Yeogo goedam 4: Moksori

Thing that I can appreciate about this movie series is that it keeps reinventing itself with each movie. Even though the main premise always remains the same, they still manage to come up with new fresh takes on it.

This movie is perhaps the most original one of its series, when it comes down to its approach but at the same time I also really wouldn't want to call it the best one of the its series.

The thing that makes this movie original is its approach. Instead of being a typical ghost story, it tries to be a more emotionally involving one, by actually telling large part of the story from the viewpoint of an actual ghost. So people who are expecting an horror, with all of the thrills and scares that go along with this, will perhaps feel cheated and disappointed by this movie but those who want something 'different' for a change will surely be able to appreciate this.

But the movie itself is only half good really. So yes, it has an original approach to its genre but it is only able to do so much with it. The movie runs out of steam about halfway through and when the movie picks up pace again the story suddenly becomes needlessly complicated and hard to follow, which is also a bit in contrast with the rest of the movie.

Other than that this movie is one fine and originally done genre movie, that never becomes truly bad but in the end also never really stands out in any way, despite its original approach.

6/10

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The image of a lone student, traveling the inescapable corridors of a school after dark is quite haunting, her silhouette visible through the windows of the campus, as an unidentifiable force toys with the school's lighting. Is the young lady to blame, or is there something more sinister at work? This is just one scene from Voice, the fourth film in the Whispering Corridors franchise, where a spooky and disturbing ambiance is accompanied by not only visual terror, but sound, that proves to be as equally fear provoking. Despite darkness often becoming clichéd and annoying in some horror films to halter the audience from seeing the lead antagonist, here, the tactic is effectively used, the childhood fear of the dark returning to haunt adult audiences and characters alike, the impressive use of effects adding to the terror, making Voice the most visually stunning of this particular horror franchise.

The cover art on the American release of Voice, depicts a hand violently tearing its way out from a woman's mouth. Although there are more than a couple scenes with blood, much like its predecessors, this stand alone horror film does not depend on graphic violence to shock its audience. Additionally, much like the previous features, themes concerning friendship, love and jealousy are prominent, and like Memento Mori and Wishing Stairs, the story is also equipped with lesbianism.

Characters are intellectually portrayed, with emotional connections between characters and the audience been effectively constructed to build a poignant storyline. This is heightened, again, in contrast with Memento Mori, where the viewer is provided with a beautiful scene, which is later revealed to be sad or gruesome once it's put in perspective. Initially it can be difficult to ascertain where these flashbacks fit within the story, originally feeling like a continuation of the central plot.

Seon-min's (Ji-hye Seo) best friend Young-eon (Ok-Bin Kim), is the most talented singer in an all girl's high school, her voice delightfully serenading viewer's ears. One night, she stays behind after dark inside the confine's of the music room to work on her vocal capabilities, only to be murdered by an unrecognizable assailant. Her body is no where to be found the following morning, many suspecting her to simply be absent, though Seon-min thinks otherwise, her thoughts eventually been confirmed.

Unlike other ghost stories where specters can be viewed physically, only Young-eon's auditory capabilities remain, and though the audience can clearly see her character standing beside her best friend, Seon-min is only capable of hearing her voice. This uniquely entertaining prospect is accompanied by the focus on the ghost, Young-eon's perspective after becoming an apparition been as equally focused upon as the other central characters. Unable to leave the grounds of the high school, we discover that she is as equally vulnerable to fear in her current state, as she was when alive, this vulnerability been transferred onto the audience.

As the story continues, the mystery behind Young-eon's death is unraveled, as Seon-min, alongside fellow student Cho-ah (Ye-ryeon Cha) investigate who killed her from the list of suspects, and why. By the end of the feature, some questions remain unanswered, but unlike other Whispering Corridors films, this doesn't always feel like a deliberate tactic, as much as it does an overlooked plot point. Sometimes shocking, sometimes surprising, and often unpredictable, Voice dares to ask its viewers, even in death, do we truly know who we are?

I uses IMDb a lot to check on movies. But I've never bothered to register and leave any comments. This is my first time leaving a comment for a movie, because I think this movie is worth to recommend to those who is bored of lame Asian horror movies.

Although I'm not very old, but I've seen really a lot of horror movies from many countries. And this one is the best I've ever seen (only personal opinion though).

From the beginning till the end there isn't one disgusting scene or sudden appearing to just visually scare people. From my point of view, i think it's good really, as long as it can still scare me (and it did).

Although a few points in the movie is not very logical (maybe I'm a picky person, I do care logic a lot even when I watch entertaining horror movies), but still i think it's very success as a horror movie with class.

One more thing I still have to mention is the music. It's the best part of the movie, i think. I'm really looking forward to the release of its OST.

First of all, for those who expect to be scared out of their mind with this film - you will be disappointed but if you look at this film from a different angle, you will find this film really touches on how loneliness can alienate all of us whether we are alive or dead.

The film tells how a girl Young-eon, a talented singer in her high school is murdered by a music sheet (sounds ridiculous but it will make sense when you watch it) and ends up becoming a ghost - only her best friend can hear her and help her find out what happened.

What the film explores is the feeling of being lonely and also being remembered. The two lead actresses do a great job in portraying the emotions and confusion of two teenagers and also bring out their friendship in a believable way. The film I would say is more psychologically driven in the thriller mode and it's pace is more steady which gives you time to get to know the characters.

Some scenes are spooky, and the film has an ambiguous atmosphere (as most Asian horrors do) so they keep you watching till the end so you can uncover all the mystery of the plot. I prefer horror films where you can have some emotional substance as it can sometimes take a turn that just shatters you - this film doesn't do that but makes you sympathise with the characters as well as be slightly spooked out.

The ending perhaps is a bit cliché - and also makes you question the main protagonists position in her actions and if she would do that (so much for friendship - that's all I'm saying) but overall I enjoyed this film and didn't bore me compared to some other Asian horror's I've seen in the past few days (Doll Master for one).

This installment is the strongest of the "Whispering Corridors" series. The rule system regarding the communication between the ghosts and humans is interesting, and is utilized well when everything comes together near the end of the film. There is limited (yet successful) use of special effects and the night time atmosphere is very good, using dark red lighting on numerous occasions that rivals the beauty of Dario Argento's "Suspiria." Everything about this movie screams quality, from the interesting storyline to the excellent acting to the effective, stylish horror elements. The scene that plays during the closing credits is something really special. This is a beautiful film with fantastic scriptwriting.

The sense of friendship is much stronger in "Voice" than in any of its predecessors. This is due mostly to the fact that the movie is seen through the eyes of the ghost instead of the living schoolgirl, which automatically humanizes the spirit instead of portraying it as some inhuman entity that floats around. In addition, the supporting characters are very likable and important in the storyline this time around; the third actress (playing the allegedly psychotic student) gives one of the best performances in the entire film. Finally, the play on ghostly voices is really great stuff because the strength of the ghost's voice is a direct gauge on the strength of her existence.

The horror elements may not be the scariest of the "Whispering Corridors" series (that nod goes to "Wishing Stairs"), but they are very unique (especially the elevator scene). If you're looking for anything more than a few tame deaths you'll most definitely be disappointed. No matter though, this film is still magnificent anyways.

Fans of Hollywood horror may be disappointed that the teen girls in this movie are actually somewhat mature and likable. I know American audiences tend to like their teens as trashy and stupid as humanly possible, but the girls in Voice are very intelligent and classy. This may prove "boring" for your typical teenie bopper surfer kids who like American slasher movies, which is yet another reason to watch this movie. Oh, and this film does make sense. Check out my explanation thread on the IMDb message board.

In all honesty, the only South Korean horror film that beats "Voice" out is "A Tale of Two Sisters." But then again, that movie beats everything out anyways. :)