Reviews

Tradition, Terror, and the Unseen Forces of Exhuma

Some movies don’t just tell stories—they pull you into an experience, shaking your senses and making you question the veil between the known and the unknown. Exhuma does exactly that, weaving a rich tapestry of horror, mysticism, and history in a way that lingers long after the credits roll. Unlike your typical horror flick, which thrives on predictable jump scares and cheap thrills, Exhuma chooses a more refined approach, delivering terror through atmosphere, silence, and a masterful understanding of unseen horrors. It’s not just a ghost story; it’s a chilling excavation of Korea’s spiritual traditions, its historical scars, and the eerie consequences of disturbing what should have been left untouched.

At its core, Exhuma follows a wealthy family in Los Angeles plagued by supernatural disturbances. Enter Hwa-rim (Kim Go-eun), a powerful young Mudang (shaman), and her apprentice Bong-gil (Lee Do-hyun). Their investigation leads them back to Korea, where they seek the expertise of renowned geomancer Sang-deok (Choi Min-sik) and undertaker Young-Geun (Yu Hae-jin). The cause of the disturbances? A family ancestor buried in a sinister location—one that calls out to the living with a phenomenon known as “Grave Calling.” When they unearth the burial site, they unknowingly unleash something far more malevolent than they ever anticipated.

What sets Exhuma apart is its ability to balance the ancient with the modern, creating a hypnotic dance between Korea’s deep-rooted shamanistic beliefs and the stark rationality of contemporary society. This clash of old and new is most evident in the contrast between the Mudang and the Onmyoji. While both are spiritual practitioners, the Mudang primarily focuses on appeasement and harmony—guiding spirits to peace and offering rituals of reconciliation. Onmyoji, on the other hand, stems from Japan’s esoteric cosmology and leans more toward exorcism, banishment, and, at times, the deliberate use of curses. Understanding this difference adds an extra layer of depth to Exhuma, as the film subtly critiques Korea’s historical subjugation under Japanese rule. It’s not just about spirits and graves—it’s about cultural erasure, the lingering effects of colonization, and reclaiming what was lost.

Visually, Exhuma is a masterclass in horror cinematography. It plays with darkness and reflections in ways that feel disturbingly intimate, leaving the audience constantly on edge. Spirits are never thrown at the screen with dramatic musical stingers; they appear briefly in mirrors, in the corner of a frame, or in the sheen of a polished surface. There’s no build-up to warn you—they simply exist, making their presence feel eerily close. The film’s use of muted tones and sudden bursts of fiery red further accentuates the contrast between tranquility and rage, peace and vengeance. And the sound design? Absolutely stellar. It understands the power of silence, allowing tension to creep in organically, punctuated only by the rhythmic chants and sharp percussions of Mudang rituals.

Kim Go-eun’s performance as Hwa-rim is nothing short of mesmerizing. She completely disappears into her role, embodying the essence of a Mudang with haunting authenticity. Her ritual dances are hypnotic, her presence commanding, and there’s an intensity in her eyes that makes it impossible to look away. There’s even a bit of chilling trivia—after one particularly powerful shamanic ritual scene, the production team reportedly brought in a real-life shaman to counteract any unintended spiritual disturbances. That’s the level of immersion we’re talking about. Lee Do-hyun, playing her apprentice, impresses with his ability to seamlessly shift between his normal self and moments of possession, making his transformation utterly believable. Meanwhile, Choi Min-sik and Yu Hae-jin bring a grounded gravitas to the film, rounding out a phenomenal ensemble cast.

But for all its brilliance, Exhuma isn’t without flaws. Its first half is near-perfect, utilizing psychological terror in a way that keeps you at the edge of your seat, never quite sure if what you’re seeing is real or imagined. The second half, however, takes a slight tonal shift, moving from eerie atmospheric horror to a more conventional “face-the-demon” climax. While this progression makes sense narratively, the transition feels a bit abrupt, and some might find the direct confrontation with evil less effective than the earlier subtle scares. That said, it never derails the film’s impact, only slightly altering its flavor.

Another potential hurdle is the film’s reliance on occult themes deeply rooted in Korean and Japanese culture. For international audiences unfamiliar with the historical and spiritual context, some nuances may be lost. But even without that background knowledge, Exhuma still manages to captivate, which speaks volumes about its execution.

Ultimately, Exhuma is more than just a horror film—it’s a love letter to Korea’s shamanistic heritage, a critique of historical injustices, and a meticulously crafted exploration of fear, both seen and unseen. It doesn’t just aim to scare you; it aims to make you think, to make you feel the weight of generations past pressing against the present. It’s unsettling, awe-inspiring, and, by the end, oddly enlightening. If you have even the slightest interest in the occult, in history, or in horror that goes beyond cheap thrills, Exhuma is an absolute must-watch.

Score: 8.5/10 - Great, Worth Watching 🔥
Strong performances, engaging storytelling, and solid execution. Maybe a few flaws here and there, but overall, a drama that delivers and is worth the time.

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Don't expect much or you'll be disappointed

I get it: 80% of the times, Korean movies always have some kind of comedy-relief in the middle of their plot. Even if it's tagged as an action, mystery and/or crime. And I have nothing against it.

However, omitting any to those humorous moments or characters in the genre, trailer, storyline and/or poster it is seriously misleading., and it's starting to get on my nerves.

Can we (and the industry) start adding «comedy» or a similar tag to this kind of movies and dramas? Because, if you don't, and then see «The Man from Nowhere» as a recommendation, then I am expecting a serious, action filled kind of movie, and this was not it - even though Ma Dong Seok always kicks ass.

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Sadness and brokenness

What should I say? I have a kind of weakness towards films that are based on real events. I will like them anyway. (Please check the historic background of the movie yourself too! You won't understand it otherwise. This movie was the first movie ever made about this event.)
I guess this one I found even more beautiful because I've been to Jioufen/Jiufen before (where the movie is set), and to see how beautiful the place looked like in the past, and how similar, makes me feel sentimental. I recognized some streets and the view of the coastline was exactly the same as I have seen.
This amazing cast also makes the movie great. I especially liked how they incorporated the many different languages that were spoken at the time. In one scene, 3 different languages were spoken and 2 people were translating. Another thing I liked was the cinematography. It's a movie where you don't always know what is exactly happening, you have to wait and find out together with the characters. The length of scenes, the point of view of the camera, the way the camera would stay in place and sometimes a character would go just outside of the frame but still the scene continued, and the use of music, especially having no music in the longer scenes where the deaf male lead was communicating through writing, it all elevates the experience of the movie.
The story itself shows many different emotions, but it does indeed end with sadness and brokenness. And knowing the history, it's not just for the city, the story is bigger and continues even after this movie.

Is this the best movie you will ever see, it depends on what you like but probably not. Is this an impressive masterpiece about important history, with a story that is needed to be told. I think it is.

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A Waste of Potential

From the moment Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants was announced, expectations were sky-high. With an incredible cast and the rich legacy of Jin Yong’s beloved novel, this adaptation had the potential to be a standout wuxia drama. Unfortunately, while the production boasts high-quality visuals and well-executed fight sequences, it ultimately falls short in the most crucial aspect—the storytelling.

The biggest issue lies in the narrative. Instead of delivering an engaging, character-driven epic, the show stumbles with a disjointed plot that lacks emotional depth. Key moments that should have carried weight feel rushed or underdeveloped, making it difficult to truly connect with the characters. Even the romance and brotherhood, usually strong elements in Legends of the Condor Heroes adaptations, feel hollow and underwhelming.

Despite the script’s shortcomings, the cast does its best to breathe life into the story. The lead actors deliver commendable performances, embodying their characters with skill and charisma. However, even the most talented actors can only do so much when the writing fails to give them compelling material to work with.

Visually, the series impresses with stunning cinematography, well-choreographed action sequences, and beautifully designed costumes. The fight scenes are one of the few highlights, showcasing the grace and intensity expected from a wuxia drama. But without a strong emotional core, even the most spectacular battles feel empty.

In the end, Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants is a disappointing adaptation that wastes both its talented cast and its legendary source material. While it may still appeal to viewers looking for eye-catching fight scenes and a nostalgic connection to the original story, those hoping for a truly engaging and memorable wuxia drama will likely be left unsatisfied.

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The Baby Assassins franchise is back with a killer entry

Baby Assassins: Nice Days is closer in quality to the first than the second one, at least for me.

I'm so glad that these exist. They live in their little corner of the universe, giving us peculiar but charming assassin slice of life nonsense alongside neatly choreographed action that has a unique flair to it. You'd be hard-pressed finding anything like it.
_________________________________________

Stunts - 80/100 | And this time, there's even more action. It's definitely the most action-packed of the franchise so far.

Narrative - 68/100 | We're veering into John Wick territory here. I hope the 4th installment will be assassins vs the guild. Pretty please?

Fight Choreography - 93/100 | Yeah, this is the shit. If you wanna know why this type of choreography works read my review of the first installment, or more accurately: my summary of Tao A's review. More of this please! More!

Enjoyment - 82/100 | As long as the quality stays like this I'm gonna watch for sure. The sound editing and uneven mixing remain the only criticism I could give these movies on the technical side.

I love that Japan is carving a place for itself in the "great martial arts movies" category these days. They're picking up the slack left by some other countries. Well, the more the merrier!

Main Fighters: Saori Izawa, Sosuke Ikematsu

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A Charming Rom-Com with a Hint of Reality

Filipino rom-coms have a way of blending humour, heart, and social commentary, and Sosyal Climbers does just that. Directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, the film stars Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings as Jessa and Ray, a couple drowning in debt after falling for a scam. Desperate to turn their luck around, they take on new identities—Penelope and Kiefer—and infiltrate Manila’s elite to swindle their way to success. But as their deception deepens, so do the complications, testing both their morals and their love for each other.

1. A Relatable Tale of Ambition and Survival
At its core, Sosyal Climbers is a story about love, ambition, and the desperate measures people take to escape financial hardship. While the premise isn’t groundbreaking, it’s undeniably relatable. The film subtly captures the struggles of the working class, the temptation of easy wealth, and the emotional toll of deception. It’s a mix of comedy, romance, and social commentary, all wrapped in a lighthearted package.

2. Performances that Shine
Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings once again prove why they’re among the most promising actors of their generation. Their chemistry is natural, their comedic timing is spot on, and their dramatic moments feel genuine. Jennings, in particular, delivers a compelling performance, balancing charm with vulnerability. Racal, on the other hand, brings energy and charisma, making her character both lovable and frustrating in the best way. Their performances elevate the film, making up for moments when the pacing drags.

3. A Fun but Predictable Ride
There’s no denying that Sosyal Climbers follows a familiar formula. The story unfolds in a way that’s easy to anticipate, and some scenes in the middle feel a little slow. But despite its predictability, the film remains enjoyable because of its wit, engaging characters, and well-executed emotional beats. It doesn’t try to reinvent the rom-com genre—it simply delivers a fun, feel-good movie with just enough depth to keep it from being forgettable.

4. Final Verdict
Sosyal Climbers is a solid choice for a laid-back movie night. It’s light, fun, and sprinkled with just enough drama to keep things interesting. If you’re looking for a film that balances romance, humour, and a touch of social realism, this one is worth a watch. While it may not be the most innovative story out there, it’s the performances of Racal and Jennings that truly make it shine.

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"Remember, I did try to be polite"

Secret of Chinese Kung Fu was highly “influenced” by Bruce Lee’s The Big Boss. The only problem with that was The Big Boss was a terrible story saved only by the best kung fu fighter to ever grace the silver screen. I watched this film because I’m a fan of Lo Lieh, but he was asking a lot of me to sit through this one. Definitely not the worst I’ve ever seen but completely forgettable.

Sisters Wai Wai and Yee Yee save Chang Chi who is unconscious on a piece of driftwood near the shore. They nurse him back to health and even find him a job at the local cannery. Kang Ho returns to town now wealthy and a nefarious criminal. He has his sights set on Yee Yee who has her sights set on her houseguest who frequently practices his kung fu shirtless at home. Kang is determined to own the cannery and recruits fighters from Thailand and Japan. A mysterious stranger shows up in town and helps Kang’s henchmen earning him a job with the suave gangster. It will be up to Chang Chi to protect the sisters and workers from Kang and his thugs.

Szema Lung played the hero. He was pretty to look at and had more than adequate martial arts skills, but he was deadly dull in this role. Lung Fei, without his trademark mustache, made an appearance as a karate expert from Japan. Blacky Ko and Jack Long filled in for the Thai fighters. Lo Lieh was, of course, the Big Bad. Even after leaving Shaw Brothers and going to make movies in Taiwan he was still stuck as the baddie. As always, he could be counted on to give an interesting performance.

The fights were average for a kung fu flick. Lung Fei choreographed fights that may have been repetitive, but were reasonably fast for 1977. The “Thai” fighters showed off high kicks instead of the more often used elbows and knees in Muay Thai. Unless it was to represent that Kang was an international drug smuggler, I have no idea why they tried to pass off Japanese and Thai fighters.

Secret of Chinese Kung Fu wasn’t terrible for a 1970’s low budget kung fu movie, but it wasn’t good either. Only for fans of the genre.

7 March 2025
Warning---The only copy I could find was dubbed in English and cropped on the sides

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Not worth the time

I've not seen the priests. I purely watched this after seeing the trailer & amazing cast list but unfortunately, this did not reach my expectations.

I'm a huge fan of horror but this wasn't scary! - the bg music, effects & overall plot were just average & mostly predictable. there was nothing particularly special. the only reason i finished watching was because MWJ did a terrific job during his exorcism scenes, that kid has talent. he's in every drama for a reason.

overall i don't recommend. if you're looking for a worthwhile asian supernatural then go for the guest. that drama was 10/10

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Bland with a nice wrap-up

Well, I am just hitting it off with all worst Japanese cinematic choices. To be honest, this one probably was not as bad as all the other ones I watched... but the trope is still as clear as water: we have an obsessed second lead and untouchable first lead. Reasons for both do not become clearer as the movie progresses.

Why was Imagase so obsessed with Kyoichi? Well, he said -for no reason. Why was Kyoichi impacted by Imagase? Well we don't know that either. Is it pity is it love is it transformation.

Then we have intense and steamy scenes, imo, do not serve the plot efficiently. Too empty to mean anything. Then the ending was somewhat hopeful and shows change in characters but it leaves you wanting more. Because why would he change so drastically? It makes no sense in the context of plot.

I am surprised my output was so high but I can say that I was entertained and enjoyed the watch.

You will not miss much if you skip it. Will not be impressed if you watch it. But it is likely to be a decent watch if you opt for it.

Thank you for reading.

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Plot Lacked but Action Packed

First of all, I watched this movie for Ikuta Toma. The last thing I watched him in was a movie made in 2017... he has definitely changed since then!

I don't usually watch movies like this but I'm glad this was the exception. A movie about an ex-hitman getting revenge on the death of his wife and child actually sounded interesting to me! When I watched it, however, the plot was a bit lost. It was more action (which I'll certainly discuss later) than the actual story and there were some moments where I really didnt know what was going on or why certain things were happening. Also, the ending was a little mediocre compared to the thrill of everything before it. Nonetheless, I tried to turn my brain off though and just enjoy what was going on.

The casting is amazing! Toma Ikuta especially, I was amazed by his acting skills and action scenes. I didn't realise that he was so talented with fighting scenes! If I see more movies like that with him in it, I might watch them. Anyway, his acting was very believable. His character goes through a lot in the movie and I really felt that he was in pain. His emotions and movements were very realistic. I felt like he'd been shot, beaten up and thrown out of a window in real life!

The background music was great too. It was subtle and I didn't realise it was playing half the time as it fit very well with the scenes. I liked the edgy guitar that played every so often.

I'm sure this is a movie I will watch again. Even though the surprise and plot twists will be expected the 2nd time around, the action will always shock me. Truly, this is what made the movie for me (well, it is what the movie focused on the most). There is quite a bit of violence so I understand the 18+ rating but in my opinion, it wasn't extremely gruesome and gorey - just a lot of shooting and slashing. Many of the action scenes surprised me, I had to rewind some a few times because they were just so epic (they're better than what I've seen from some well known action movies).

For this movie, I could ramble on about the fighting all day long. It was truly amazing! Well done to all the choreographers and staff as well as the actors and extras involved.

Just turn your brain off for this movie, sit back and enjoy the action because you'll love it!

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A Movie Carried Solely by Its Leading Lady

Trade Your Love is a film that feels like it cast two actors from completely different worlds—one highly talented (FL) and the other (ML) seemingly lost in the basics of acting. The disparity in their performances is so jarring that it’s hard to stay immersed in the story.

The film itself suffers from weak storytelling, as if the director lacked a clear vision. The pacing meanders, and by the time the movie reaches its conclusion, it’s hard to feel any emotional impact. The ML’s character is written as an absolute fool, making it nearly impossible to sympathize with him. In fact, if he had died at the end, it wouldn’t have made much of a difference—no one would have cared.

The only saving grace of Trade Your Love is the FL, who carries the entire film on her shoulders. Without her, there would be nothing worth watching. Unfortunately, even her strong performance isn’t enough to salvage the movie from its weak execution and lackluster direction. The ending, much like the rest of the film, is disappointing and unsatisfying.

Overall, Trade Your Love fails to leave a lasting impression—except for the frustration of watching an underwhelming male lead drag down an already uninspired script.

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WOULD BE BETTER, IF IT IS A SHORT FILM.

Usually, I write a Review only if my rating is 8 or above (rarely for a 6 or 7), describing how good the drama is n what I like about it but for the first time, wrote one for a 5.5.
I wanted to share what I don't like about this n for what I struggled to watch in this, haha

****
A Story of an Obsessive n Aggressive Teen Lover!
Plot is Good
But everything else is not interesting!

It's not the Usual Horror, it's more like a psychological horror, meaning Human thoughts (individual's or of the society affecting an individual) are the Ghosts here!

To be honest, the FIRST ONE HOUR of the movie is a complete waste of time, it didn't add much to the story (except few necessary scenes), most of it are just unnecessary content fillers.

Also, The NONLINEAR NARRATION added MORE CONFUSION to it and made me think what is happening n what the hell did the director actually want to tell.
(Non chronological narration works when there is no much unnecessary content filler , it doesn't work always)

The LAST 40 mins is the ACTUAL STORY and makes everything clear of what the director wanted to convey, haha
(God! Since I started watching, couldn't drop it :/
It would be much appreciated, if this could have been made into a short film)

It's about coming-of-age, teen taboo relationship in an all girls high school, unacceptable by the society (classmates n teachers) n the teen couple's struggles.

One is an obsessive lover n aggressive in nature. The other is not ready to open up bcz of her own fears.

(I didn't expect a love story of this genre, for movies in 1990s, really a bold step by the director n actresses )

How one of them suffered, bullied by her classmates about her sxl orientation, the other scared to open up in public and finally the first one, feeling rejected or misunderstood the other one's fear as rejection, took her life and took revenge on the society (school), which didn't accept their relationship, by creating a lot of Chaos.

This chaos in the climax, is where the horror element is shown.
Here it's just a chaos, sort of attention seeking from the ghost n so there are no murders by the vengeful ghost, like the usual Ghost stories.

****
What I didn't understand clearly is the necessity of male teacher - student (one of the FL) relationship track.
That didn't add any love triangle or that didn't create any disturbance between the teen couple or that rumour about that teacher n the gal didn't lead to her "ending".
But the actual disturbance between the teen couple is created by the societal alienation, their fears to face that pressure, avoiding each other and so the misunderstandings.
So whether that male teacher n FL track is included or no in the plot, her "ending" is inevitable bcz of that "misunderstood APATHY" from her girlfriend.
And so that "ending" for that teacher is also not necessary .

Anyways, sad love stories of the gals n the male teacher.

Even the gal's character, who is reading the teen couple's diary, maybe the director wanted to show that there is One person, One classmate supporting them - Good
But her DEEP INTEREST in the teen couple's relationship is unclear n UNNECESSARY - Why is she suffering, almost like the alive FL, when she is not even their close friend.
Sympathy n worrying for losing a classmate at an unexpected moment, that shock is reasonable but her horror experiences, those physical sufferings
really necessary!?
Anyways, maybe highlighted her character to add some Horror Activity (which is almost NIL in the movie, haha) n also to show that whoever reads their secret diary, has to suffer!

That teacher's track is more interesting than this diary reading gal, haha 😂
Maybe for more HORROR, they should have elaborated that teacher's track for a love triangle trope or to show some horror activity.

****
My Rating is only 5.5 / 10 .
Low rating exclusively only bcz of the unnecessary one hour in the beginning of the movie.
(Would be 5 / 10 but for the sad love stories, added 0.5, haha)

The story has a good potential even for a horror genre but wasted .

(I watched this just to finish this Horror Franchise, else would have skipped)

****
Check out my Reviews for other movies in this Franchise :)

Till now, in this franchise, Liked movies in the order:
1 > 2

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Trippy, fascinating and could I dare say... lazy?

I was hooked from the first moment. The story left enough mystery to keep me going. Unfortunately, this mystery, that drove the intrigue at the beginning, ended up being their cover for the lack of plot.

At the beginning you felt everything developing naturally. Only the remnant glances were the clue that something more was happening.

But was it?

This movie was momentarily intense and punchy. You cannot take a breath, so you do not miss something. And then it dissipated. Strong climax was countered with bland descent. In the last quarter of the movie you constantly have a feeling of being rushed and missing important plot as if it happened behind the scenes.

I have questions -- what was the content of the play they were acting? I want to know in more detail because I want to discern what was the acting and what was reality. They purposely took that away, in a most obvious and sloppy manner -- chop the play so you get the viewer thinking. I know the creators were aiming at confusing the viewer, to make them doubt every scene. It did seem as they took a shortcut, and made the doubt obvious. Again, sloppy if you ask me, but perhaps a strategy on their part.

I have a lot of critiques for such high output. Yes, because I feel strongly about performances. Park Sung Woong as Jae Ha was phenomenal. I encountered him before but always as a supporting character, and his performance here as a lead showed that he is a veteran action, how in the play, so in real life. He was convincing in each of the scenes as a professional should be. Even though I assume playing this role and this character in Korean society in 2017 (even now) was a challenging undertaking.

Oh Seung Hoon as Young Woo unfortunately he did not shine brightly until the last quarter of the movie, where he was absolutely, insanely captivating. His character was fascinating in the way he subtly manipulated the couple. Innocent but cunning. I could see other more senior actors killing this role, but then Young Woo was decent and brilliant in some scenes.

An absolute recommend! No critique can make this compulsion of wanting to rewatch stop. I just want to check and check whether I missed something and find the answer to this damn question:

Was it method acting or not?

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very chaotic!!

THIS MOVIE IS REALLY FUNNY. not even a one scene is cringe or not funny. my comfort drama frfr.

haneul and somin's chemistry is really strong. no signs of awkwardness or not being close.

Their dynamic is so entertaining, whether they’re bickering, working together, or rediscovering their love. You can really feel their connection, making the romantic moments even more special.

The story itself is refreshing. The amnesia plotline is used in such a fun way, keeping things unpredictable and engaging. The humor is top-notch, and even the supporting characters add so much charm. There’s a great balance between laugh-out-loud moments and heartfelt scenes that make you root for the characters.

I seriously wish more Korean movies were like this! It’s the perfect mix of fun, chaos, and romance. If you need a feel-good movie that keeps you entertained from start to finish, this one is a must-watch.

This movie is really comedy-romance, not romance-comedy. BCS IT IS THAT FUNNY. wish there's more korean movies like this Read More