5
37
Heracin
A "no-brain-required" movie that succeed where the drama "Island" failed
Watching this film, I couldn't help myself to think of the drama "Island" which approaches the same topic: exorcists fighting evil forces. It is so much better in this relatively short movie versus "Island" that it bumped up my enjoyment and I couldn't help to wish for it to be a series. To be fair, the movie does not revolutionize the genre but it makes for sure an overall entertaining watch.
In terms of scenario and storytelling, nothing really new there: we are for sure in charted territory regarding supernatural plot. But given the short duration of the movie, I thought they did a good job introducing the characters, the powers and the stakes. I particularly enjoyed the past story and would have loved to have more of it to explore further the background of the hero.
I really liked the ensemble cast. Given the script any acting flaws would have made the film quite cringy. It was fortunately not the case here as there were no weak link. Our hero played by Kang Dong Won is really the highlight of the film. I really want to dig more into his filmography.
I found the visual effects as well as the fight scenes rather good. Nothing really innovative in the techniques used but easy to comprehend for the viewer. You immediately understand how evil vs good works. The OST was enjoyable, making the badass moments even more badass in an almost second degree way (or at least that's how I perceived it).
I would recommend this to people looking for an entertaining fantasy movie. The horror level is quite limited, there are some scare frights but overall nothing too gruesome. If you enjoyed series like the western show "Supernatural" or even "Island" South Korean drama (which was a real disappointment to me), you might really enjoy this. In my opinion, it is what should have been "Island": entertaining, not taking itself too seriously despite featuring quite dark spirits and power in the story... It is more a "B" movie, you will not left it with a super deep impression (especially if you have already seen / read a few pieces in that genre) but it is an overall good watch.
In terms of scenario and storytelling, nothing really new there: we are for sure in charted territory regarding supernatural plot. But given the short duration of the movie, I thought they did a good job introducing the characters, the powers and the stakes. I particularly enjoyed the past story and would have loved to have more of it to explore further the background of the hero.
I really liked the ensemble cast. Given the script any acting flaws would have made the film quite cringy. It was fortunately not the case here as there were no weak link. Our hero played by Kang Dong Won is really the highlight of the film. I really want to dig more into his filmography.
I found the visual effects as well as the fight scenes rather good. Nothing really innovative in the techniques used but easy to comprehend for the viewer. You immediately understand how evil vs good works. The OST was enjoyable, making the badass moments even more badass in an almost second degree way (or at least that's how I perceived it).
I would recommend this to people looking for an entertaining fantasy movie. The horror level is quite limited, there are some scare frights but overall nothing too gruesome. If you enjoyed series like the western show "Supernatural" or even "Island" South Korean drama (which was a real disappointment to me), you might really enjoy this. In my opinion, it is what should have been "Island": entertaining, not taking itself too seriously despite featuring quite dark spirits and power in the story... It is more a "B" movie, you will not left it with a super deep impression (especially if you have already seen / read a few pieces in that genre) but it is an overall good watch.
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