The witch is a mythical character found in many folklore tales and legends. Often depicted as a sinister and evil figure, the witch has long been associated with casting spells, brewing potions, and practicing dark magic. However, the concept of a witch has evolved over time and has been portrayed in different ways across various cultures. In modern times, the image of a witch has become more complex, with many narratives challenging traditional stereotypes. While the witch is still depicted as having supernatural abilities, there is a growing recognition of the power and agency that these characters possess. They are often portrayed as wise and knowledgeable, using their skills for good or for their own interests rather than solely for malevolent purposes.
Park’s film hedges on the vengeance of this girl, and her anger over her upbringing, one as a lab subject of sorts. The Witch: Part 1 The Subversion brings together elements of young adult novels and stories of the last 20 years, along with the fast-paced action of large scale set pieces, like the ones seen in the James Bond franchise. That’s not hyperbole, either. The action is riveting, and if the plot doesn’t reel you in, the action gives any viewer a good reason to keep watching, though you’ll have to stomach large quantities of blood and bullets.
One, a young boy, is retrieved, but the other, a young girl, takes off into the woods and escapes to a remote country house where she is adopted by an elderly couple and raised as their own. The cinematography by Kim Young-ho and Lee Teo is amazing, and really sells the top notch action choreography once the film makes its dramatic switch from witch hunt to action movie.
They are often portrayed as wise and knowledgeable, using their skills for good or for their own interests rather than solely for malevolent purposes. The archetype of the witch has also been linked to ideas of feminism and female empowerment. In some interpretations, the witch represents the strength and resilience of women in a patriarchal society, challenging societal norms and expectations with their unconventional practices and beliefs.
‘The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion’ Review: You Need This Kick-Ass Movie In Your Life
There is nothing quite like South Korean genre cinema. From the tonal mastery that sees them instantly move from pathos to pratfalls, to plots denser but far tastier than year-old fruit cake, to the sheer beauty and brutality of their action sequences, Korean filmmakers create dark magic on a regular basis while the rest of the world bathes in their glory. The Man from Nowhere, Lady Vengeance, The Chaser, Confession of Murder, I Saw the Devil, to name just a few. Last year’s most deliriously thrilling export was The Villainess, a film that pairs an elaborately convoluted story with mesmerizing fights and action set-pieces, and now 2018 has found its own kinetic masterclass from Korea.
A dark and no longer sterile medical facility sees its walls turned red as adult attendees and child wards are slaughtered. Two kids escape into the surrounding woods, but while the boy is caught the girl makes it to an old couple’s farm before collapsing in silence. They take her in, and a decade later Ja-yoon (Kim Da-mi) is a happy high-schooler using her charm and wits to help keep her adoptive parents farm in the black. An opportunity arrives in a televised singing contest held in a nearby city, but while Ja-yoon’s after the prize money it’s unwanted attention she finds instead.
The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion is a mealy mouthful of a title, but it’s worth mumbling along with en route to one hell of an action/thriller. Writer/director Park Hoon-jung previously delivered Korean thrillers as varied as New World, The Tiger, and V.I.P., but it’s his script for Kim Jee-woon’s I Saw the Devil that he’s currently most revered for. The Witch might just change that as it teases elements of Nikita, Psychokinesis, X-Men, Hanna, and last year’s brilliant Thelma.
Overly convoluted plots are typically a death knell for action movies as they slow things down and risk losing audiences, but Korean cinema has a knack for loading the screen with story turns and dramatic reveals one atop the next that elevate the fun rather than bog it down. Here we’re gifted with amnesia, secret government training, parental mysteries, competing abilities, and an amateur singing competition, and all of it swirls together into a concoction that’s both grimly dramatic and blistering fun.
I’m avoiding the majority of the plot details as the genre maelstrom is best experienced first-hand, but just know that the story goes both where you expect and where you don’t. Exposition explaining it all is repetitive and overwrought at times, but happily the chaos and antics surrounding it are typically plenty distracting so as to make it forgivable.
The film is a stylish joy throughout, but its two biggest strengths are its action and its lead. Fight scenes are fast and mean with sharply choreographed brawls sending characters into walls and beyond, and the conflicts range from hand to hand combat to gun play to other more specialized abilities. Park captures the sequences with an eye for detail and effect, and while most of the action is inside tight quarters it never fails to impress thanks to a combination of execution and Kim Young-ho‘s cinematography.
As the only film on Kim Da-mi’s IMDB page this is one hell of a calling card, and in addition to a sequel she should probably expect more offers soon. She convinces on the action front — thanks in part to the magic of film-making — but just as importantly she offers an incredibly compelling performance as a teenager suddenly thrust into situations beyond her expectation or understanding. Her distress at her parents’ dilemma is tangible, and it’s only heightened by the arrival of assassins, hit squads, and killers. (Redundant, maybe, but there are a lot of them!)
As the title states, The Witch is a part one, and while it delivers a highly satisfying whole its ending suggests a lot more fun to come. Hopefully soon…
Rob Hunter has been writing for Film School Rejects since before you were born, which is weird seeing as he's so damn young. He's our Chief Film Critic and Associate Editor and lists 'Broadcast News' as his favorite film of all time. Feel free to say hi if you see him on Twitter @FakeRobHunter.
As the only film on Kim Da-mi’s IMDB page this is one hell of a calling card, and in addition to a sequel she should probably expect more offers soon. She convinces on the action front — thanks in part to the magic of film-making — but just as importantly she offers an incredibly compelling performance as a teenager suddenly thrust into situations beyond her expectation or understanding. Her distress at her parents’ dilemma is tangible, and it’s only heightened by the arrival of assassins, hit squads, and killers. (Redundant, maybe, but there are a lot of them!)
Furthermore, the witch has been used as a symbol of otherness and a scapegoat throughout history. Particularly during the witch trials of the 16th and 17th centuries, many individuals, predominantly women, were accused of witchcraft and persecuted. This dark chapter in history reflects the fear and ignorance that surrounded the concept of the witch and the consequences that ensued. Overall, the concept of the witch is multifaceted and continues to captivate the imaginations of people worldwide. Whether depicted as a malevolent force or a powerful figure challenging societal norms, the witch remains a significant and intriguing character in folklore and popular culture..
Reviews for "Witchcraft Spells and Rituals: Part 1"
1. Emily - 2 stars
I found "Examine the Witch Part 1" to be rather disappointing. The storyline was weak and predictable, and the characters lacked depth. The acting was also subpar, with some performances feeling forced and unnatural. Additionally, the special effects were quite lackluster and failed to create a sense of awe. Overall, the film felt rushed and poorly executed, leaving me uninterested in watching the rest of the series.
2. Jason - 2 stars
I was underwhelmed by "Examine the Witch Part 1". The plot was intriguing at first, but it quickly became convoluted and confusing. The pacing felt off, with the story jumping from one event to another without allowing time for proper development. The acting was average, but I found it difficult to engage with the characters as they lacked depth and relatability. The special effects were also disappointing, as they felt outdated and unrealistic. Overall, "Examine the Witch Part 1" failed to deliver a captivating and enjoyable experience.
3. Sarah - 3 stars
I had high expectations for "Examine the Witch Part 1", but unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype. The story had potential, but it fell flat due to poor execution. The pacing was off, with some scenes dragging on while others felt rushed. The characters were shallow and lacked proper development, making it difficult to connect with them. The acting was decent, but it couldn't save the film from its weak script. The film's saving grace was its atmospheric cinematography, but even that couldn't make up for its other shortcomings. Overall, "Examine the Witch Part 1" was a missed opportunity that left me feeling unsatisfied.
4. Michael - 2 stars
"Examine the Witch Part 1" was a disappointing film in my opinion. The plot lacked originality and felt like a rehash of other supernatural thrillers. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, and I found it hard to root for or sympathize with them. The pacing was off, with the story dragging on at times and then rushing through important plot points. The special effects were also underwhelming, failing to create any sense of awe or excitement. Overall, I was left unimpressed and unlikely to continue watching the series.