themselves needing some tissues during this powerful climactic ending! And frankly, I can’t blame them in the least. This is a movie the world desperately needs right now, and it’s no surprise how much it's resonating with people everywhere.

The vivid colors and animation bring an amazing world to life, something that Disney could take some lessons from. Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans deserve so much credit and praise as well as everyone who was a part of this project. I loved seeing Korean performers Ahn Hyo-Seop (Jinu) and one of Korea’s absolute top actors in Lee Byung-Hun (Gwi-Ma) participate.

As I write this review, I found that the soundtrack is ranked #1, and the song “Golden” is the number one song! I’ll wager that kids and adults alike are bopping to these incredible tunes as much as possible! I know I will be! Frankly, I haven’t seen a soundtrack this loaded with great songs since “The Greatest Showman.”

I hope the rest of the world takes a note from Korean culture and entertainment; that it’s not only possible to make entertaining movies and shows with a message, but that the world is desperately eager for them! I already know that I’ll be watching this gem of a movie again and again!