User reviews

Shamanistic rituals, curses, folklore, history, feng shui, omens, grave digging, ghosts, demonic beings and a built in sequel to the original story. This film has it all.

The initial plot of this film revolves around a group of spiritualists trying to save a baby from a curse that is plaguing the first born sons of a prosperous bloodline. This could be a stand alone storyline but just when you think the story has come full circle, we are introduced to a follow-up storyline that delves deeper into causation. It is quite a ride.

The film was a bit muddled for me as a lay person simply because I lack knowledge regarding some of it's Korean cultural and spiritualistic aspects. I would've liked things to have been slowed down a bit and better explained but the film is already a bit long. I would've liked it to been two movies so that would've been ample time to dive deeper and provide better insight for me.

That being said, the atmosphere is well constructed, dark and really compliments the story. It felt really foreboding at times. The actors were all well seasoned and the effects were immersive and captivating.

I really enjoyed it so if you like Asian horror, you should definitely check it out.

Disturbing, eerie, and tense, the first half of Exhuma is an explosive mixture of south korean folklore and mythicism. It effectively evokes the universal dread and mystery regarding the afterlife, and what we, people still living and walking on this earth, can and should do with regards to that. The spiritual and supernatural bridge dangling between the two worlds. It works excellently as a paranormal occult horror film. Great atmosphere, never looses the steam, with fairly memorable moments.

But then it reaches the mid point of the film, something happens that made me not exactly sure about how I feel about this film as whole. To be clear: I still did like it a lot and it is nonetheless a strong film, but the aforementioned uneasiness and tension quickly goes away, and never quite reaches the same high as the previous half. It is a reveal/decision that I do appreciate: it is ambitious, creative, and is a big swing that we do not often see in a south Korean film. Also helps that practical effects accompanying it are simply amazing. However, the tonal shift/jarring nature of it kinda turned me off. I do recommend going into the film completely blind!

Kinda torn between 3.5 and 4 stars. It the film carried the strengths of the first two acts to the third act, and kept the film more consistent, it easily would've been4 stars and maybe 4.5. Again, still a great film and I highly recommend this to anyone interested in horror films with uniquely korean/asian DNA embedded to it.

Exhuma (2024 : Movie Review:

Korean cinema is definitely redefining the horror genre for modern cinema lovers. Jang Jae-hyun's Exhuma is another fine example of it. The film has turned out to be a huge hit at the box office, and I don't wonder. Such new and intense attempts at story-telling deserve audiences' support. I am glad that Korean audiences and critics gave Exhuma what it deserved. Na Hong-jin's "The Wailing" received universal acclaim, and it remains the best horror flick in recent times, not just in Korean cinema but all over the world. Exhuma isn't that good, but certainly close to it, and believe me, it's an achievement in itself in today's time.

Renowned Korean shaman Hwa-rim (Kim Go-eun) and her protégé, Bong-gil (Lee Do-hyun), are called by a wealthy Korean American family to identify the mysterious illness of the family's newborn son, who is struggling in the hospital. Hwa-rim uncovers the curse to be a 'Grave's Call', a vengeful ancestor's spirit haunting them. The family's patriarch, Park Ji-Yong, entrusts them to relocate the grave to appease the ancestor, his grandfather. Hwa-rim enlists colleagues, a Feng shui master, Kim Sang-deok (Choi Min-sik), and a mortician, Yeong-geun (Yoo Hae-jin). The coffin is opened by mistake, and the soul is freed from it to take the lives of other family members. After burning that coffin, the team finds an even more vicious soul, which was buried at the same place and is guarding the place. It's neither human nor animal, and it can't be eliminated. Will the team be able to get a hold of this new Japanese soul/monster who is fighting a war for the land?

Exhuma is a little long if we have to consider the overall grip of the narrative. I would have liked it to be 120 minutes instead of 130 minutes. Those 10 minutes felt over. Rest, no complaints about the screenplay. It's chilling, terrifying, and damn intriguing. You don't get to see those ghostly faces again and again; you see them only two or three times, but they do scare the hell outta you. That's one reason to love Korean cinema. They don't overdo supernatural stuff and keep it to a minimum so that we value them more. Seeing the same monster again and again reduces the fear factor. Exhuma has enough surprises, such as folk horror, family curses, land issues, haunting supernatural stuff, etc. The dialogues could have been better, I guess. The whole idea of the monster, the killing, and revenge could have been more brutal verbally. They missed that chance. Rest, it's a superb narrative in a new-age horror zone.

I am not very familiar with the Korean actors and their previous works, so I'll only speak about this film in particular. Choi Min-sik, Kim Go-eun, Yoo Hae-jin, and Lee Do-hyun looked fantastic in their roles. Kim Sun-young, Kim Jae-cheol, and Kim Ji-an did pretty well in the supporting roles. In horror movies, the most important part is those frightening expressions, which were captured by these people in the film. There are no various shades, but one zone-horror. That's too difficult sometimes and too easy sometimes for some people. Exhuma's did everything they could with their characters, even though it takes time to get to the pickup point.

Horror movies are very much dependent on the sound design that helps build up the atmosphere and devilish scare around you. Exhuma has been blessed with a perfect score and sound design for the horror genre. That continuous background score in the last 15 minutes gets on your nerves, and there are some moments that get too loud to shake you from inside. The film has been blessed by another powerful aspect, and that's its terrific cinematography. Those cut-to scenes, blackouts, and shaking frames tell you what the real horror motion picture means. Just don't blink in those intense and terrifying moments. The locations of the mountains, old mansion, grave, and gorge are beautiful. Jang Jae-hyun has done a commendable job as a director. He has a solid grip on the whole narrative, and he doesn't really let you go out of that shaman and burial world. A few flawed and slow moments could have been avoided, but they don't hurt much to the overall viewing experience. As a whole, Exhuma is a chilling and phenomenal horror flick in new-age filmmaking that borrows old formulas only to redevelop them for modern audiences. If you are looking for a real horror thriller, then this one's the latest version of it.

RATING - 6/10*

"Exhuma" emerges as a bold tapestry of horror, weaving together an array of tropes that challenge the boundaries of the genre. Its narrative is a complex interplay of classic horror elements, grave digging, psychological twists, demon hunting, and unexpected comedy, creating a cinematic experience that is as unsettling as it is innovative. The overlay of the history of the Japanese occupation adds a layer of moral complexity. While some cultural symbolism may be lost on international audiences, the film's deliberate pacing cultivates a tension that transcends cultural barriers, culminating in a climax that is both disorienting and impactful. "Exhuma" may not prioritize narrative clarity, but it compensates with a visceral journey through the macabre, leaving viewers with a lingering sense of unease and contemplation long after the credits roll. The film's commitment to a slow-burn approach rewards patient viewers with a thought-provoking exploration of horror that refuses to be confined by conventional expectations.

"Kim" (Choi Min-sik) is what they call a geomancer. He advises people on the best places for them to bury their loved ones. It's all about feng shui. Woebetide anyone who gets it wrong for a disgruntled ancestor can come back and visit retribution on anyone who mucks that process up - just ask the grandchild who though he would retain grandma's false teeth as as souvenir! Anyway, the wealthy "Park" (Kim Jae-cheol) and his family appear to have a secret that he and the more spiritual pairing of "Hwarim" (Kim Go-eun) and "Bong Gil" (Lee Do-hyun) might be able to help with. Even as far away as in the United States, his family are being tormented by a spirit. They are all led to a remote grave atop a hill that is marked simply by a plain gravestone with no name, just some seemingly random numbers. The buried man was of some importance so the fact that his grave was not ideally placed (only 65/100 on the best plot to have scale) arouses suspicion. They proceed to exhume the uniquely carved juniper coffin and decide to cremate it, but it's considered unlucky to do this in wet weather so leaving it respectfully dressed, plan to complete the process in the morning. This is their first mistake for overnight it falls prey to an inquisitive member of their team who releases an even more menacing entity bent on revenge on all those who left him at 65%! That is just the start of their woes, though. Returning to the grave for a ritual, they discover an even larger, chain-wrapped, box buried vertically - and one with no name, neither! It's now we head straight into "Mummy" mode and the adventure really does pick up. Can they identify this leviathan of menace and terror and thwart it's centuries-old battle plan? I did quite enjoy this. It taps into a fascinating mix of mysticism and legend whilst adding a dose of modern day cynical exploitation (they get paid over $500,000 for their relocation "fee") and as the story moves along you wouldn't want to be a chicken - or a pig, either! The largely dark and wet scenarios work well with the sparing usual of visual effects and a strong ensemble performance that keeps the story of dreams and nightmares moving along well for 2¼ hours of well made and at times quite scary ancient horror.

"Exhuma" is a horror gem that demands your attention, despite its seemingly long runtime. Trust me; the payoff is worth every minute.

The movie cleverly unfolds in distinct chapters, each packing its own mini-climax. This approach, rather than overwhelming us with a convoluted plot, allows for a detailed and engaging exploration of "smaller" stories. I found myself invested in every chapter, thanks to the intriguing mysteries woven into each one. The storytelling is top-notch, blending visual and narrative clues seamlessly, ensuring that even the casual viewer can follow along.

What sets "Exhuma" apart for me is its refreshing take on horror. Instead of relying on cheap jumpscares, the film opts for atmospheric horror that keeps you on edge while pulling you deeper into the story. It's a balance of terror and curiosity that's executed brilliantly.

Now, to be fair, there are moments where the narrative feels a tad disjointed, making it a bit challenging to follow. Yet, the film's redeeming quality lies in its refusal to bombard you with ghosts every second. It takes its time, allowing the story to breathe and unfold naturally.

In the end, "Exhuma" isn't just another horror flick; it's a journey that respects your time and delivers a story worth experiencing. So, ignore the runtime concerns, and let this movie grip you with its unique blend of chills and storytelling finesse.

Exhuma is a South Korean horror film that has garnered critical acclaim for its suspenseful atmosphere and exploration of Korean folklore. The narrative delves into themes of family history and hidden truths, uncovering a chilling mystery. As the characters investigate deeper, they encounter a series of unexplained events that blur the lines between reality and the supernatural. Exhuma has been lauded for its unique blend of Korean folklore with classic horror tropes. This fresh approach is said to create a suspenseful and unsettling cinematic experience. Critics have also commended the film's slow-burn pacing, which keeps viewers engaged as the mystery gradually unfolds. Exhuma is likely to appeal to fans of horror cinema who enjoy films that weave cultural themes into their narratives.

Exhuma is visually impressive, but unfortunately, the film falls short of expectations in key areas. While the cinematography successfully creates an eerie and atmospheric backdrop, the movie neither feels creepy nor haunting, which is a disappointment given its premise.

One of the main problems is how hard it is to connect with the lead characters. Even though the actors do their best, the screenplay doesn't give us enough insight into their emotions or motivations. Because of that, it's tough to care about what happens to them, and the emotional impact just isn't there.

Exhuma had the potential to be a great horror-thriller, but it doesn't quite work. You keep expecting something scary or emotionally deep to happen, but it never really does. While the movie looks good, it lacks the suspense and character connection to make it truly memorable.

"Exhuma" promised to breathe new life into the tired tropes of exorcism horror, especially when Choi Min Sik is in it, but instead, it stumbled into the graveyard of mediocrity, failing to resurrect anything remotely interesting or engaging. From its uninspired characters to its lackluster plot, "Exhuma" is a film that feels like a missed opportunity from start to finish.

The film opens with the familiar setting of a graveyard, where everything appears peaceful and serene on the surface. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that there are dark secrets lurking beneath the soil. It's a setup that has been done to death in horror cinema, and "Exhuma" does little to distinguish itself from the countless other films that have explored similar territory.

One of the biggest issues with "Exhuma" is its characters, who feel like cardboard cutouts rather than flesh-and-blood people. As a result, it's hard to care about their fates when they're faced with the horrors that unfold.

The pacing of "Exhuma" is another major stumbling block, with the film meandering aimlessly from one scene to the next without any real sense of purpose or direction. Instead of building tension gradually, the film feels disjointed and unfocused, leaving viewers wondering when, if ever, something interesting is going to happen. Even when the scares do finally arrive, they feel forced and predictable, failing to elicit any genuine fear or excitement. Like monster turns into a flying fireball. Really....?

One of the few bright spots in "Exhuma" is its visual style, which manages to capture the eerie atmosphere of suburban life effectively. From the shadowy streets to the dimly lit interiors of the characters' homes, the film does a commendable job of creating a sense of unease and dread. However, this visual flair is ultimately wasted on a story that fails to deliver any real scares or surprises.

In the end, "Exhuma" is a forgettable entry in the horror genre that fails to leave a lasting impression. With its bland characters, sluggish pacing, and lackluster scares, it's a film that will leave audiences feeling more bored than frightened. Save your time and seek out more worthwhile horror offerings - "Exhuma" is one resurrection that should have been left buried.

Good movie and good acting. The part I liked was the depiction of the culture and the part I didn't like was that it wasn't scary. The potential of this movie is amazing and can be made even scarier. It's nice to be able to follow a neat and structured storyline. I had to endure going to the toilet so I wouldn't miss a scene. However, when I saw the ghost, I thought I was seeing the enemy of Resident Evil. For psychics and fengshui experts this movie is okay to watch. Thank you for making such a good movie, for me this is more of a semi-horror drama movie. Let's make a scarier movie. Happy watching.

Exhuma was a movie I was looking forward to seeing and had avoided learning anything about before I saw it.

I was mainly hopeful because of the cast.

It starts pretty strongly with a feeling of class from the acting to the production values.

The story wasn't clear at first but then I got my hopes up as the first grave is dug up.

However this part of the story seems to be wrapped up quite quickly with the cremation scene and it then delves into Korean and Japanese history with strong anti Japanese feeling.

Now I'm not familiar with the history of these countries to a great extent so maybe a bit of this stuff wasn't for me as an Englishman.

But I completely understood it, It was just an unexpected turn of the story and then the film devolves into some weird thriller full of special effects (admittedly well done) that would fit into more of a comic book style horror.

It's incredibly disjointed.

If anyone compares this film favourably with The Wailing, ignore them. The wailing is far far superior.

This film is worth a watch but don't expect a classic horror movie.

For a long time now, South Korea has been impressing audiences around the world with very well produced and executed horror features, and "Pamyo" (2024) is no exception. This promising project stands out in all aspects, being above average.

The initial premise, involving voices of help when you close your eyes, sounds scary and intense, although the story develops into more complex plots throughout the first act. The cast and performances are a highlight of the film, with very convincing performances, especially in scenes involving rituals. Despite having impeccable photography, the most interesting element of the film is the plot, surrounded by symbolism and a rich mythology. The story develops differently from Western works, opting for few explanations, which requires the viewer's full attention to understand a good part of the work. Although the antagonist is not particularly memorable, he has a great design and delivers tense moments.

Jang Jae-hyun, director of the project, had already demonstrated his aptitude and commitment to the genre in "Sabaha" (2019), another horror production with excellent results. "Pamyo" once again confirms the director's skill, consolidating him as a director of great talent in his filmography.

Superb ensemble. Choi Min-sik's casting alone already sets the tone for the movie. The other actors are also all already proven artisans so not much more to say.

Good, strong storytelling but the production value and the overall atmosphere including the sound engineering was what really sold it for me.

Usually ghost films are one or the other. Either paranormal with invisible spirits leaving the rest to imagination or showing the actual monsters for a more direct interaction with the characters. This movie was very interesting in the sense that they mixed the two and in a very clever way.

Also, very refreshing to learn about Asian/Korean and Buddhism influenced lores over the 'now almost cliche Western/Christian ones.

Exhuma, a recent South Korean supernatural thriller, has been making waves for its chilling atmosphere and suspenseful story. Directed by Jang Jae-hyun and starring a stellar cast including Choi Min-sik, Kim Go-eun, Yoo Hae-jin, and Lee Do-hyun, the film follows the unsettling events that unfold after the exhumation of a mysterious family grave.

The film opens slowly, establishing a sense of discomfort as it tells the story of an affluent family that has experienced strange happenings for centuries. The director can effectively develop the characters and create a genuinely frightening environment by using a slow-burn strategy. The power of Exhuma resides in its ability to entwine mythology and folklore from South Korea with the unsettling truth of a family facing its troubled past.

Early praise for the film highlights its impressive use of suspense and dread. Reviewers commend the first half for its "explosive mixture of South Korean folklore and mythicism" that effectively taps into our universal fear of the afterlife. Exhuma is lauded for being a return to form for director Jang Jae-hyun, who is said to have struck a good balance between character development, plot, and building a truly frightening cinematic experience.

Even while the movie is getting good reviews, others note that not everyone will enjoy the scary parts. Exhuma may not be the fast-moving gorefest you're searching for. Exhuma, however, is certain to please those who value a slow-burn strategy that depends on atmosphere and fear.

The spooky thriller Exhuma appears to have been masterfully created, and it will stick with you long after the credits have rolled. Exhuma is a film that is highly recommended, particularly for those who enjoy slow-burning supernatural flicks or Korean cinema, due to its exceptional performances, captivating narrative, and distinctive fusion of horror and folklore.

There should be way more Korean baseball players since they continuously hit 'em out of the Park.

Once again, Korean cinema impresses me. While Hollywood continues to just make sequels, remake/reboots and the same ole haunted house formula movies, the creative forces of South Korea keeps nailing these great movies. It starts with the writing, but is always followed by excellent cinematography, acting, practical effects, subtly and originality - even with age-old premises.

To be fair, this is anything but an age-old premise, but it still deals with the supernatural and ghosts. Something Asians (mostly Japanese,) love to make movies about. Only, this one's plot is about 10% that and the rest a fantastic story and world-building.

The Parks in America are having some supernatural issues within the family and hire spiritual/grave experts to exhume deceased family members that may not be resting at peace. Unfortunately, when they say "I gotta bad feeling about this," and they basically do, it goes even worse than predicted.

As mentioned, Korean filmmakers believe in being subtle and not force-feeding their audience with unnecessary long exposition scenes that would've never happened in real life. I love having to figure out the world movie characters live in without having it all spelled out for me. Besides, this is how real people talk. People generally don't just stop and say "Oh, you remember, when your mom divorced your dad and that left you stressed about where you'll live..." Those people already know that and it's only for the audience's benefit.

In addition, I've noticed a wonderful trend (Korean trope?) about having two movies in one, much like making a Part One and its sequel wrapped up as one movie. The brilliant Parasite from 2019 certainly did that and so does Exhuma. I love it because I feel like I get two great stories with the same characters/settings for the price of one viewing.

Also, I just love the characters in these Korean movies. Always so unique to each other with deep personalities, flaws and even comedic moments with barely an actor outshining another.

Can't recommend this supernatural horror movie enough and can't wait to see more from the great South Korean filmmakers.

***

Final Thoughts: Here are my top 11 favorite Korean Cinema...looking forward to expanding this list:

1. Parasite (2019) 2. Seoul Station (2016) 3. Exhuma (2024) 4. Train to Busan (2016) 5. I Saw the Devil (2010) 6. The Wailing (2016) 7. The Handmaiden (2016) 8. #Alive (2020) 9. Thirst (2009) 10. Old Boy (2003) 11. Two Sisters (2003)

The shaman Hwa-rim (Kim Go-eun) and her apprentice Bong-gil (Lee Do-hyun) travel from Seul to Los Angeles hired Park Ji-Yong (Kim Jae-cheol) to investigate the mysterious illness that his newborn son has. Park Ji-Yong is the patriarch of a wealthy family, and the doctors cannot find what is causing the pain in his baby. Hwa-rim detects that the baby is suffering from a curse called Grave's Call and an ancestor spirit is haunting him. They return to South Korea to relocate the grave of Park Ji-Yong's ancestor and Hwa-rim summons the Feng-sui master Kim Sang Deok (Choi Min-sik) and the mortician Ko Young Geun (Yoo Hae-jin) to help her in the ritual. Park Ji-Yong wants to cremate the coffin and the body, but Kim Sang Deok is worried. They take the coffin from a distant mountain near to the board of North Korea, and Ko Young Geun brings it in his car to the morgue to cremate it. However, the clerk opens the sealed coffin expecting to find a treasure inside and unleashes the evil soul of Park Ji-Yong's grandfather. He starts to kill his descendants, first the parents of Park Ji-Yong and then himself. When the coffin is cremated, the entity is not able to kill the baby. Kim Sang Deok decides to investigate the grave again and finds a coffin buried below the other coffin. He calls his friends and soon he releases a demon from the new coffin. Now they have to find a way to destroy the demon.

"Pamyo", a.k.a. "Exhuma" (2024), is a South Korean horror movie with a story divided in two halves. The first half is interesting when the viewer understands what is happening. Bu the second half is a complete mess. In addition, there is the difference of cultures. But anyway, watching "Exhuma" is worthwhile watching. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Exhuma"

This film masterfully employs a suspenseful atmosphere and a blend of folklore and mystery. A clever genre entry with a unique twist, whilst the horror elements may not be groundbreaking, the exploration of Korean folklore is noteworthy.

Synopsis: When a renowned shaman (KIM Go-Eun) and her protégé (Lee Do-hyun) are hired by a wealthy, enigmatic family, they begin investigating the cause of a disturbing supernatural illness that affects only the first-born children of each generation. With the help of a knowledgeable mortician (YOO Hai-jin) and the country's most revered geomancer (CHOI Min-sik), they soon trace the affliction's origin to a long-hidden family grave located on sacred ground. Sensing an ominous aura surrounding the burial site, the team opts to exhume and relocate the ancestral remains immediately. But as something much darker emerges, they soon discover what befalls those who dare to mess with the wrong grave.