Based on Lee Woo-hyuk's popular on-line novel of the same name, which has become a nationwide phenomenon since first appearing in 1993, The Soul Guardiansbecame a smash hit as soon as it hit cinemas. Directed by New York University- trained K.C. Park, the film benefited from the successes of "horror" films such as Whispering Corridorsand The Quiet Family, but packaged itself as fully-fledged entertainment.
This Korean blockbuster combines action, horror and melodrama to articulate the fight between good and evil. Hyeon-am, Father Park (played by veteran matinee idol Ahn Sung-ki) and Jun-hu - a group of full-time ghostbusters who call themselves "soul guardians" - join forces to solve a series of murders which they believe are related to a satanic cult. Born amidst the mass suicide of a cult 20 years ago, Seung-heui, now a
mechanic, becomes the target of the devil, who wants to use her womb to spawn the seed of evil. The Soul Guardians begin a deadly crusade to protect Seung-heui and prevent evil from entering the world.
The storyline is a bit contrived and some situations lack plausibility, yet the film packs in enough spectacle (chase scenes, special effects, computer graphics) to hold the audience's attention. Adark tale of the occult, but 96 mins of fun for those who don't mind some gore and blood.
Hanna Lee