Genre: Horror
Director: Chan-wook Park
Writers: Seo-Gyeong Jeong, Chan-wook Park, Emile Zola
Cast: Kang-ho Song , Ok-vin Kim, Hae-sook Kim, Ha-kyun Shin, In-hwan Park
MPAA Rating: R (for graphic bloody violence, disturbing images, strong sexual content, nudity and language)
Summary: A priest unwillingly becomes a vampire. How does he cope with his condition morally and spiritually? He falls in love and the real seduction begins.
Run time: 133 min.
“Thirst” is more of a love story (however wrong or messed-up) than a vampire-horror film. It is about a priest who becomes a vampire through an infusion of blood used to try to save his life from a medical experiment attempting to cure a fatal disease. He is a good and pious man, but this new condition of his opens his life to the pleasures of sin. He needs blood and does not kill, but he falls in love with the wife of a childhood friend and the seduction begins.
It’s almost hard to write a non-spoiling review because I am so tempted to reveal how very interesting the story is. The twists and turns that release the storyline is a remarkable journey in story-telling.
This film turns the traditional allure and romance of a vampire story on its head. Vampirism here is used as a vehicle to reveal the true nature of a person rather than a cheap reason for gore. There is no excessive blood-letting in this movie (there’s just the right amount). Instead it is a very realistic version of what vampirism could be like. I’ll expose a little spoiler here: no fangs!
“Thirst” carries an intriguing mix of humor and horror that will leave you disturbed and laughing all at the same time. It is not a “Shawn of the Dead” or “Cursed” kind of funny- it’s more funny-disturbing than funny-ha-ha. At times, the film is even tender and cute, balancing out other parts that make you cringe! That said, the outstanding sound editing in this film is worth a remarking on.
Chan-wook Park sets up an air of suspense/ tension within the context with all the supporting characters. The story is revealing of the characters without needing overt special effects to wow you. I am also particularly impressed by the unexpected camera work that keeps you guessing of where we’re going and what we are going to see next. Coming from Park Chan-Wook, director of “Old Boy”, the level of violence, sex, and horror is just right for the story he’s telling. The gore is not showy, but borders on curious, while being survivalist.
Kang-ho Song who plays Priest Sang-hyeon and Ok-vin Kim who plays Tae-joo, his love interest, deliver superb performances that propel the film’s storyline.
Chan-wook Park’s “Thirst” is the best vampire movie that I have seen in recent memory. I am simply delighted with this film! It is no wonder that it won the Jury Prize at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.
“Thirst” is out in theaters in limited release.
I give “Thirst” Four Out of Five Stars
