Watch The Wailing

The Wailing is a 2016 South Korean horror film directed by Na Hong-jin, which revolves around a small village in South Korea that is plagued by a mysterious and deadly disease. Detective Jong-goo, played by Kwak Do-won, is investigating a series of gruesome murders in the village when he discovers the locals are engaged in strange and disturbing rituals.

As the horrifying events continue to unfold, Jong-goo enlists the help of a shaman named Il-gwang, played by Hwang Jung-min, who believes the source of the outbreak is a malevolent spirit known as a ‘wraith’. However, Jong-goo struggles to believe in the existence of the supernatural and remains skeptical of Il-gwang’s claims.

Adding to the suspense, a strange Japanese man, played by Jun Kunimura, who has recently moved to the village, becomes a suspect in the murders. He is thought to be connected to the mysterious illness and strange goings-on within the community.

The film features grotesque scenes of violence and gore, making it a horror movie that can really make audiences squirm in their seats. The film is not solely about horror and is known to have seamlessly blended elements of horror, drama, and mystery to keep audiences guessing until the very end.

Jong-goo, the protagonist, is a relatable character as he faces realistic dilemmas as a detective dealing with the unexplainable. Kwak Do-won’s performance as Jong-goo is highly praised as he brings to life the character’s confusion and struggles to comprehend the supernatural happenings in the village.

Hwang Jung-min as Il-gwang, the shaman, is also considered a standout performance in the film. The spiritual leader is an intriguing and complex character that brings depth to the film.

Jun Kunimura gives a powerful performance as the mysterious Japanese stranger, adding to the dark and foreboding atmosphere of the film.

The cinematography is considered one of the highlights of The Wailing, the director uses shots that beautifully capture the essence of the village in which the film takes place. Long shots of the landscape throughout the village gives viewers a sense of the remote, isolated and eerie location, whilst the numerous close-up shots on the character’s faces add intensity and suspense.

The Wailing has earned a global fanbase since its release in 2016, winning several prestigious awards at international film festivals. It is considered by many to be a masterpiece of the horror genre and has been praised for its intelligent plot, mind-blowing story twists, and excellent performances from the cast.

Some have criticized the film for being too long, with a runtime of 156 minutes, but fans appreciate the time given to building the backstory and letting the plot establish to create an immersive tense atmosphere.

Overall, The Wailing is an exceptional film that goes beyond traditional horror movies, creating a unique blend of horror, suspense, and drama. The film has cemented itself as a modern classic, and a must-watch for horror and thriller enthusiasts.

The Wailing is a 2016 horror movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 81.