Highest-Rated Korean Movie Ever Is Parasite, but This #2 Horror Masterpiece Is Even Better
This is a movie that is sure to become one of the classics of the horror genre.
Parasite changed the cinematic landscape by becoming the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Masterful direction, an original plot, and great acting make Parasite a must on any list of the best films of the 21st century.
Parasite received the highest combined scores from critics and audiences – 99% and 95% respectively on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Wailing Is One of the Most Acclaimed Korean Movies
But today we are going to talk about another Korean movie that comes in second place with 99% and 81% from critics and audiences respectively – The Wailing.
Korean director Na Hong-jin has only made three full-length films, but all of them have been shown at prestigious film festivals and have been remembered by viewers. The thrillers The Chaser and The Yellow Sea were followed by the mystical horror The Wailing.
What Is The Wailing About?
In the remote village of Gokseong, surrounded by impenetrable forests, people begin to break out in sores, attack their neighbors and loved ones, and then die in terrible agony.
According to the locals, either a mysterious visiting Japanese hermit or poisonous mushrooms are to blame. Policeman Jong-goo turns a blind eye until his own daughter is covered in sores.
The Wailing Is a Terrifying Mix of Genres With a Lynchian Vibe
The viscous The Wailing – the running time is 2 hours and 36 minutes – which, however, can hardly be called a slow burner, is at the same time the touching story of a father trying to save his daughter with all his might, an intriguing detective story, a bloody horror with a touch of national folklore, and even a bit of comedy.
At the same time, The Wailing is one of the scariest horror films ever released in Korea, steeped in Lynchian mysticism.
For two and a half hours, strange rituals take place in the forest, demonic people with red eyes choke on blood, and the police do not know what to do.
Na Hong-jin's Movie Will Keep You Guessing Until the Very Last Minute
Na Hong-jin confidently keeps the audience in suspense, forcing them to guess what is really going on in Gokseong. Is the village cursed? Is it another epidemic that turns people into zombies? Maybe demons are taking over the souls of the villagers?
Of course, there is also a suspicious stranger and an odd woman without a name. The ending is mysterious and open to interpretation – and this is one of the undoubted advantages of The Wailing, forcing you to watch it at least one more time.
Where to Watch The Wailing?
The Wailing is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.