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A failed medical experiment turns a man of faith into a vampire.
Kang-ho Song: Priest Sang-hyun
Ok-bin Kim: Tae-ju
Bakjwi(2009) translating as Thirst is the latest film from visionary director of the cult phenomenon Vengeance trilogy, Park Chan Wook. Thirst his new film project covers a very enigmatic yet intriguing storyline; A priest turned Vampire, where upon every sin becomes a necessity, human blood a craving as well as sustenance needed to avoid his skin devolving into leprosy. It's intriguing material and a whole new spin on cinema and storytelling.
Seo-Gyeong Jeong and Chan-wook Park worked on the screenplay while Emile Zola wrote the book Therese Raquin on which the film was inspired by and used as a source.
Thirst starts by letting us into the World of priest Sang-Hyun whom is with a patient about to drift off into a coma or the great unknown. Cleverly Chan-Wook Park utilizes some great dialogue in the instance the characters begin to converse.
The film begins to explore the ideas and boundaries of faith, science, sex, human nature, life, death and superstition. Cleverly Thirst often leaves enigmatic questions instead of dismissive answering of mysteries concerning plot.
Numerous scenes that Thirst throws at us end up being undoubtedly memorable. Hell, the whole film is not just a film or story; It is quite literally an experience.
Priest Sang-hyun's prayer near the beginning with a medieval sounding piece from the score( Original Music by Young-ook Cho) really touches the soul and emotions as well as having deep and meaningful significance. I included his prayer in my starting if what lengthy quote opening my review to flesh out a feel for the raw power and crushing faith over physicality, binding with the enduring human spirit.
Kang-ho Song quite literally embodies his role as the protagonist priest Sang-hyun. Throughout the film after he becomes this Vampiric creature torn between his faith by this insatiable craving. His eyes alone convey the emotion conflicting with his actions, needs and resentments.
Ok-bin Kim as Tae-ju deserves a special mention as the fiery devious girl whom seduces and captures Sang-hyun heart. Whereas he shuns his vampire curse she looks upon the disease as a gift and her wild nature threatens to destroy their lives as well as her step-brother/husband and mother.
Ok-bin Kim's performance succeeds in being great and without a doubt lingering in the memory and synapses.
The cinematography by Chung-hoon Chung also is vast, epic in scope and dynamic execution. Examples of the greatness on display resides in a daring, bold jumping rooftops from the main two characters: Tae-ju and Sang-hyun. The intensity and clashing of personalities comes into a clash ensuing the chase upon the rooftops.
At times we see Sang-Hyun hanging from ledges by his feet reminiscent of how a bat sleeps upside down. The pilgrimage to Africa, the climactic sunrise at the sea and the darkness of the town all add to the meticulous detail Thirst has to offer us.
At times Park Chan-Wook takes the violence, showing of blood, and nudity to shocking lengths and revelations for viewers. Alot of audiences will not be able to handle the nature and alluring bestiality Thirst offers. Lovers of Sympathy for Mr Vengeance, Oldboy and Lady Vengeance will feel right at home with this latest cinematic feast.
The psychology is explored, guilt is wonderfully provided for the characters on a myriad palette. Man losing faith yet regaining his spirituality later is a journey one cannot be missed.
A journey that forces one to look outward as well as selfishly inward.
Thirst cleverly inspired by a book could quite easily be a graphic novel. A bandaged up priest becoming a vampire, a drowned ghost sharing their water bed reflecting their guilt, a comatose patient providing blood; This is original, fresh and a fine addition as well as an original concept involving vampire lore and religion.
At it's heart Thirst is one of the best enigmatic films of 2009 in it's complexity, imagination and tragic love story of sorts. Faith, superstition and science merge together in a story that keeps you relentlessly thirsty for more. As with it's vampire host and hero we too are mutually sharing his pain and torment. In essence the inner demons Thirst confronts us with could well relate to our own. Park Chan-Wook simply has beautifully crafted a masterful artwork frozen upon the frame of film.
''Kill me or save me, you'll regret it either way.''
10/10
