Review: ThirstWednesday, August 26th, 2009
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Asian film, Horror, Movies, Park Chan-wook, Reviews, Thirst
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“Thirst” is more of a love story (however wrong or messed-up) than a vampire-horror film. It is about a priest who becomes a vampire through an infusion of blood used to try to save his life from a medical experiment attempting to cure a fatal disease. He is a pious man, but this new condition of his opens his life to the pleasures of sin. He needs blood and does not kill, but he falls in love with the wife of a childhood friend and the seduction begins.
It’s almost hard to write a non-spoiling review because I am so tempted to reveal how very interesting the story is. The twists and turns that release the storyline is a remarkable journey in story-telling.
This film turns the traditional allure and romance of a vampire story on its head. Vampirism here is used as a vehicle to reveal the true nature of a person rather than a cheap reason for gore. There is no excessive blood-letting in this movie (there’s just the right amount). Instead it is a very realistic version of what vampirism could be like. I’ll expose a little spoiler here: no fangs!
“Thirst” carries an intriguing mix of humor and horror that will leave you disturbed and laughing all at the same time. It is not a “Shawn of the Dead” or “Cursed” kind of funny- it’s more funny-disturbing than funny-ha-ha. At times, the film is even tender and cute, balancing out other parts that make you cringe!
Director, thirst-movie-poster2Park Chan-Wook sets up an air of suspense/ tension within the context with all the supporting characters. The story is revealing of the characters without needing overt special effects to wow you. I am also particularly impressed by the unexpected camera work that keeps you guessing of where we’re going and what we are going to see next. Coming from Park Chan-Wook, director of “Old Boy”, the level of violence, sex, and horror is just right for the story he’s telling. It’s not showy, but bordering on curious, while being survivalist.
Kang-ho Song who plays Priest Sang-hyeon and Ok-vin Kim who plays Tae-joo, his love interest, deliver superb performances that propel the film’s storyline.
Park Chan-Wook’s “Thirst” is the best vampire movie that I have seen in recent memory. I am simply delighted with this film!
“Thirst” is out in theaters in limited release.
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Visit the official Thirst website here.
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