KPop Demon Hunters – Movie Reviews by Ry!

KPop Demon Hunters – Singer of Souls / Demon of Hearts …

In the wonders of sights and sounds, you can find something truly amazing.  That feeling can pull at your heart, leading you on a journey of a genuine escape.  This is true for any medium, but stands out more in animation.  In this review, I take a look at the latest Netflix animated film.  Through music and fantasy, we head on a path of sing-alongs and action.  Even if certain clichés abound, KPop Demon Hunters takes you on a journey where heroes and music become an endearing tale in believing in yourself.   

From K-pop stars to worldly demon hunters, A trio of singers must face the ultimate test and show that music can be the guiding light. From a personal touch to a creative thought, bringing out the liveliness in film is a manner of breaking perspective.  It is a barrier that, if it is broken through, can open up a path for some type of emotional substance.  In the beginning, we come into this tale through a voiceover narration before being thrust into present day Korea.  In present day, we learn about a K-pop group by the name of Huntr/x; three women who sing for the masses but are truly demon hunters.  There task is to use their talents as musicians (and convenient backstory plot armor) to keep the barrier between the living and demon world intact.  Through the first act, it becomes a situation of general world-building mixed in with animated action and musical prowess.  Everything seems to be going well for Rumi, Mira and Zoey (the ladies of Huntr/x), until they learn there is a new group on the rise, The Saja Boys.  This new music group, led by Jinu, are slowly stealing their fans away … for nefarious means.  With this new conflict, we shift into a second act where animated clichés and visual convenience start to have more worth because of the strength of the leads, Rumi and Jinu.  As these two begin to interact with each other, it opens up a connection that blends the past with the present, putting a characterized spin on the ongoing aspect of music and fandom.  There interactions provide another level to the ‘battle of the bands’ motif, building through scenes where each interaction has emotional weight.  Pair this with unique musical numbers, you get a sense of personal reverie within an animated view of substance and culture.  To see that liveliness in the surreal brings a magical resonance to the art of storytelling.  

As Rumi and Jinu’s bands battle over who is the best K-pop group, it is heightened by the animated world through culture, individuality and personal worth.  Even when the filmmakers use common techniques (last second saves, heroic triumphs) the focus is always on Rumi and Jinu’s personal struggles.  As these two face their own unique mirrors, it leads to a fracture in the conflict, one where the dwelling of moments becomes a path (plot point) towards redemption.  All of this leads into a final act where cultural motifs and rushed plot elements go into a full bombastic mode of song, action and dance.  With everything on the line, we head into a surreal but emotional climax and epilogue.  KPop Demon Hunters is an animated tale that blends unique thrills in a different kind of sing along.  If you are a fan of animation, K-pop, musicals or fantasy, this is one for you.  This is available on Netflix, but I think it would have been a fun to see it on the big screen.  

Full Score – 3.5 out of 5 (Matinee)