As I stepped into the dimly lit cinema hall, little did I know that I was about to embark on a spine-tingling journey into the realm of supernatural mystery and horror. "Exhuma - The Unearthed Game", directed by Jang Jae-hyun, unfolded before my eyes, leaving me exhilarated, unnerved and with a learned lesson to never watch a film without watching its trailer or at least read a synopsis.
Image credit: Exhuma Official Poster
The cast, led by veteran Choi Min-sik with support of household names Kim Go-eun, Yoo Hae-jin and Lee Do-hyun, brought their characters to life with haunting authenticity and flair. The plot revolves around a renowned shaman and her protégé, who are summoned to investigate a sinister supernatural illness plaguing a wealthy family's newborn son. What ensues is a chilling descent into the darkest depths of ancestral curses and buried family secrets.
From the very first chapter, ‘The five elements of Ying and Yang’, the film sets a foreboding tone, delving into ancient wisdom that keeps all the elements balanced. As the narrative unfolds, we are drawn deeper into the mystery surrounding a nameless grave, where the sinister implications of disturbing sacred ground become all too real.
The atmosphere of dread is palpable as the characters confront the malign forces lurking within the grave, each revelation sending shivers down my spine. From the eerie sound design to the ominous cinematography, every element of the film contributes to its immersive and unsettling ambiance.
Image credit: Exhuma
Image credit: Exhuma
As the layers of the story are peeled back, we are confronted with themes of betrayal, divine retribution and the embodiment of fear itself. The symbolism woven through each scene, from the iron stake to the haunting presence of a Japanese soldier mask, added layers of depth to the narrative, leaving me pondering well long after the credits rolled.
I must admit, I initially anticipated a lighter tone to a shamanic tale, but "Exhuma - The Unearthed Game" exceeded my expectations in every way. Despite the intensity of the experience, which led me to share my friend’s bed days after watching it, I found myself thoroughly captivated from start to finish, unable to tear my eyes away from the screen. The characterisation (particularly the clothing and tattoos that aided the shamanic rituals!) did a stellar job at making viewers mesmerised by the characters… so much that I’m still absolutely shocked by Lee Do-hyun’s transformation into Bong Gil.
Image credit: Exhuma
In the end, as I emerged from the darkness of the cinema, I couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration mingled with trepidation. "Exhuma - The Unearthed Game" is a film that lingers in one’s mind, inviting audiences to confront their deepest fears and explore the shadows of the unknown… and while I may have skipped the popcorn this time, I left the cinema with a newfound appreciation for the power of storytelling to both thrill and unsettle.
Overall, I highly recommend this movie to those who enjoy the horror or historical fiction genre or even if you’re simply interested in Korean cinema in general. Those who want to learn more about Korea’s shamanic rituals and traditions would also benefit greatly from watching the film. The blend of strong characterisation, acting, writing and directing made it all very close to reality and helped create an even more compelling and suspenseful story.
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