The Divine Fury

This is the first Korean production I've seen in a movie theater and what a difference it makes (duh!), not only the large screen but the sound effects. That's because Korean films are generally not shown in American markets. Wish they were more widely available. This is a story about faith and good triumphing over evil. This movie is intense, scary at times, and will make your skin crawl. But it also evokes emotions, joy, and relief! It is not cheesy. It is extremely well acted, directed, choreographed, and believable with good special effects. Kudos to Park Seo Joon and the other actors who all stayed in character and performed well. You forget they are acting. Unlike the seminal film, the Exorcist, there is no vulgarity, excessive swearing, and blasphemy (the reason I rarely watch contemporary American films), but the shock value is there and the message is powerful. If properly marketed, this film can be as popular as Train to Busan, and representative of the impressive Korean film industry. As a Christian (protestant) viewer, I heartily recommend this film whether you are a believer or not as it is entertaining, not offensive. You will cheer! Bravo!

It is good but I have seen better exorcist-type movie. Particularly like the conversation between Park and Father Ahn. Fighting scenes were great, tension building was good. Overall a good Friday movie if you are looking for something scary to watch.

Here's the Lowedown on "Divine Fury" (NR - 2019 - Blu)

Genre: Horror/Paranormal/Martial My Score: 6.9

Cast=4 Acting=8 Plot=7 Ending=9 Story=6 Scare=4 Jump=4 F/X=9 Creep=10 Fights=8

After his father's death, a man turns from his faith and becomes an MMA fighter. When a stigmata appears on his hand, he seeks the help of a priest only to get caught up in a fight he never anticipated.

"When my father died...God did nothing." This Korean film was a lot of fun. Not particularly scary, but good fight and exorcism scenes made for a solid watch. It was like taking 'Constantine' and throwing in some Mortal Kombat for good measure. Ultimately, I think it was trying a bit too hard to be a good possession movie and a good martial arts movie...but they came close to making it work.

It's a promising movie to watch where there are no major faults in story plot or acting or cinematography. You are kept hooked always by Interesting elements throughout, making the long run-time of 129 minutes easily passed by unnoticed.

Great charisma and chemistry displayed by the two main actors, Ahn Sung Ki and Park Seo Joon. The big generation gap was well handled and they made a believable team to root for. Really impressed by the funny and warm moments between the Heroes in face of a serious battle against Evil.

Visually appealing overall whereby certain scenes made good impressions but unfortunately, not memorable enough to leave a lasting impact.

If I am to point out any major minus, it would be on lack of narrative of the Villain. Though Woo Do Hwan managed to portray a very sinister and powerful Big Bad character through his acting, his agenda (plot design) is simply not insidious enough to intimidate the audience. This is made worse by how little the interaction time between Villain and the Heroes. In my opinion, if the plot focus more on friction between the two sides instead of the Villain solo act of evil deeds, the result would have been different, a lot!

Summary in one word would be "Harmonious". With some minor adjustments, it could have been "Awesome". Thus, I give an additional star for Effort (it should have been 8/10) as I look forward to its sequel.

I am amazed watching this movie on a Catholic point of view. It did not fail to convey its deepest message to the viewers. It did not just entertain the viewers. It somehow inspires the viewers about the Power of good over evil. God's victory over His adversary, the devil. The storyline and the acting were crafted very well. The characters of the story stood out. The horror aspect about this movie is in the story not the exagerated sound effects like other movies that tends to make the viewers jump on their feet. It is both an epic spiritual warfare and a physical battle between good and wvil that intensifies more the entertainment and captures the heart of the viewers. I totally enjoyed it.