Once in a while, there comes a movie that defies all expectations. I'm still in shock at how much I like it.
I didn't think the animation looked pretty at first, especially Rumi's scorpion hairstyle. But I completely changed my mind the moment I saw the OG demon hunters with their graceful flourishes. There's beauty in the movements, the dance choreography, and the facial expressions. The characters have so much personality to them, even minor ones like the kooky doctor and the lesser demons.
The screenplay strikes the right balance in keeping the plot simple and focusing on Rumi and Jinu's personal journey. The dialogue is a little clumsy at times, but the writers still manage to show more than tell. They show that you can rise above your flaws and failings instead of letting them define you. The ending is a little rushed, though, not allowing time to mourn the loss of an important character.
The people who put together the OST are insane perfectionists. Sure, they used autotune, but it makes perfect sense in the context of the modern setting. The songs don't just sound amazing, they're cleverly written and an integral part of the storytelling. “Free” is one of the most romantic songs I ever heard, full of yearning and vulnerability. It reminds us of why we fall in love.
Korean culture is nicely featured here. It's not in-your-face, but lovingly woven into the little details, used as a world-building tool and a way to ground the fantasy. They leave out the dark side of idol culture, although it's hinted at in the sinister number “Your Idol.” The fans here are portrayed as a purely positive force, which is ironic for a movie about acknowledging your flaws. But I respect the writers’ decision not to go there.
People are clamoring for a sequel. Even the director wants to do it, saying that there are so many questions left unanswered. That's a bad sign. You should never make a movie just for the purpose of “answering questions.” Some things are best left to the viewer's imagination (and fanfiction). I worry that in their hurry to meet demands, the filmmakers will churn out trash instead of another gold.
I didn't think the animation looked pretty at first, especially Rumi's scorpion hairstyle. But I completely changed my mind the moment I saw the OG demon hunters with their graceful flourishes. There's beauty in the movements, the dance choreography, and the facial expressions. The characters have so much personality to them, even minor ones like the kooky doctor and the lesser demons.
The screenplay strikes the right balance in keeping the plot simple and focusing on Rumi and Jinu's personal journey. The dialogue is a little clumsy at times, but the writers still manage to show more than tell. They show that you can rise above your flaws and failings instead of letting them define you. The ending is a little rushed, though, not allowing time to mourn the loss of an important character.
The people who put together the OST are insane perfectionists. Sure, they used autotune, but it makes perfect sense in the context of the modern setting. The songs don't just sound amazing, they're cleverly written and an integral part of the storytelling. “Free” is one of the most romantic songs I ever heard, full of yearning and vulnerability. It reminds us of why we fall in love.
Korean culture is nicely featured here. It's not in-your-face, but lovingly woven into the little details, used as a world-building tool and a way to ground the fantasy. They leave out the dark side of idol culture, although it's hinted at in the sinister number “Your Idol.” The fans here are portrayed as a purely positive force, which is ironic for a movie about acknowledging your flaws. But I respect the writers’ decision not to go there.
People are clamoring for a sequel. Even the director wants to do it, saying that there are so many questions left unanswered. That's a bad sign. You should never make a movie just for the purpose of “answering questions.” Some things are best left to the viewer's imagination (and fanfiction). I worry that in their hurry to meet demands, the filmmakers will churn out trash instead of another gold.
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