Cast
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Kim Yun-seok
as Seok-tae
Yeo Jin-goo
as Hwa-yi
Cho Jin-woong
as Ki-tae
Jang Hyun-sung
as Jin-seong
Kim Sung-kyun
as Dong-beom
Park Hae-jun
as Beom-soo
Im Ji-eun
as Young-joo
Park Yong-woo
as Det. Chang-ho
Kim Young-min
as Jung-min
Seo Young-hwa
as Seon-ja
Yoo Yeon-seok
as Park Ji-won
Nam Ji-hyun
as Yoo-kyung
Lee Kyung-young
as Lim Hyeong-taek
Moon Sung-keun
as CEO Jeon
Han Joo-wan
as CEO Jeon's Attendant
Crew
Director
- Jang Joon-hwan
Writer
- Park Joo-suk
Producer
- Lee Dong-ha
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Thriller/Crime film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Hwayi: A Monster Boy distinguishes itself through its exceptional pacing and meaningful stakes for its protagonists.
Director Jang Joon-hwan brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2013, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Hwayi: A Monster Boy took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 125 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 163 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 1714 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2013, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Hwayi: A Monster Boy shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Gulapa, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Hwayi: A Monster Boy subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Murder at Road Hill House and Stolen by My Mother: The Kamiyah Mobley Story explore similar territory, Hwayi: A Monster Boy stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 9, 2013
- Runtime: 2h 5m
Where to Watch
