The Priests (2015)

This movie has quite the low rating on MDL, and if I were to guess the reason, it's probably because of people's expectations. So, before talking about anything else, let me be clear about this one part: It's not a movie that starts with scary alleys and continues with lots of jump-scares throughout the film. Well, okay, it does start with a dark alley. But it's those typical five minutes into the movie to have a starting point and to make the viewers curious.

The plot is nothing new and it reminds a bit of The Rite (with Anthony Hopkins), not so much of the original Exorcism though. Most of the story is pretty calm, it takes its time to introduce the characters through flashbacks which works pretty well in my eyes. But it still doesn't waste time as the story proceeds at the same time to slowly build up the suspense. And when you reach the climax, you'll also get your jump-scares and some bloody byproducts.

The movie works well because the camera and editing did a good job and because the cast was great. They gave life to their characters, and made them convincing and palpable. I can't tell much about Kim Yoon Seok or Kang Dong Won because I haven't seen either much with them or anything at all. If I did, it's been so long that I can't remember. But they were splendid. I do know Park So Dam and I also know that she's a great rising actress. She didn't let me down here either and her performance of a quite peculiar figure was excellent.

So, for me an enjoyable ride and a nice presentation of a Christian exorcism in a modern Korea. Of course, still kinda predictable but it's always interesting to see how far and in which directions the movie makers go with the exorcism elements. If you expect something scary and want to hide behind your sofa every few seconds, don't watch this. But if you're fan of the cast and don't mind calmer horror films that focus a bit more on the characters' relations, then be welcome and go ahead.

(But I have to advise you to find good subs, because those are essential to bond with the characters and make you invested in them)

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This isn't a movie that is suited for everyone.
The story is really unique in the Korean movie business. I personaly have seen many American ones about exorcism but never one in Korean, so I really liked that. It gives you from start untill end a myserious vibe. The dark themes, the buildings and actors helped greatly in giving off this creepy feeling. But, I wish they didn't threw in some unessecary things (the past of Choi & Kim VS. rest of the fathers).
The could have threw it in there, but they should have build more development around those extra side stories, so I am quite dissapointed in that.
The cast was splendid, I love Kang Dong Won's work and Park So Dam is alsy a great actress, she can fill in any type of role in a movie! Even though the action is in the last 40 minutes of the movie the actors keep you interested.
The music really fitted the 'exocrism' theme, so this also helped building up tension in this movie.

Watch this if you like exorcism and a bit gory movie.
Skip this if you expect romance and full on action.

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