Reviews

phenomenal cast, so-so storytelling.

i'm not necessarily new to the horror genre, but i definitely have far less experience than most when it comes to it. i do have to say that found footage is one of my favorite tropes because it adds a new layer to the scare. seriously, how freaky is it to think "hey, i'm watching someone's last moments through this camera." it's just such an interesting concept.

personally, my biggest draw beyond the found footage aspect was the cast. i adore wi hajoon and absolutely LOVE park sunghoon, who is hands down one of my favorite korean actors of all time. these two are amazing in their roles, as well as the rest of the cast. i could really feel the terror their characters were all experiencing. honestly, it's just so well acted in ways i haven't seen in a lot of found footage projects.

i also really liked the editing and concept of this film! vlog style footage at the beginning before the actual exploration is livestreamed feels very timely and realistic, especially with some of the paranormal experiences being staged because of the draw of money and views. it makes for such a good b plot point that i didn't see coming.

i think the overall storytelling was just alright and most of the vfx was a little janky, but i don't think it really matters all that much in the grand scheme of things. the actors really sold what was going on and the twist at the end was great. such an effective movie!

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A Standout Animated Film

KPop Demon Hunters is easily one of the most compelling animated films released this year. It manages to blend modern pop culture with supernatural action in a way that feels fresh without trying too hard. The premise—K-pop idols secretly fighting demons—could’ve gone gimmicky fast, but the film handles it with a surprising level of care and style.

What really stands out is seeing this film listed on kisskh. Usually, animations—especially ones from non-Asian countries—don’t make the cut there. But in this case, it actually makes sense. Unlike a lot of Western attempts to tap into K-culture, KPop Demon Hunters shows a real understanding of its influences, and it doesn’t just borrow the aesthetics—it respects them. That’s probably why it was given a chance where others weren’t.

The animation is clean, the action is sharp, and the characters are well-designed both visually and emotionally. The music hits the right notes without overshadowing the story. It’s fun, but it also has enough substance to hold your attention beyond the spectacle.

It’s not just good “for a Western animation”—it’s a strong film in its own right, and a smart, entertaining watch for anyone interested in a cross-genre story done right.

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Adorable, almost as much as the original movie.

I didn’t watch this film so much for the story, but mainly for the two lead actors: very young, yet already capable of standing out with truly remarkable past projects. Seeing them together again was a pleasure, even though this time — unlike before — I didn’t feel the need to take their love story too seriously. In fact, the romantic side stays mostly in the background: it’s relevant to the plot, of course, but only up to a point. It’s not the beating heart of the film, and that’s perfectly fine. Overall, I don’t consider it on par with their previous performances, but it’s still an enjoyable and emotional watch. I laughed a lot, even more than with the original version — and that’s a rare thing.

The ending, however, felt a bit restrained to me: it lacked that emotional peak that could have given the story more strength.

That said, I’m not a fan of constant comparisons, and I honestly think this is a successful film. If you’re looking for something light, funny, and capable of making you laugh while still offering a touch of emotion, this is definitely a great choice.

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A Perfect Pitch with a Flat Note Ending

Kpop Demon Hunter is an entertaining film with a unique concept, vibrant visuals, beautiful cinematography, and a few catchy songs, but unfortunately, it relies too heavily on overused tropes and underdeveloped storytelling. As a result, it feels like it was made to appeal to a narrow audience, rather than exploring the full potential of its creative premise.

The film centers around Huntr/X, a K-pop girl group that doubles as demon hunters, and the Saja Boys, a K-pop boy group who are demons. While the setup is promising, the story fails to give the Saja Boys meaningful development. Only Jinu, the group’s leader, is given a real arc, he displayed glimpses of complexity as he struggles between good and evil. However, his journey is cut short. When he finally comes to his senses, he’s killed off within seconds, which undercuts emotional payoff tremendously.

Jinu’s character had strong potential, his desire to be free and his sense of being misunderstood were compelling. That same depth could have been extended to the rest of the Saja Boys. Giving each member a unique reason for being in the group and showing their eventual growth would’ve added real emotional weight and created a stronger connection to the audience. But they were reduced to background noise.

It would have been far more impactful to show The Saja Boys and Huntr/X teaming up, to defeat Gwi-Ma, providing a powerful message of unity and growth. Instead, the film takes a shortcut, and it shows.

The film also leans into a somewhat problematic dynamic: girls fix problems and saves the world, while boys create them and seek destruction. All the main villains are male, and while there are female villains, they’re under the control of Gwi-Ma. That dynamic felt one-sided and oversimplified. This one-dimensional portrayal felt both imbalanced and reductive. There was a real opportunity to subvert expectations and show unity and collaboration between the groups, but instead, the film leaned into division and sacrifice.

The film also leaves a number of questions unanswered: (just a few listed)

1. What happened to Rumi’s aunt?
2. Was the demon world actually sealed successfully?
3. What are the consequences of Rumi being half-demon and half-hunter? (If there are any)
4. Were past bands completely unsuccessful, and is Huntr/X the first to succeed?
5. And if Gwi-Ma is defeated, is he truly gone or could he return?

On the musical side, only three songs stood out as potential singles: “What It Sounds Like,” “Free,” and “Golden.” The rest are decent, but feel more like standard movie soundtrack that’s only enjoyable in the moment, but not something I’d revisit outside the film.

Overall, I did enjoy the movie, but I wasn’t satisfied with the direction it took. The ending, in particular, felt rushed and underdeveloped. This concept would’ve worked much better as a limited series, where the characters and their arcs could be properly explored and given the depth they deserved. As it stands, some moments felt sloppy, inconsistent, and creatively lazy! Especially in the final act. I may be overthinking this movie, but at least it’s a good one time watch.

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My lil overhyped cartoon pop! *boop*

I enjoyed this animation a moderate amount! lol It wasn't bad at all, but I wouldn't say it's as amazing as the online obsession with it suggests. Some have been comparing it to Encanto, and as a person who loved Encanto, I can't see it! lol! Encanto has a soul to it; the plot is very sincere, and by the end, that sincerity is felt through the development of all the characters. Here, however, though sincerity is a part of the story, it's not really felt. Nowhere more so than in how it treats two out of the three main characters. But the most important thing about this animation, in my opinion, is that it's a well-made piece of work made by a production team that isn't Disney, and that's something we desperately need, for variety reasons.
I found the promotion around this film very icky. As well as my overall contempt for kpop, this made me approach the film with ire, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was simply a light-hearted entertaining cartoon which can be enjoyed by children and their families together.

Plot: That said, I found certain elements in the plot a bit underwhelming. For one, the narrator makes it sound like fans are very important to the main force behind the plot, being who helps the artists create the honmoon and all, and pointing out how without them, there's no point and such. This should mean that fans should be respected by the narrative as precious and beloved entities, right? However, throughout the film, fans were only treated as a brainless mass who follow like sheep where they're led, only good to be milked for profits. Fans were the butt of the jokes all the time too. So maybe that's true to how kpop industry sees the fans but it's a bit odd to make it so obvious in your PR film for the industry, lol?!
Secondly, the story is supposedly about a trio, but truthfully, one character has the main arc in the story, and the others are oblivious and rather shallow sidekicks who barely get any development besides a few dramatic lines in a song at the very end. They could have done more with all three?
Lastly, this film tries sooooooo hard to make the idols seem like relatable girls next door....it was trying a bit too hard. They were so media-trained-to-look-like-humans-but-actually-have-no-soul-behind-their-eyes feel to them! lol
Now for the positive part: Rumi's plot was really interesting. (I still think the payoff wasn't satisfying enough.) The demons are fun, and the comedy is actually funny. The whole plot works. I think it operates really well as an average Children's film. It has positive messages, with a fun friendship-centric story and a generally entertaining introduction to Korean music industry ...even if it's not true to life at all! lol It doesn't need to be though, it's fiction.

Acting: The voice actors were great.

The music: It's not really my taste. I don't like kpop and I didn't like these but they weren't so bad as to skip. You can sit through them once.

Production: I think the strongest part of this project is the animation. It was genuinely well done.

Rewatch: Hmmm, I thought about it, but I haven't actually done it yet. I might watch it again once but it's not gonna be something I would rewatch over and over again like Howl's Moving Castle or Spirited Away or like...Lion King!

Overall: Sure, watch it! It's a fun lil film.

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Love O2O condensed

I have watched the series too many time to count, often skipping the plot driving side plot characters. This movie does a great job of capturing that essence in a short time span- Weiwei's smart but worldly naive personality, Xiao Nai's smart but worldly aloof side, their friendships, their budding romance, their stumbles, their love. It gave nods to the things and characters that drove the series without getting bogged down. Does it change the story a bit- Yeah, kinda but not really. If you enjoyed the series, this is worth the watch to remember that happy feeling. If you haven't watched either, I would get on that next!

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When First Love Transcends Time

First love, soulmates, unresolved feelings, grief, loss, coming-of-age—all in one story 😭

I was so lucky to discovered this hidden gem dubbed as Tagalog on YouTube. I've watched the whole thing while working on my computer.

I really loved the location in the early scenes—it reminded me so much of my hometown. That nostalgic vibe just hit different. The movie follows the coming-of-age journey of two best friends who slowly fall for each other. But the catch is… they lived in a time when being gay wasn’t as accepted as it is now. The concept isn’t exactly new, but I don’t know—this one really stuck with me. Maybe because I’m a big fan of Ohm and his acting got me from the start. He’s the kind of actor who always knows how to break my heart—just like he did in Bad Buddy.

What shocked me though is how the second half totally shifts. It’s no longer a BL—it turns into a reincarnation story! I honestly felt a bit robbed, lol. Dew (Ohm) dies and is reincarnated as a girl, and they meet again years later. When I read the plot summary, I really thought they'd reunite as guys. Maybe I should’ve watched the trailer first 😂. Still, no regrets watching it. It’s such a beautiful piece. Prepare yourself though—this one’s a serious emotional roller coaster. Tissues are a must!

Shoutout to the actress who played the girl version of Dew—she really looked like Ohm! Perfect casting. Everyone did great, but Ohm? He’s just on another level. So versatile!

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This Deserves a Red Envelope!

Sometimes, remakes are disappointing or miss the point of the original, but this version is everything that was, while adding a Thai flair to substantiate its own genesis. Therefore, this stands out as truly unique. Essentially a comedy, but do not let that define how this movie should be classified. To be sure, some parts of it are funny, even quite humorous. But it is not all that. If you are also expecting the story to be a BL, you are also going to be somewhat disappointed. It is not. Yet, it is a gay mythos that will, by the end, cause you to laugh, force you to think about death, and possibly make you cry. You might even sob as there are many astonishingly poignant moments in this movie. Parts of you could also make you angry because it shows how easy it is for an unscrupulous character to take advantage and use someone’s gullibilities of decency, love, and trust for personal gain. As the saying goes, however, karma will be proven to be a ….
One of the best adaption of a previous movie from Taiwan that is also exceptional. But this one has a cute Thai flair to it!

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This is not light-hearted, has some comedy but not central, and is not a romance per se

Review

I consider this an 8/10 despite what I consider to be some significant issues with certain aspects and particularly the ending. But the "meat" of the story is very good. Castaway on the Moon* is a poignant and introspective South Korean film that dives deeply into complex themes of mental health, isolation, and human connection. Despite its seemingly quirky premise—a man stranded on an island in the middle of Seoul’s Han River—it’s far from a lighthearted comedy or romance. The story follows two individuals at their lowest points, finding an unexpected bond through their shared struggles. While there are hints of mild romantic feelings, the film avoids explicit romance, focusing instead on mutual understanding and empathy between two people who feel alienated from society.

The film’s strength lies in its unflinching exploration of mental health and social issues, making it a compelling watch for those who appreciate thought-provoking narratives. It’s not a movie for everyone, though. If you’re looking for a funny, uplifting, or romantic story, this isn’t it. The tone is heavy, and the pacing is deliberate, which may not suit viewers seeking lighter fare. Personally, I wouldn’t rewatch it, but I wouldn’t leave the room if someone else put it on—it’s engaging enough to hold your attention, even if it’s not a film you’d revisit.

**Recommendation**: Watch this if you enjoy deep, character-driven stories that tackle mental health and societal pressures. Skip it if you prefer rom-coms or lighthearted entertainment.

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Spoilers
Some viewers have questioned the plausibility of the protagonist, Kim Seong-geun, being unable to escape the island, given its proximity to Seoul. However, real-life cases show that isolation can happen even in populated areas. For example, there have been instances of people trapped in overlooked spaces—like a patient left on an outdoor hospital landing who died because no one heard their calls. This supports the film’s premise that Seong-geun could be stranded so close to civilization. That said, the film suggests he might not have *wanted* to be rescued. At a certain point, his focus shifts from escape to survival, and he finds purpose in sustaining himself on the island. This is evident in his determination to make black bean noodles, a task that symbolizes his need to reclaim agency after feeling like a failure in his job and finances.

The connection between Seong-geun and the female protagonist, Kim Jung-yeon, who observes him from her apartment, is another point of contention. Their bond, built on minimal communication through messages, feels intense but underdeveloped. I find it hard to believe that their brief exchanges could foster such a strong connection. As a psychologist I found the characters to be deeply troubled—Seong-geun with severe depression after attempting suicide, and Jung-yeon with what appears to be agoraphobia, social anxiety, possible hoarding tendencies, and trauma hinted at by facial scarring and her avoidance of her parents. Without significant therapy, it’s likely both would revert to their previous states after the film’s events. Seong-geun’s forced removal from the island leaves little indication he’s equipped to handle his old life, and while Jung-yeon makes progress by venturing outside, her underlying issues remain unaddressed.

The film’s ending is deliberately ambiguous, offering a soft resolution that leaves their futures uncertain. There’s a suggestion of a potential friendship, or perhaps a faint romantic spark, but I don’t buy the latter—they’re too damaged to be in a state receptive to romance nor would they be very good for each other romantically. His "FU" response to her not messaging him back is an example of how volatile both of their emotional states are. As friends, they might support each other’s healing, but both need serious professional help. Seong-geun’s struggles seem rooted in depression, while Jung-yeon’s complex issues, including possible trauma, make her a more intricate case. The film frustratingly never reveals the cause of her condition, which feels like a missed opportunity to flesh out her character.

On a side note, some of Seong-geun’s survival tactics were off-putting. His casual handling of bird droppings and using his own waste as fertilizer—without apparent concern for hygiene—felt gross and unrealistic, as he’d likely contract parasites. Eating unwashed items also triggered my germaphobic side. But, on a practical note, you have to be even more careful in a survival situation with stuff like wound care and sanitation. Granted you can't be perfect but being oblivious and careless could lead to fatal results. These moments detracted from the film’s otherwise grounded portrayal of survival.

Overall, *Castaway on the Moon* raises compelling questions about resilience and connection but leaves you uncertain about the characters’ futures. It’s a thought-provoking film, but its ambiguity and lack of resolution may leave some viewers wanting more closure.

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