Vampire films have been around since the days of silent
pictures yet every now and then a filmmaker will come up with a new and twisted
version that stands out as gloriously original. Such is the case of
writer/director Chan-wook Park and his dark, dramatic, humor laced
horror flick, Bakjwi (Thirst). A film so beautifully shot that if not for its
subject matter you could almost consider it a stylish love story for romantics
everywhere. But this one is certainly not for the squeamish or faint of heart.
Edward and Bella would wet themselves if faced with the likes of these two blood
thirsty lovers.
Sang-hyeon (Kang-ho Song) is a priest who is sincere in
his faith and will go to extremes to save the lost and dying. When he undergoes
an experimental medical procedure it unleashes an insatiable taste for blood and
awakens dark desires that he can't control. His consuming lust for a young
married girl, Tae-joo, (Ok-vin Kim) creates an inner turmoil that rocks the
foundation of his faith and future.
Sang-hyeon's trespass into sin does not come lightly and
you feel his reluctance with each decision. His love for Tae-joo is sincere and
if not for the fact that he is now part of the living dead you think he might
have a shot at redemption. He makes some very strong arguments considering his
situation. It was in fact not his doing that made him what he is so should he be
loved any less? As he says, do you look upon the man with cancer as if he is
somehow to blame?
Thirst is a Korean film with English subtitles. This
fact alone will cause many, even those with the stomach to view it, to wave it
away. Granted you have to catch the rhythm of any foreign film but Thirst never
bogs down with wordy dialogue and the wit and humor survive the translation. The
filming alone is enough to carry you through. Park moves his characters in an
erotic, seductive dance and you soon find yourself lost in the world he has
created.
This love story, as twisted as it is, is also full of wit and
tongue in cheek humor. The camera angles and use of body motion has that classic
Asian feel. The dialogue is quick and sharp. I laughed a lot in this movie and
they are well crafted and deserving laughs. Park is unique in his ability to
bring humor into a narrative such as this. And he does so without selling out
the story or the moment.
Bakjwi (Thirst) is rated R for graphic bloody
violence, disturbing images, strong sexual content, nudity and language. This is
a lustful, seductive vampire flick at its core and I would suggest eating light
before viewing. Even if you close your eyes you can not escape the sounds that
echo and reverberate through the auditorium. The sucking noises, both carnally
and carnivorously, are an element all their own. The sex scenes though
beautifully shot and framed are powerfully graphic and seductive. This is not
one for mixed family company. I will say that if you and your date are up for a
little romantic horror you may find this a good outing. But you have to be
comfortable with the extreme of both. So really think about what you are going
in to. No question that parents should steer their older teens away from this
one.
I give it 4 out of 5 Mahjong tiles. Wonderfully shot and well written. Not
a film for everyone but those with a flair for beautifully made horror and a
blood lust for love. So says Matt
Mungle
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