Why THE WAILING Is A Modern Horror Masterpiece

[@RyanHollinger]

*Keep sending me your requests for what to cover next! ... I'm already planning my 2021 schedule!*

[@yareyare7806]

The Lighthouse, please do it! I want your thoughts on it so badly!

[@jpvielleux]

Obligatory Session 9 post.

[@axelcordova8262]

Night in the Woods and/or Pink Floyd's The Wall

[@mariwhite3433]

have you done the korean movie "the host?" would love a vid on that

[@arcadia7459]

I know it's probably hard to do, but would love to see some more videos based on books and short stories. But no doubt I'll love whatever you post.

[@sebastianchhakchhuak1107]

There's no better feeling in the world than the abilty to watch the entirety of a Ryan Hollinger video after having already watched the movie he's talking about

[@Garrus1995]

Yeah. I’ve actually seen this film, watched it last October as part of a Halloween horror binge. Gonna watch I Saw the Devil in a couple of weeks (not straight up horror but I’d say it’s right for Halloween).

[@joelbautista9224]

Well said

[@aries2242]

EXACTLY THIS! I got so pumped just seeing the title of this video.

[@VitaeDivinia]

Garrus1995 I Saw the Devil is a masterpiece. Such a ridiculously good film.

[@nora_n3ko324]

Absolutely! He always perfectly puts into words what I’m feeling about the movie, or helps give more meaning to it!

[@dannahbanana11235]

"What, just because I'm Japanese you think I'm a demon?" .... "Yeah, I totally am though"

[@Geckotr]

Is it an allegory that the director or screenwriter decides the demon to be Japanese?

[@dannahbanana11235]

@@Geckotr I've wondered that as well

[@EuanFoulis]

@@Geckotr the thing I find interesting is that they highlight that what makes Jong Go the target from the Japanese man is his initial actions of prejudice- it’s quite interesting- it’s like the serpent in the garden of Eden- it presents an option that tempts you- but punishes you if you take it.

[@PileOfStones]

@@EuanFoulis I believe those who accept the mushrooms as explanation enough are safe from the suffering the antagonists cause. But in this rural setting the victims in the movie can't help themselves from being absorbed in the prejudice.

[@EuanFoulis]

@@PileOfStones interesting read- I’ll need to rewatch the film and see if that’s right🤔🤔

[@wy4553]

The Japanese actor was absolutely brilliant. When he was being chased, he looked so terrified I really felt bad for him and wondered if he was just an innocent person who's a victim of xenophobia. Then he can become so diabolical and terrifying in a split second when interacting with the priest at the end. Great cast overall but I was really floored by his performance in particular--he sold every aspect of his character so well.

[@lmp19791]

He only "became" the devil after he told the priest it didn't matter who he said he was, that the priest's mind was already made up. That's always stuck with me.

[@andrewdickens7016]

emy no no he was always evil, the possession left his body temporarily at that point.

[@achillesandpkei996]

I think the Demon transferred into the dead guy at this point in the movie. It returns later to the Japanese man for the ending.

[@Mr.A..]

He’s a rly famous actor in Japan he’s also in a big Japanese horror called Audition and Kill Bill lmao

[@kahn5234]

@@Mr.A.. wait japan has a horror movie called kill bill? 😂

[@linasayshush]

By the way, the daughter actress is really excellent. She's a teenager now, and she completely steals the scene in I'll Go When The Weather Is Nice.

[@wandersonbarcelos5519]

Yes, I think the same. I remember when watching this movie and thinking: "Wow, that girl acts better than most of the actors!" Very young and already a good actress, that's nice.

[@SL4PSH0CK]

ill check

[@Geckotr]

yes she was and the director(or screenwriter) made a very clever decision for putting her in a pivotal position in the plot. The audience shows more sympathy for a cute, little innocent girl and her father's love for her. It keeps the audience at suspense until the end of the movie. I noticed are a lot of influences from other movies in this film like , Seven, Exorcist and the Sixth Sense

[@oneisarangj]

She is actually an adult now. She'll turn 19 this august.

[@IamPussy]

@@oneisarangj No she's a grown up and is 20

[@mandodelorian4668]

"The Wailing trusts the audience..." So, very much not a mainstream Hollywood movie then, brilliant!

[@TheRisky9]

Trusting audiences is something of a lost art. But it is something that is found in pieces not trying to tell you what to think or what values you should have.

[@pixeldeath5846]

Hollywood is right to not trust the American public. Watch RedLetterMedia's Half In The Bag and the comments they hear people make about movies like this and how the theaters are empty. American audiences don't give a fuck about anything that that isn't Marvel or some shit like Transformers.

[@PeachyBeins]

@@pixeldeath5846 loved that cinema bro elitism!

[@pixeldeath5846]

@Daftrax 98 Critics loved Hereditary, most general audiences shit on it and laughed during it because they're accustomed to jump scares every 5 minutes. Go on Rotten Tomatoes and compare the critic reviews to the audience reviews.

[@Scarshadow666]

@Half-Baked Gaming I recommend watching Netflix's The Social Dilemma documentary for why that is and about how things like social media and the Internet have been manipulating us, directly from the mouths by people that have worked in the Silicone Valley tech industry. Yes, not trusting audiences is a thing, but it's a thing that has come about because we see Internet sites that can manipulate people's perception of reality (like how Rotten Tomatoes doesn't always represent the opinions of most audiences). ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@tonitolletti9472]

Not just one, but TWO ‘hoiever’s’ thank you Ryan

[@emari44]

Three actually!

[@tonitolletti9472]

Rivam Rivam2 ah, of course my mistake! Thank you Rivam

[@theflashgordon193]

lol

[@emari44]

@@tonitolletti9472 no problem! If I hadn't seen your comment I wouldn't have kept an ear out! :)

[@MadsterV]

3/3 hoievers

[@allier1867]

the ending... where the truth was revealed didnt even use crazy filmmaking or cgi techniques but absolutely terrified me. real horror is knowing you're right but hopeless in a situation you put yourself into. that poor nephew

[@Greippi10]

It's one of the best endings in modern cinema. A bad ending in horror, nothing special nothing special and often an expected outcome. In this move the hopelessness was so damn tangible.

[@nanarecto]

nephew?

[@allier1867]

@@nanarecto the protagonists nephew or friend's nephew. the catholic/ christian priest.

[@whitedragoness23]

That is horror, making all the wrong choices and the mistakes for the better outcome but it was a losing game. It’s terrifying to think about how those choices would mean life or death.

[@mandalorianhunter1]

Damn I guess these people have mouths and can scream.

[@romariohamid]

Nice reference!!

[@mandalorianhunter1]

@@romariohamid thanks

[@daraghokane4236]

That's from a hello kitty meme. Later adapted into a wired short story

[@kingkaijuslayer1109]

I have a mouth but I can't scream

[@Hanatatami]

I mean they must

[@tr1pl3thr333]

My favorite part of The Wailing is how many unreliable narrators are. We see so many stories, dreams, and imaginings that we aren't sure until the final minutes of the movie what was real and who was telling the truth. It puts us in the same place as the dad.

[@kh884488]

Yes, with most horror films, the audience clearly knows the good and evil characters and has a general idea of what will happen. With The Wailing, the audience is just as confused as the main character and doesn't know where the evil is. That makes it much more unsettling.

[@PileOfStones]

Yeah! It attempts to make the viewer themselves complicit by creating so many points of perspective. The shaman was in on it the whole time yet we still have a scene of him fleeing to Seoul before turning back, attempting to earn favour with his argument. That knowledge is unique to us. He doesn't mention it to any characters.

[@cowboyw520]

and in such an underdeveloped place where technology and knowledge is limited, all hopes are as thin as paper

[@connorhagerty537]

@@PileOfStones The shaman wasn't in on it. He explains it in explicit detail at the end: The woman in white was the evil spirit and the japanese guy was trying to capture her and save the village. If you watch the movie again with the knowledge that the woman in white was the evil spirit all along, it becomes explicitly obvious. But in order to do that, you have to put aside all of your prejudices that the movie cleverly builds up against the japanese man

[@Nefiria]

@@connorhagerty537 The Japanese man was the main source of evil. He literally reveals himself later on. The cut ending was removed specifically because it made that fact all too obvious, betraying the ambiguous narrative the movie was good at. The movie did use audience prejudice well though, it would be all too common of a movie trope for the one everyone was pointing fingers at to actually be some innocent victim. The movie gives us an excellent twist to that as it ends.

[@coffeyhouseproductions528]

Everyone: The *Wailing* Ryan: The *Wheeling* Hoiever, great analysis.

[@CopiousDoinksLLC]

The Wheeling sindes like a great movie

[@remontariv1130]

I remember that movie! It starred an evil wheel that keeps on wheeling and it spoops people to death.

[@Skyren1222]

@@remontariv1130 kinda sounds like the movie Rubber. A literal movie about a sentient tyre that kills people

[@MrJC1]

@@Skyren1222 hahaha.

[@bourbonblu4372]

The demon was scary enough. The demon holding a camera was TERRIFYING. Can you imagine his insta content? I'd like to see some shark movies please

[@miss.guidedghosts7858]

demon making an insta meme page: that moment when one guy you made a deal with over three thousand years ago pops up and wants you to take it back

[@tierk4328]

his captions would probably be something like 'looks like the priest just met the beast' or 'looks cute might eat later' '

[@ocelot-sensei4384]

imagine his OnlyFans page, hurrr

[@piggypoo]

"Nice desu ne"

[@josethebioform7519]

Just imagining a facebook live "whatup bezelebuds make sure to subcribe and sacrifice that bell so you are alerted to any new dark omens"

[@wy4553]

That cave scene was so simple but so fucking haunting. And the ending with the flashback is absolutely crushing. Even though we never saw what the village was like prior to the arrival of the devil, the flashback so effectively showed us what the father and daughter's relationship used to be like, how loving and happy they were, and how much the villagers had lost once the devil poisoned them.

[@Karin_Allen]

The gorgeous landscapes shots played a big role too. As Ryan said, the place *looked* liked Eden - but then the devil entered and corrupted everything.

[@properone7848]

Papo oo..... Mm.m

[@properone7848]

@@Karin_Allen eueu o... . Olopkoiipkioj j

[@milu3779]

that's not true though, we do see a couple of really cute scenes between the protag and his daughter, like when they're drinking from the same soda and she's like "uh, yeah i know you and mom bang in the car, it's cool". which is... an odd conversation to have with your 9-year old? but it's a legitimately sweet scene somehow =)

[@jwnj9716]

Oh boy there were some intense scenes like the Japanese guy in the forest at the very beginning. Imagine being there and he noticed you. Its a slow burn....really slow but its worth it.

[@choronos]

If you like slow burn horror like this one, I recommend Bone Tomahawk. Bone Tomahawk is an unseen gem.

[@jwnj9716]

@@choronos Seen it, also the director's other film brawl in cell block 99.

[@choronos]

@@jwnj9716 Word. I enjoyed Cell Block 99, it has a super weird, surreal atmosphere.

[@Ghost1170]

This is a good slow burn that didnt feel like a slow burn. It felt like something constantly grasping at you, super good imo

[@kesh24ful]

hey is this movie in Japanese?

[@jammydodger7065]

not even 5 seconds in and im already uncomfortable just at the sight of a man crawling towards me thanks ryan?

[@greywalker505]

If you AREN’T uncomfortable by the sight of a man crawling towards you, something is probably wrong with you.

[@idrisa7909]

Jammy Dodger the worst part is he's crawling downwards, head first

[@ZombieSlayerTakashi]

Yeah no shit he made Golum look cute and cuddly...

[@qzo-faith]

The mental torture at the climax is definitely the highlight of the movie.

[@LicoriceLain]

Exactly. The first half is goofy and gets you to let your guard down, but the chaos leading to that gut churning choice was great. I love it when film and television can characterize characters in a way that makes two or more of them with opposing view points equally trustworthy and suspicious, so you don't know who to believe.

[@andilove18]

@@buchichu7034 Even when the Japanese man is questioned in the beginning, he decides to keep quiet and not explain himself, instead saying 'you will not believe me'. I can't make up my mind if the woman was a good spirit or not, but if not I think both couldn't outright lie to the humans when they are questioned.

[@Greippi10]

It's so brilliant. And the truth is so obscure to the viewer as well for so much of the movie it's impossible not to relate to the predicament the main character is in.

[@Mr4thDoctor]

I decided to check out this movie after you name dropped it in the Don't Breathe video and also watching In Praise of Shadows' video on it. This was a creepy, unsettling, and downright haunting movie. The scenes that really stick to me was the confrontation between the Deacon and the Japanese man at the end of the movie. And the ending just twists the knife even further with its last shot. Would love to see you cover more Korean horror movies on this channel. Can't wait to see what you have lined up for October.

[@sherlockfan2000]

Daniel O'Connell-I agree with you about the scene between the Deacon & the Japanese man at the end. The reveal of the Japanese man's true form in that scene was one of the most genuinely frightening images I've ever seen on film. As a grown woman who started watching horror movies with my family when I was about 10 or 11 years old it takes a lot to truly frighten me these days. However I actually found myself wanting to cover my eyes like a scared little child when I first saw that reveal of the Japanese man's true form as it was that frightening to look at, like something out of your worst nightmares.

[@mook_butt8037]

I absolutely second him covering more Korean horror movies! I’ve really been looking outside the US the last few years for good horror, as almost everything made recently in the US has only really been good for comedy.

[@8teenOfficial]

@@sherlockfan2000 same thoughts haha

[@NTheRainbowEater]

I watched this movie a while back as a random pick on Netflix and to this day it's one of my all time favorite horror films.

[@Garrus1995]

Man, when the Japanese dude finally reveals himself as a demon/the Devil...so damn creepy. Great movie, ending is soul crushing.

[@firstlast2636]

There is a brief shot showing he has hole in his hand, which is usually a symbol referring to Jesus. This plus his dialogue seems to suggest that he is not a demon or the Devil, but he is willing to pretend and sacrifice himself to the role of a "patsy" if that is what it takes to minimize the harm of the supernatural clusterfuck going on.

[@Garrus1995]

Then what exactly is he if not a demon?

[@firstlast2636]

@@Garrus1995 I think the forest shaman is a good entity, who is knowingly pretending to be a demon/the devil because it might help his goal of defeating the real evil.

[@andrewdickens7016]

First Last no the are in cahoots, a deleted scene shows them driving off together

[@danielmillward9947]

He is akuma

[@josephsua7246]

The Wailing and Hereditary are tied as my favourite modern horrors. The slower paced and moody nature of the films, The uncertainty that both films possess in its revelation, God they’re good!

[@maddiehunter1336]

FINALLY edit: i think some attention should be brought to the fact that the devil is *specifically* japanese, and if you know anything about korea's history with japan you'd understand why

[@moonsayshi1955]

might have been true for other movies but for this one, the choice wasn't based on history. The director in an interviews stated that the plot required 이질적인 존재(roughly means foreign entity) and that a literal foreigner, who can be hidden among Koreans, was required for his demon. For obvious reasons the choice narrowed down to East Asians and relatively speaking there are fewer Japanese than Chinese in the country so he picked a Japanese actor for the role.

[@giagem404]

Could you maybe explain, please? I'm sorry if this causes offense, you don't have to. But I'd like to know.

[@celticsean5733]

@@giagem404 japan and Korea have a similar oppressive history as Britain has with Ireland.

[@TinyMidgieGooInc]

Gia Nina Morales Japan invaded Korea and repressed the country for decades up until the end of World War II. Even today there is anger between both countries as seen in politics/films.

[@saff4997]

Thank god SOMEONE said something about it. It's not just because he's a foreigner and they're "prejudiced" - it's because of Japan's occupation of Korea and being one of the key reasons Korea is divided.

[@JBX07]

This movie left me with a feeling of emptiness and despair.

[@reycesarcarino4653]

So Wailing

[@JBX07]

@@reycesarcarino4653 I did not wail, I sat quietly

[@reycesarcarino4653]

@@JBX07 he said calmly, I concur good flick but I was joking films name The Wailing

[@midgematic]

Why am I such a lightweight on horror but can sit for hours watching reviews of them? No body knows. It helps that I love your voice though man, plus with the amount of quality placed in every one makes me excited everytime I see an upload! Still eating up your old content as well, since Im sure they’re just as good. Keep it up man, you got real talent ❤️

[@TheRisky9]

You and me both, friend.

[@wengel_eth]

Same here dude. I love the reviews of horrors but hate watching them.

[@Spleemce]

My reason for doing this is because I like and understand the emotions of horror and believe that they are one of the best ways of telling other person how you fear. But at the same time they wreck me to much emotionally while watching them, so I watch analysis and then watch movie if I like it more as a drama that it truly is.

[@hailhummus]

It's probably because the tension and horror work best within the context of the entire film. Watching reviews takes everything out of context and you don't have the build up of suspense and terror.

[@Powered1Buttercup]

Horror just isn’t for me, I guess unless it’s in the form of games, but I do like to see videos about it, provided the most gruesome and gorish images are censored, since I’m pretty squeamish.

[@sansebastiansj]

Did you also noticed how the woman's eyes glow, when the man chose not to listen to her at 11:57? This kind of detail in movies is extremely rare and it speaks volume, if you can catch it.

[@-d-devil-3393]

i did, but i still don't know what that means

[@jinoh7418]

Looked like tears?

[@dropboxmoabit384]

yeah, literally no one did NOT notice that....

[@voidsff]

Light reflecting off her watery eyes

[@hunter858]

I really recommend A Tale of Two Sisters. It’s another Korean horror movie and after watching it it instantly became my new favorite movie of all time.

[@MagpiesMarvels]

What streaming platform is it on?

[@hunter858]

Maggie Mayer According to google it should be available on Amazon Prime video but you may or may not need the Shudder extension.

[@andymontanez56]

Thanks for the recommendation

[@karamei]

One of my favorite horror movies! I absolutely second this! Psychological a bit.

[@Asian_Movie_Enthusiast]

A Tale of Two Sisters is my favorite movies of all time!

[@fripptricky5099]

The Wailing was the most incredible find for me of 2018. Absolutely blown away.

[@trikalabris]

I love it. One of the only 2 horror movies I was scared by and I saw alot of horror.

[@choronos]

I highly recommend Bone Tomahawk if you have not seen it. I'll give a couple warnings: -slow pacing. the film spends a long time developing the characters, and it ends up being worth it. It's a sort of Western posse movie for most of its runtime, and towards the end veers into straight up horror. -there is a scene that made my jaw drop to the floor. I have seen every horrific movie on every list. This movie still shocked me.

[@fripptricky5099]

@@choronos Bone Tomahawk was excellent! I know just the scene, and I agree 100%.

[@meghanhixon3241]

@@choronos amazing movie. Gory and brutal as hell though, whens the last time Kurt Russel was in a movie?

[@Ocean-lr6oz]

I watch it every year since and I seem to always discover and experience something new. it's such a fantastic piece of cinema

[@theMitchBau5]

That scene where the guy gets struck by lightning in the woods literally pinned me to my couch.

[@danielmillward9947]

That had to have been the demons doing as he can cause havoc to his sorroundings

[@jaygarcia8508]

By far the best version of Satan I've ever seen on screen. Absolutely nightmare inducing.😰😰

[@danielmillward9947]

Notice the holes in his hands signifying the mockery of Jesus's crucifixion

[@FlexGC]

@purgemen the real question is.. what do they do with all those pictures

[@caielesr]

Was it Satan though?

[@lengmoua6861]

This movie was pretty interesting from a cultural perspective. Personally, I'm Christian but some of my extended family and much in my community still practice Shamanism/ancestral worship and though Korean Shamanism is certainly unique in it's own right, seeing the parallels between what happened in the film and my lived experience s was interesting indeed.

[@ToriHiragana]

I love horror movie like this one, a slow burn, atmospheric, creep-fest that makes you look over your shoulder even after it's ended. The only others I've seen like it are The Shining, The Witch and Lake Mungo, can anyone recommend some more? I don't mind subtitles

[@Lifesizemortal]

I got u. letterboxd.com/nattosumi/list/nattosumis-scariest-movies-of-all-time/

[@edwardflanagan518]

Late to the party, but Ryan covered Possum, which is basically heaven for slow-burn psychological film lovers.

[@caielesr]

Hereditary. A slow burn in the first act of the film. And then just suddenly whacks you in the head with a telephone pole. And man, the last 20 minutes of the film was... what was that.

[@yareyare7806]

Ryan, please do The Lighthouse next!

[@skullsquad900]

"I Saw the Devil" is probably my favorite Korean horror movie. Based on the true story of a man who killed and ate women. Following the Detective trying to get revenge for his wife. I would really like to see your thoughts on this?

[@danielmillward9947]

The most realistic feeling of fighting and violence I've felt in a film it's like you could actually feel it

[@fannyalexander5906]

Try “Chaser” that one is in the same league of this.

[@Iyadkay]

Chaser, I Saw the Devil and The Wailing were all directed by the same person.

[@MrNo-dc2wp]

@@Iyadkay Only 'The chaser' and 'The wailing' were directed by the same person.

[@ktom5262]

"I saw the devil" has no supernatural elements. Major difference. It's a horror as much as it is a crime psychological thriller. Like "Memories of a murder" or the famous Trilogy of vengeance with "Oldboy" at its center.

[@peterherron4222]

I'm a Scotsman living in Romania and we got invited by the Korean embassy to watch The Wailing. Every single person walked out of the screening in utter silence. Absolutely amazing film

[@4thfugee]

The last 30 minutes of this movie gave me the chills.

[@arcadia7459]

Looking forward to the October schedule, the line up looks great Horror Daddy!

[@JoyfulOrb]

Oh wow, now I just want to call Ryan Horror Daddy all the time! I should probably not be creepy to the lovely Irish man.

[@cyberspinosaur1145]

Ryan: It's a snake that poisons your happiness. . . My snakes: *falls* *misses food* *gets stuck* *derp*

[@NonsenseDrawing]

One of my most favorite horror films. It touches everything that I want in a horror film, supernatural threat, psychological disturbances, police procedural, slow burn, mystery-thriller in a small town.

[@lonely_turtleking622]

This movie is why I got deep into horror, its beautiful, it's scary, the lost the people go through in the movie are heartbreaking, nothing special about them, they were just pawns in a game.

[@AlukardTheDeathknight]

"If i had a choice to help one evil over the other i rather not choose at all"- Geralt of Rivia

[@impofstpete727]

I would immediately presume the shaman was an antagonist but I think that's me reacting on a prejudice for false religious behaviour. I love that Asian films tend to go for the build up and slow burn. It makes the terror more palpable. Jump scares are so overused that I can almost predict when they're about to occur. To reveal carefully in a film elevates it to art.

[@Asian_Movie_Enthusiast]

Agreed. Horror films with patience tend to be more effective than jump scare fests.

[@Battury]

I had to quit 2 minutes into the video. I can already tell that I needed to buy this and watch it first. Whelp, I bought it, now I just gotta watch it!

[@keikonooner3756]

It might still be on Netflix. That's where I first saw it

[@arielwesley5794]

So what did you think? Lol

[@Battury]

@arielwesley5794 TLDR It's fucking rad, but has a ton of regional subtext that may go over some people's heads. It also has my favorite zombie scene in any movie ever, lol. That said, it absolutely took me watching it 3 times before I finally "got it." There is a lot of implied information within the film that really requires you have a similar level of knowledge of esoteric east asian medicine, religious imagery and whatnot. There were obvious clues in the film that I literally did not pick up on simply because I'm not familiar with the culture. But after some research, and additional viewings, I finally got it down, lol.

[@arielwesley5794]

@@Battury yes, it’s definitely become one of my favorites as well it feels like a mature horror film. I’ve read someone say the film trusts the audience to figure it out where most horror films don’t do that anymore. Someone younger definitely wouldn’t be able to get a lot of the culture and symbolism. It’s definitely a film you could watch over and over again! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@merlin1464]

Spoilers I wonder if the demon at the end is Oni because it's a Japanese man and Oni are known to bring storms and diseases to towns.

[@MasterZombie777]

It might be, the lady definitely is a land god since she's tied to the area around the town.

[@ofidiotabagista5259]

I remember reading somewhere he's a Tengu. An elder hermit that raped a lot of women(including the protagonist's daughter) and has a nest inside his house; seems to fit the description.

[@aniket8350]

@@ofidiotabagista5259 also didn't he try pushing himself on a woman on the riverbank I haven't watched the movie in some time but it could be connected

[@myka5439]

I think he's a Tengu, a goblin spirit that was previously a priest or shaman who was turned into a demon by loss of faith. It fits with the theme of the story.

[@karamei]

@@ofidiotabagista5259 Holy crap, I've heard of Tengu but didn't know anything about them. Thank you! That actually adds a lot of interesting depth here. I totally forgot about that nest before reading your comment. That explains its inclusion as well as the whole rape part. Also, wait, he raped the little girl? I definitely don't remember that part.

[@AntonisTsagaris]

I watched this right as the coronavirus lockdown was starting. I had high expectations but I wasn't expecting it to become my favorite horror(?) movie of all time. The atmosphere is oppressive, surreal to the max and the film, despite its length, never gets boring. It truly is an electrifying masterpiece.

[@sebastianrivera6976]

People need to pay more attention to Korean Cinema and TV. They rarely disappoint with their work.

[@beepot2764]

I fell asleep while watching the last resident evil and when I woke up, 0:04 was on my screen. Definitely just turned it down and went back to sleep lol. I've been wondering what movie that was from so thank you!

[@pajamapantsjack5874]

Since Halloween is coming up, maybe try covering RE-Animator, I know it’s not the serious kind of horror you cover normally, but I’d love to hear your thoughts and analysis of it. Plus it’s one of my favorite horrors :b

[@Mr4thDoctor]

I recently saw Re-Animator, and its a really damn fun movie. Perfect to watch during October.

[@Lifesizemortal]

hated re-animator so much. all style no substance. Mostly reaches for shock factor but it's undeserving of shock because the characters and story arent worth being invested in. The idea is there, but that's lovecraft's idea and Re-Animator is too shallow to do that idea justice imo

[@thebubonicj]

I loved this movie. I love how you have to guess and are constantly going back and forth, just like the main character all the way up until the final seconds of the film. It’s well over two hours and I was still on the edge of my seat, hanging on every word, studying every inch of scenery and every pixel of every frame. Loved it!

[@Birmanncat]

I could not get this movie out of my head for days after watching it. There is something in it that unsettled me so deeply I could not sleep. The director is one hell of a nihilistic bastard...

[@Domas04]

How he's nihilistic, according to you?

[@Dezdichado1000]

@@Domas04 I think if we stretch and squint a little bit, the fact that he incorporated several different religion/mythology/spirituality as equals can potentially imply the author is a nihilist/atheist or some equivalent.

[@GootGamer]

For some reason I love first part of the movie, he waking up, eating fast and going to the crime scene under the rain

[@LinNoOne]

"now imagine this place becoming contaminated with something vile & despicable, something that exists only to wither & destroy the life force that makes this place so special to you. it's a snake that poisons your happiness, like a painful negative thought that you'd wish to forget." sounds like a good description of a lot of narcissistic families

[@trevorminyard8885]

I love how this movie is about Jong-goo’s hesitance to engage in confrontation, possibly due to his fear of facing the fact that he might be wrong or just simple laziness, but then in the end it’s Jong-goo’s choosing of confrontation over hesitation that ruins him. It’s like not only can we not know who to trust but also we can’t trust ourselves.

[@_Azagoth_]

If you loved this film, I even more firmly recommend the same director's masterful noir-thriller The Chaser. same tone, underlying christian subtext, brilliant acting, dark sense of humour, and gut-punching narrative. Korean cinema has a marvelous way of combining sheer depravity and horror with unapologetic humour, in a way that by the end, the comedy makes the brutality even more impactful. Other Korean masterpieces I seriously recommend (other than the classics i.e Oldboy and Parasite) would be: Burning, Sympathy For Mr. Vengeance, Memories of Murder, Mother, and in terms of horror, I Saw the Devil. i've heard the Tale of Two Sisters is also a good Korean horror, but i havent watched it... yet.

[@karamei]

Tale of Two Sisters is amazing! As an aside, Sympathy for Lady Vengeance (not the same as Mr Vengeance - haven't seen that actually) is great but more of a drama/thriller, but I do highly recommend it still.

[@_Azagoth_]

@@karamei Ive seen Lady Vengeance, and it was... meh. it felt mostly like a homage to the previous two films, particularly when the two stars of Mr Vengeance pop up as henchmen, and the lead quotes the exact line another character utters in Mr Vengeance about kidnappings. i didnt dislike the film, as much as i was disappointed. it was very cluttered with too much going on, poor special effects, and most of all it wasted the villain. Choi Min Sik is a simply incredible actor and they should have done alot more with his character. i liked the lead, a lot, i liked the sense of humour, and i liked the climax with all the parents etc, but its easily my least favourite of the Trilogy. Mr Vengeance is very much a slow burning tragedy, it has humour, but it really tortures its characters and creates a very bleak atmosphere, its easily the coldest and most nihilistic of the trilogy, its all about bad, but relatable decisions, by flawed, but sympathetic people. personally Mr Vengeance is my favourite of the unofficial Vengeance trilogy, comprising of that, lady Vengeance, and Oldboy. i love Oldboy also, but my only issue with the film is the pacing is a bit too fast for me, though i think that film has one of the best villains in any movie. I thoroughly recommend Mr Vengeance, it has beautiful cinematography, wonderful acting with complex character dynamics and a twisted irony, its one of my favourite Korean films aside Burning.

[@christinavillatoro7164]

I’m late but I watched today and I can’t stop thinking about how scary this was on a more personal level

[@rayonidkhow]

I’ve never watched any of the movies you’ve talked about- and I’ve been on a massive binge of all your videos, they’re very well put together and great to listen to while I draw!

[@brandon4117]

- A village overcome with a virus - Virus causes madness and delirium - Madness drives them to kill others that they love and trust STRONG Higurashi vibes there, I am now invested. Also anime/animation isn't your thing but I really think that would be a good topic to cover, Higurashi's story is very fascinating. Great video as always!

[@clemencegrd4329]

Higurashi was waaaaaay to long for me, I liked the story but the main characters were meh

[@suryastephen5174]

I like The Wailing.. but, i want to comment on the absurdity of the ritual scene: the shaman (who is notably the demon's partner) looks like hammering lots of big nails into the wooden doll, which looks like hurting the demon. I think a lot of people mis interpret this scene. the director on the explanation later says that it indicate two separate acts, that doesn't have cause and effect, but I don't think so.

[@ScrilboBaggins]

I hate long horror movies but not this one, wonderful film!

[@ellierainy412]

Yes!!! I remember finding this movie by accident and it was such a slow burn surprise, so glad to see you covering it!

[@russianbear5576]

i think that the historical context between japan and korea is really important in this movie, i would love to see a part 2 of you exploring that

[@boobootittleman7299]

YES! This is one of my favorite horror movies, thank you so much for covering it!

[@hollyward2392]

Never been this early before, love your stuff dude, love from Donegal!

[@FablesTold]

Oh man, I love this movie. I watch so many horror movies that I can usually tell what's coming, and what the twist is going to be pretty early on, but this one actually surprised me. And I didn't even realize it was two hours, just because I was so engaged with it.

[@dudewhersmacar7062]

Ryan's favourite phrase: Social Malaise.

[@Jekyll08]

When I first watched this I didn’t know what to expect, but I’m sure glad I decided to watch it. Great performances with a special shout out Chun Woo Hee who is fantastic as usual. It was my introduction to her, and I was so captivated by her performance. A classic film.

[@ADMG]

This is indeed one of the best movies I´ve ever seen, not only in the horror genre, but in general. The twists are insane, the hopelesness and despair of the characters is terrifying and the ending sticked with me many days after. A movie where evil wins but in a smart way, where all the characters (and ourselves for that matter) are fooled, falling in the devil´s temptation. The acting, the story, the cultural representation of it all, this movie excells in everything. One thing is for sure, Koreans know how to make great movies.

[@dropboxmoabit384]

Public service announcement: You are legally allowed to use copyrighted content for the purpose of reviews under EU laws. YOU DONT HAVE TO MIRROR THE FOOTAGE!!!! I always come to see Ryan's videos right after I finish the respective movie. And this way it always disorients me and crushes my soul that he mirrors all the images as I still have the correct way fresh on my mind.

[@aloneinthedark99]

Finally someone talking about this movie, it's so good

[@carlosrdz9783]

One of the best movies ever! I think this may be my favorite horror film of all times, and I've watched everything horror related I could. This has a little bit of everything. The first time I saw it I was blown away by it and kept thinking about it for days. Nice video. :)

[@MorrisseyMuse]

One of my all time fave horrors! Thanks Ryan! :) I only wish the Blu Ray wasn't so hideously expensive on Amazon!

[@Karin_Allen]

Looking back after seeing the movie, there are many clues as to which characters are truly evil and which one is trying to destroy the demon and help the village. I'll leave a little spoiler space for anyone who wants to bail out. . . . 1. The old man's house is full of pictures of his victims - before and during their possession, then after they die. That's a *total* spoiler right there, but we tend to forget it when the Woman and White appears. We can't tell whose side she's on and the shaman *seems* to be on the side of good. However... 2. The shaman is way too interested in fancy clothes and getting rich; if he was really a good man, he'd be humble. Even his "exorcism" of the girl is full of flashy, even sexy, poses. He's flaunting his true nature. 3. Meanwhile, the Woman in White is so humble that she doesn't even have a home or clothes of her own. She *is* a supernatural creature, but a good one. 4. The shaman said he was going to perform a death hex, but he didn't say who he'd perform it *on.* His target was Jong-goo's daughter, but he fully expected Jong-goo to stop him - thus leaving the daughter possessed while letting her look like she'd recovered. That let her do more damage and plunged Jong-goo into deeper sin. 5. The shaman also said the Japanese man was a shaman "just like me." After watching the movie, you see they *are* alike because they're both evil (though it's hard to say whether the shaman is a demon too or just in the demon's service). 6. The Japanese man's struggle and near-death during the fake exorcism was actually caused by the Woman in White, and she'd have succeeded if the Japanese man didn't get a surge of power from Jong-goo's mistake. Then, as his human body was near death again, he gained another surge of power when Jong-goo sinned by trying to hide the body. 7. The Woman in White told Jong-goo not to go home until the cock crowed three times, but he wavered each time and betrayed her in the end. This echoes Peter's betrayal of Jesus after Jesus' arrest. 8. Meanwhile, the Japanese man mocks Jesus by quoting the words he used after his resurrection and showing a nail home in his palm. In the Bible and various possession films, the devil always mocks God and Jesus. 9. Jong-goo has two sets of three scratches on his face, and he got them both at the Japanese man's house. Three scratches are another sign of the devil mocking the trinity. 10. When the shaman is attacked by moths while driving, that's the Woman in White trying to stop him, although at the time we think it's the Japanese man cursing him. She also tries to stop him when she gives him a huge nose bleed and gush of vomit. 11. When the Woman in White throws stones at the policemen in her first scene, she never hits them. This is intentional. She never hurts anyone but the evil men. She throws the stones in hopes of getting the policemen to talk to her, but throughout the film they're too lazy to do the right thing.

[@passenger128]

Thank you for introducing this film to me, I must see it now. Ironically I was not faithful enough to not have myself spoiled in the end.

[@PrincessAnime172]

This reminds me of the anime Shiki: it was a gory mess however the story is similar. A rural country town is slowly becoming infested and infected by Vampires who disguise themselves as a rich family. People slowly start to lose their humanity when trying to weed out the Vampires. It’s quite tragic and makes you question are the vampires monsters due to trying to find acceptance in their own corner of the world, or are the humans monsters using barbaric methods to defend themselves.

[@girl-di3nn]

I couldn’t finish that anime... one reason may have been because I was 11 and scared but yeah that anime was scary

[@PrincessAnime172]

@@girl-di3nn yeah Shiki can be a bit much if you have a weak stomach or not use to horror. But honestly it’s much more “tame” compared to other anime’s like Blood C for example that is one I would not recommend for sensitive viewers

[@girl-di3nn]

@@PrincessAnime172 bruh the only reason I watched blood C was because I saw it in one of those most brutal anime death list and stupidly thought “it’s not that bad.” I was very wrong. Shiki has nothing on Blood C...

[@PrincessAnime172]

@@girl-di3nn HAHAHAHAHAHA OMG when I saw how much that video got recommended I just laughed since I also showed it to my friends XD

[@shaikhaalsaedi965]

Not the same thing 😂

[@Trickpants]

More than any psychological thriller or horror movie I've seen before, The Wailing actually made me scared of being unable to distinguish the truth from Oni-lies.

[@nikoteardrop4904]

Gotta perform an act of necromancy to point out that this film contains some genuinely laugh-out-loud funny moments. Like, I scared the cat, and I've got the scratches on my legs to prove it. Also, the physical performances from the people experiencing the curse are fucking incredible.

[@judsongaiden9878]

"The Seven Deadly Sins" (which were originally called "The Seven Deadly Vices") aren't mentioned in the Bible.

[@sci-fiwasabi1590]

Just have to say great job with your editing! It takes a shit load of time to find the right scenes and splice them all together with your always amazing analysis. Same goes for all of your videos.

[@NuNugirl]

Being a parent myself, I feel so much pity for the Father, and it made me think of the times my children were in peril with sickness. I pray for Jesus to give me guidance and mercy.

[@thexoxomanda]

The ending of the movie scared the shit out of me. It's such a great movie. I'm glad that you covered it!

[@DiabloDelMer1]

"Unleash the inner animal that we truly are." You been replaying Bloodborne or something?

[@dashy227]

Coming back to watch this again. Incredibly rare finding creators that create videos that can be rewatched. A comment on your profound, well crafted writing good sir

[@arielle452]

Don’t ever change the way you say “however.” I meant it 🥴

[@ourladyofperpetualskepticism]

Doing a rewatch of my favorite analyses you’ve done. I’m so so happy you put me on to this movie because it is one of my all time favorites and also put my dad completely off watching horror movies with me. He says this movie still freaks him out if he thinks about it.

[@turtlezinthesky]

YES this is possibly my favorite horror movie of the last decade

[@joelbautista9224]

This is one of my favorite breakdowns/analysis of one hell of a great story. Thank you, this video is insightful as well as entertaining. I look forward to more!!

[@huntersullivan51]

Your point about the walls around the house is interesting. When I first watched the film I took them as a cultural convention and didn't think much further on them. From a brief search, it would seem that traditional Korean homes have exterior walls as part of their architectural design, and I wonder if the home in the film (and exterior walls on Korean homes in general) would be an extension of that. That said, your other visual point about the isolation of the town does lend to your interpretation, especially with consideration given to the idyllic, unperturbed nature of the town. Thanks for the video!

[@victoriar8003]

Man, I could probably write a whole book about this movie. I think there could be several chapters on the relations between the town and the Japanese man in the context of the historical trauma of the Japanese occupation of Korea.

[@snartdingus]

"imagine your eden... could be your childhood home" well no i watched my mom die there "now imagine something takes over that and destroys it" oh shit guess this movie is gonna get me

[@Kaiseraihn]

The Wailing was such an incredibly chilling movie! I loved your take on it. Keep up the great work!! 😁

[@DarkLordofInsanity]

The Wailing might be a Modern Horror Masterpiece, but does Dead Space make a mark that animated horror can be successful?

[@iliveinsideyourhouse3943]

Let's wait for the uzumaki anime adaptation

[@loganwendigo937]

God the last scenes in the cave shook me up the first time I watched this film.

[@allier1867]

yeah. for me thats real horror. that feeling of dread.

[@scarface44243213]

1st half was pretty good 2nd half: Jaw droppingly masterful

[@T0RSE]

I felt like I was being exorcised during the ritual scene, fr

[@merlin1464]

Damnnit I just remembered that I need to show my dad this movie.

[@versace3520]

I literally watched the movie this week and then my man Ryan made a video on this. I feel blessed

[@sikoo31]

Korean movies just "hit" different. There really isn't an American film I can compare this to

[@Geckotr]

you can't compare yes but it definitely draws inspiration from some American movies

[@nomorepartiezz]

I would say it has similar vibes to the vvitch or the ending of hereditary

[@norbertveress1310]

Man im so happy you made a video about one of my favorite movies

[@swindle9695]

"Take a moment to think of a place that you would consider to be your personal Eden." Me: "Bed. Asleep." "Now imagine this place becoming tainted by something vile and despicable." Me: "THERE'S A COCKROACH OR SPIDER ON MY BED."

[@Yony42]

Or even a Possum D:

[@cmw8426]

Legitimately one of the best films I've ever sat through and I'm by nature a very harsh critic. Utterly captivated from start to finish.

[@ArgyleDinosaur]

This whole time I've been reading "The Wailing" as "The Walking" and I was like "Oh, so... like... It Follows?"

[@micahmiller6326]

I'm so happy that I found someone who also found this movie to be brilliant. The Wailing, Darkness, and Sinister (the first one) are three of my fav slow burn horror movies.