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Harry loves Park Chan Wook's THIRST!
I have been dying to see Park Chan Wook's latest film, THIRST. Mainly because I had no idea what a Vampire story from his amazing vantage point would look like. Would there be new Vampire rules? Would it be a recognizable vampire story? Or would it be something entirely new? Coming from South Korea - I was anticipating the latter. THIRST did not disappoint. It is a vampire story. But it is so much more than that. This is primarily a psycho-sexual tale of mutual addiction. In many ways it resembles a great film that I've seen recently called IN THE REALM OF THE SENSES by Nagisa Oshima back in 1976. In Oshima's film you have two people that become so entwined, so sexually high on one another and to topping each high with something crazier, wilder, more irresponsible. That spirals wildly out of control. Now Park's THIRST is no where near as graphic, sexually speaking, as IN THE REALM OF THE SENSES, but it is very much a kindred spirit. Kang-Ho Song plays a virginal priest named Sang-Hyeon. He's dedicated his life to the Priesthood - and is so selfless, that he volunteers to be infected with a truly awful virus that ravages the body into a messy death - all to try a cure that thus far, had not worked. Through the process, through the ravaging of his body he intends to grow closer to his savior, Jesus Christ, his dream to hear God. But in the end, his savior was not God, but an anonymous Vampire blood donor that infected him, turned him and cured him. He becomes legendary as the "Bandaged Saint". People want his blessings, pray for his blessings. Through a rather innocent occurrence at the hospital he is stationed at, he meets the mother of a childhood friend, whose wife was another childhood friend. Had Sang-hyeon never met Tae-Joo. He probably would have just remained a sad sack vampire, sucking upon the comatose and his blind father. But no. He found Tae-Joo and she him. Two miserable spirits that find solace, a measured degree of happiness with one another. But this is a mistake. This is wrong. It begins sexually. An abused woman forced into a relationship with her adopted brother/husband. Treated like Harry Potter in his muggle home. The kindness of this Priest and his curiosity with her, her body, her sensuality. It calls to him. It screams at him to betray his vows of celibacy, but his faith has begun to falter in the wake of his undead nature. So their sexual relationship begins. Passion is found where it was missing in both. In each other they find someone that can never have enough. Add to this - Vampirism... and you've got a formula for something truly perverse. Murder is done. It gets worse, the problems grow, the psychological toll is taken and it grows and grows. Where it is headed is something that only you should discover as the film progresses, but let me tell you... the film is intensely erotic, horrifying and oddly romantic. The visual effects of the film are kind of amazing. It isn't just that they can fly, but it is the way the camera moves with them, the way we follow the characters - it feels... somehow... personal. Like we're the bird on their shoulder for the ride. It is intoxicating, because I'm not entirely sure how it was done, but I love watching it. The sex is sexy. The violence is brutal and disgusting. And the magic of vampirism is magic. This is a truly great Vampire story, adult and intense. If you want something with teeth, this will quench your THIRST! I'm sorry. That line just made me laugh so hard, but I really do mean it. This is one of the absolute best films I've seen this year.
Readers Talkback
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Ha! sorry, had to do it.
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did this just post?
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Silver & Bronze!
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I can appreciate that technologically this was an impressive movie. I wouldn't deny that at all. And there are lots of cool character/story elements as well. BUT - all of those are pretty much ruined by this disjointed affair. It's a poorly structured film that goes on far too long. There is a GREAT movie somewhere in here, but let's not give this a free pass just because it's "artsy" international cinema.
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Your Funny People review was crazily short and out of character (where was the story about George Carlin being an inspiration as you grew up etc?). Now this one too! What's up Harry? I was actually looking forward to a Carlin rant from you. The guy was a genius.
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So I guess Park suceeded in creeping me out... of the park! Zing!
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I expected him to talk about the time that he met Park Chan-wook or the time that a woman offered to enter into a sexual and vampiric relationship with her.
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No one, And I mean no one make's films like this fella here. A true artist of the medium. He has that kubrickian eye for framing. Everyone of his films so far is drop dead gorgeous. Save for "JSA". Note to spielberg, please stay far far away from anything named "OLDBOY", im begging you. While you're at it, convince the suits to do the same. That film was a masterpiece and should be left alone. Don't give me that "we're staying closer to the original manga than that film did" bullshit. LEAVE IT ALONE. I cannot wait to see this for I have'nt been able to get ahold of "Im a Cyborg" and i need a Chan-Wook fix stat. Hope this gets a solid wide release.
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I'm just saying.
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last vampire movie this site and its talkbackers was drooling over was Let The Right One In and my god....was that ever boring. i did like the little girl, she did a good job but the movie itself....man....glad i saw it for free on television.
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Because nothing can be said without ONCE mentioning some retarded licenses ? Using a Harry Potter reference in a Park Chan Wook review ? Well, there's where I stopped reading. Now I know this website I made a crowd of nerds. I like it this way. But please, stop comparing everything to whatever shitty movies with fantasy/sci-fi made in the past 30 years. It's like everything is somehow linked to Starwars, the Matrix or LOTR (to name a few). Get better references or stop trying to sound educated !
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I almost bought the Criterion of his Empire of Passion tonight. Ended up passing though, as I'd never seen it and I need to stop purchasing DVDs of movies I've never seen.
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which is stupid because this movie looks really good and interesting. The best parts of the trailers are the apparent flying stuff, that looks very fluid and natural. Just the little glimpses I've seen have been eyecatching.
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... Being so damn confusing with your writing. I can't tell who you're talking about half the time when you have sentences missing subject-verb agreements.
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You throw out character names and relationships like we're already au fait with the film and know its intricacies. It makes your reviews difficult to read.
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What were the chances you WOULDN'T like it Harry? Nil. <p> And yeah, the moronic Potter analogy. WTF dude?
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was THE HOST, which was a giant monster movie, and excellent at that. Most of the Asian horror I've seen all seems the same (Ring, Grudge, etc). I hope this will be better, but Im wont know for another 6 months at least, as I'll have to wait for the DVD as our theater chain specialises in bad 'top 40' American cinema only.
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Harry is Thirsty for Cheezeburgerz! Get it? Get it guys? Seriously, he is one huge fatass fuck!
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I am told the pale skin and long hair parted down the middle look is nothing less than the traditional Korean concept of a ghost. Kind of mandatory. I think the robe is important tool. The only things up for grabs are accessories -- belt, shoes, handbag.
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Yes I did, quite a chuckle about that one.
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...a "Japanese" film, and therefore boring, where I had meant to say Asian. While I realize the two are not interchangeable, it doesn't change the fact that with the exception of some Hong Kong movies, I tend to think Asian films are extremely boring. No, I didn't like "Oldboy", and I don't care how wrong you think I am. Haven't seen "Host". About the only non-HK asian film I've enjoyed in the last 10 years was "Battle Royale".
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As of this weekend, The Hangover has made $255,776,000, topping Star Trek's $254,642,000.
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Despite covering a lot (perhaps predominantly, sorry) of drivel, I must admit there's some absolutely stunning choices of films hidden away in smaller columns and articles - the DVD releases of the week especially. Harry, you do have great taste, and I'm glad you like this one so much.
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I was hoping the old boy wouldn't disappoint. Good job.
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In the scheme of Park's films, where does this one fit? At the moment I rank them as Oldboy, Lady Vengeance, JSA and Sympathy for Mr Vengeance (Haven't seen I'm a Robot). Where might Thirst slot into that list?</p> I reckon that just between the oeuvres of Park Chan-Wook and Bong Joon-Ho alone, Korean cinema kicks the arse of most non-hollywood markets.
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Well - there was emotional violence, for sure, but not blood and guns violence. I'm talking about THE AGE OF INNOCENCE, but could also be talking about KING OF COMEDY. Or maybe, nearly, AFTER HOURS. Anyway, the point being he stretched himself. Like when Howard Hawks went from westerns to comedies, or when John Ford went from westerns to war films. Anyway.
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Nor ALICE DOESN'T LIVE HERE ANY MORE, or NEW YORK NEW YORK, or his segment of NEW YORK STORIES, or THE AVIATOR...
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I really didn't see any point to that movie. It was just graphic sex. No idea why it deserved a Criterion release. But then again, even Armageddon got one!
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is exploring the eternal emptiness of existence and the inevitable failure of using obsessive, compulsive, carnality as a means to avoid the Endless Nothing, culminating with the ultimate outcome of death and castration. <br><br>In short: I think you have to be an adult and/or have lived a little, seen the highs and lows, fucked a ton of girls, still being dissatisfied in general with the Mindnumbing Pointlessness of Existence, in order to appreciate the film. Come back to it when your older and more jaded and it will open up to you.
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I rented In the Realm of the Senses at Harry's recommendation and found it not erotic but repulsive. I'm with cornhol and did not see any point to it other than to shock. Raping an old woman until she urinates on herself which the vile couple fines amusing. Dipping fried wantons into the woman's privates and then eating it (not sexy, just gross) and then sticking a hard boiled egg up there for good measure. I would avoid this Criterion Collection (Really?!) at all costs, especially if you want to continue to find asian women hot.
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That will help you remember how cute and hot Asian girls can be.
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was there ever any doubt... I am not saying the this film doesn't deserve the praise as I have not seen it, but I could see this review coming a mile away. Harry is very predictable - and that does not in any way infer that he is consistent, just predictable.
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Are people entertained by this shit? WTF Harry
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The only one who seems to be worth the effort is Kelly Choi. Mmmmmm....
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make it happen.
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I agree with one of the posters up there begging Spielberg and Will Smith to stay the fuck away from Oldboy. The fact that they are sticking "Closer to the Manga" is a slap in the face to the original movie, as if a remake was necessary because the original lacked something. <br> <br> There's a certain conceit that goes along with remaking a movie like Oldboy but doing it differently. The original was perfect, let it alone. <br> <br> As far as In The Realm Of The Senses, I just bought it the other day, as there's not much Criterion to choose from on Blu-Ray, so I bought based on the Criterion name alone, not knowing much about it. I took it to Disc Replay the same night. I understand art and subtext and exposition. It's not like I didn;t get it or missed something. It's just a disgusting, horrible film that shouldn;t be mentioned in the same breath as Criterion. But as someone else mentioned above, even Armageddon got a Criterion release, fuck...even Salo did.
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"If you want something with teeth, this will quench your THIRST!"
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- Harry Knowles, Aint-It-Cool-News
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Aug. 3, 2009, 5:04 p.m. CST
I'm seeing this!!! BTW, saw Blood and it was quite good!
by HollywoodHellraiser
The young woman who played Saya is a cutie and didn't cornball her role! Too bad the other actors besides(old guy) took their parts way too seriously.
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with every Park Chan-Wook movie. He hasn't failed me yet. Tremendously creative with a singular vision in the film world. I wonder what he'd do with an episode of "Lost"?
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grr. arrg.
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Great fucking idea! I wonder if the bad robot boys surf the talkbacks. Lets hope cause it would be a match made in heaven.(not sarcasm)
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I'm going to the Chinese buffett down the block now.
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THE HUNGER yet. By the title of this film I'd think there was a homage of sorts going on.
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FHIRST!!! :D :D
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District 9 review??????????
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GNnutWPb <a href="http://tbcuhw.com/ ">vBYJzmN</a>
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