Ever since Oldboy introduced western audiences to South Korean cinema, in 2003, we have been in awe of its madness and magnificence, marvelling at its ability to always be one step ahead. It’s surprising then that SpiritWalker is a very standard action film that owes more to the craziness of John Woo’s Hollywood output than anything else. Of course, it’s peppered with Korean touches, and despite a feeling of being underwhelmed, it’s certainly entertaining.
We are introduced to Ian (yes we are still in South Korea), he is in bad shape, slumped outside his crashed car, nursing a bullet wound. Using the classic ‘Quantum Leap’ device, he looks into the car mirror to discover he is actually inhabiting someones else’s body. Naturally, he is being hunted by armed men and at midnight, he inhabits one of their bodies for the next day (luckily we are always shown actor Yoon Kyesang, so it doesn’t get confusing). He is trying to protect his girlfriend and colleague, Moon (Jin-Yoen Lim) when it turns out all parties are part of the Secret Intelligence Service and corruption is afoot.
The action is a little sparse, but it’s brilliantly handled by Jae-guen Yoon, only directing his second feature film here. He throws in some hapkido fights, gunplay and car chases and it’s never boring, but once an explanation for the body jumping is presented, it just feels like a silly sci-fi film. As mentioned, it still has its own cultural uniqueness, it’s much more violent than its Hollywood counterparts and the characters, including poor old Moon, really get put through the wringer. The main villain is also delightfully mad, in a way only the Koreans can enact. All good fun, but just not the unique spice mix we have become accustomed to, from a country of unique filmmakers.
Trinity CineAsia presents Spiritwalker on Digital platforms from March 31st
