K-Pop Demon Hunters: My Analysis

     K-Pop Demon Hunters is all the rage with young'uns. I was introduced to it by one of them. At first I couldn't fathom the fascination for this movie that played on repeat on Netflix while this demographic delighted in every rewatch. 

A stolen glance, a distracted head looking-up from my computer and the words and ideas began streaming into my consciousness until, little by little, I began to understand the story.

I must confess, I came with a lot of preconceived notions when this movie was played in my living room - all snazzy-colorful, modern, with this sharp anime-style visual aesthetic - that invoked my disdain. 

The thing about young'uns is that the more you hang around them and allow your heart to be open, the more you receive joy and delight. 

Now, I'm as hooked as them to the movie, the uplifting songs and goosebump-inducing end. 

I've had racing thoughts about the movie the few times I have rewatched it and I wanted to jot them down. I do enjoy analysis.

This movie follows the classic good-versus-evil, light-will-prevail arc to the story that will always appeal to the human spirit. Within that trajectory, setting the stage with the backstory of women rising to defend the land and their people with an unlikely but powerful weapon - their voices - and in doing so becoming warriors of sorts tugs at your heartstrings. 

I find it so interesting the use of voice as a weapon to fight the darkness because of the layered meaning of voice - speaking your truth and the vibration of sounds. That's powerful. Kind of like 'the pen is mightier than the sword'. 

Like a nesting Russian doll, within that initial story setting, I love that the plot line that warriors of this evil are women. And, that the torch is passed generation after generation to women. It's symbolic and powerful at the same time - the matriarchal role of protectress and stewardess. 

When I researched the making of the film online, I discovered that the makers traveled to South Korea for extensive research to get details about daily life right, and it shows because the movie feels different in what it portrays, especially the three girls chowing down delicious food and dining customs. I was blown away to find out that the characters' mouth movements are animated to show Korean pronunciation. There's an excellent article by the BBC that dives in depth.

For me, the colors, textures, sounds and other details came together to solidify a story that touches the soul. Everything came together and it all worked together to touch the soul. 

At first, I was concerned about the portrayal of dark characters - the demons. However, the young'uns dance around daily talking about being 'Hunters'. That tells me that they have made choices in their little heads to stand by and be the ones overcoming darkness. On further thought, I think it's good that evil is shown, reality is not brushed under the carpet. But, fighting it is emphasized and that sticks. 

That BBC article alluded to how the movie displayed shame as something can drag you down through the demon characters and acknowledging the parts of you you're ashamed about gives you power. Yes, that's a strong message in the movie and an important one. 

The adult in me was annoyed at Rumi for striking up conversations with the three-eyed magpie and the blue-striped tiger. 'Stay in your lane', my head kept saying. But, if I look at that story point differently, if Rumi had not been open to the experience of talking to these creatures and Jinu, she probably wouldn't learn more information that would eventually allow her to introspect and transform her shame into power. 

I wasn't a fan of the way the male characters were introduced with only the girls falling for them, and not vice-versa. To me, that looked like a giving away of power on the part of the girls. I was also disappointed by the end where Jinu steps in and then gives Rumi more power through his sacrifice. I felt like that should have been her moment and her victory (or the girls') alone without this guy-demon messing things up first and then taking credit so to speak for the final vanquishment. I guess I would have been a happier viewer without that romantic angle between them. 

I'm looking at this from a human-problems lens and not Korean shamanism that I just got introduced to and so don't know too much of. It's very cool to though to have a mainstream movie with a story embedded in spirits, souls and ancient ritualistic wisdom. 

The book that I'm writing that I referenced in my posts (titled Home) is called 'Under the Shadow of Swords' so I loved every time the girls conjured the saingeom, gok-do and shin-kal in their hands. 

The last couple of mentions - Bobby, the Huntrix's manager is stable, just like a Craton or Samwsie Gamgee. And the girls' friendship even though tested but staying strong is ultimately what gets you through in life - support and community.