Hellbound is a South Korean supernatural fantasy series produced by Yeon Sang-ho, who also directed Train to Busan. This Netflix release series consists of six episodes that are an average of 50 minutes long. This series stars several local stars, Yoo Ah-in, Kim Hyun-joo, Park Jeong-min, Won Jin-ah, and Yang Ik-june. This unique series was first released at several major film festivals, the Toronto International Film Festival, the BFI London Film Festival, and the Busan International Film Festival. How special is this film?
A supernatural event occurs in the center of the city’s bustle when three monster-like entities target and burn a man and then disappear. One city was in a commotion, and the police tried to investigate this strange event. Detective Jin (Ik-june) is assigned to seek information from the group leader, The New Truth, who is considered to have something to do with this incident. The leader, Jeong Jin-soo (Ah-in), apparently has repeatedly seen the same phenomenon and thinks these monsters are God’s messengers who bring victims to Hell because of their sins. Jeong’s prestige soared, and his fanatical group, Arrow Head, seemed to be a representative of God who had the right to judge sinners in unruly ways.
If the story is explained in its entirety, then the explanation can be very long because of its complexity. The story itself is divided into two segments, each with three episodes. The second segment revolves around five years after the events of the first three episodes. The story is not focused on the monster, the background of events, or talking about spiritual matters, but is a side effect of these events. Humans become self-conscious and can no longer distinguish between good and right. This is presented brilliantly and effectively, especially in the first three episodes. Although the story is told on a wide scale with many characters, the plot is still easy to follow. In the second segment, we are even more curious because of a small surprise (the baby) that changes the plot’s direction. Very interesting.
We know exactly what this film wants to talk about and where it is headed. However, one important point has not been explained at all. We certainly want to know the monster’s origin and (if indeed the messenger of Hell) why it must also appear physically to the human world. Is it because humanity is so mentally degenerate that it must be forced to see “His greatness”? Who knows. Filmmakers may delay this information for the continuation of the series. But this then makes the film’s message ambiguous, especially after the post-credit scene.
Let’s turn this discussion first to aesthetic achievement. It’s not easy to scale a wide story while still maintaining the intensity of the plot. The scene-by-scene moves smoothly with several flashback inserts to confirm information. The setting is the key to the biggest strength because the scene often changes locations quickly. Music also supports a tense atmosphere while increasing the rhythm and intensity of many scenes. The casting certainly takes on the dominant role, but it’s noted that the only ones who stand out are the detective and the leader of The New Truth, Jeong Jin-su. It is also noted that one action scene (episode 5) presents camera choreography with impressive movements.
Hellbound is a clever analogy to the issue of religious fanaticism, which is one of humanity’s biggest problems, although many things in the story still leave questions. The story has a sensitive side that is still ongoing. Anarchist methods through, for example, acts of terrorism, are no longer new in the name of one belief. There have been many films that present the same thing. Fanaticism sometimes blinds the human heart. Humans judge other humans so easily with the doctrines they believe in. Humans forget that we are created equal, and one life is worth thousands of lives. Hellbound illustrates all of this smartly and with class. But why did “God” scheme by sending his angel of death straight down to earth? This has absolutely no clear relation. The post-credit scene makes things even more confusing. We can’t just guess and have wild opinions on this sensitive matter. This obscures the message of the film, which is already obvious.
