Bedevilled (2010) : “A Haunting Tale of Desperation and Retribution”

Director: Jang Cheol-soo

Starring: Seo Young-hee, Ji Sung-won, Park Jeong-hak

Producers: Han Man-taek

Cinematography: Kim Gi-tae

Music: Kim Tae-seong

Genre: Thriller, Drama

Release Date: September 2, 2010

Runtime: 115 minutes

OTT Platform: Not available

Plot:

The film follows Hae-won, a disillusioned woman from Seoul who visits her childhood friend Bo-Mak on a remote island. She discovers the harsh realities of village life, where Bo-Mak suffers severe abuse. The story unravels a dark narrative of oppression and retribution, culminating in a brutal and emotional climax.

Performances:

Seo Young-hee: She delivered an outstanding performance, portraying a woman completely disconnected from technology and submissively following orders. Her acting was natural and intriguing, truly bringing her character to life.

Ji Sung-won: She excelled in her role, perfectly embodying the character’s ego and selfishness. Her presence was striking and convincing.

Park Jeong-hak: He gave a terrific performance, adding depth to his character as Bo-Mak’s husband.

Baek Soo-ryun: His performance was good, and his characterization as Bo-Mak’s brother-in-law was solid.

Choi Jin-hee: She did a commendable job as Bo-Mak’s daughter.

Elder womens in the village: Their performances were incredibly realistic, portraying the authentic behaviors of village life convincingly.

Technical Aspects:

Direction:

Jang Cheol-soo tackled a small yet poignant concept and did his best to convey it. While the film’s pace might not keep everyone engaged, the emotional core and message come through. He ensured that the performances were strong.

Cinematography:

Kim Gi-tae provided good visual quality.

Music:

Kim Tae-seong’s music didn’t stand out much for me.

Production:

Han Man-taek ensured adequate production values for the movie.

Strengths:

• Performances

• Concept

• Direction

Weakness:

• Pace

My Personal Take On Cinema:

‘Bedevilled’ is a movie with a strong emotional concept, but its slow pace may not appeal to everyone. Some might find it engaging, while others might think it’s just okay or even boring. The director’s attempt to blend emotion and rage into the story is commendable, but the pacing affects the overall experience. Despite its flaws, the film’s concept and the portrayal of Bo-Mak’s experiences are compelling.

Rating: 2.5/5