The Wailing (2016 Film)
The Wailing (Korean: 곡성; RR: Goksung) is a 2016 South Korean mystery-thriller film written and directed by Na Hong-jin. The film is noted for its blend of horror, supernatural elements, and police procedural tropes, set against the backdrop of a remote rural village.
Plot
The story takes place in a quiet village where a series of violent and inexplicable deaths occur. Local authorities initially attribute the incidents to a toxic reaction caused by wild mushrooms. Jong-goo, a local police officer, begins investigating the cases and hears rumors suggesting that a mysterious Japanese man residing in the mountains is responsible for the chaos. His investigation becomes increasingly personal when his young daughter, Hyo-jin, begins exhibiting symptoms similar to those of the previous victims. As the situation escalates, Jong-goo seeks assistance from a shaman named Il-gwang to perform an exorcism, while encountering a mysterious woman named Moo-myeong who claims to have witnessed the Japanese man at the scenes of the crimes.
Production
The film was directed and written by Na Hong-jin. Principal photography commenced on August 31, 2014, and concluded on February 28, 2015. The film was distributed by 20th Century Fox in South Korea.
Cast
The film features an ensemble cast including:
- Kwak Do-won as Jong-goo
- Hwang Jung-min as Il-gwang
- Jun Kunimura as the Japanese man
- Chun Woo-hee as Moo-myeong
- Kim Hwan-hee as Hyo-jin
Reception and Awards
The Wailing premiered at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival in the Out of Competition section. The film received numerous accolades in South Korea, including the Best Film award at the 53rd Baeksang Arts Awards. At the 37th Blue Dragon Film Awards, Na Hong-jin was awarded Best Director, and Jun Kunimura received the Best Supporting Actor award.