(Netflix) K-POP DEMON HUNTERS

[jian]

From the same team that brought us the Spider-verse films, an incredible-looking blend of Korean mythology and KPOP musical:

KPop Demon Hunters - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Our heroines are basically bards who hunt demons that cross the barrier between their world and ours, and maintain that barrier by inspiring people with their songs.

I haven’t seen it yet but will do so soon. I’m particularly impressed with what I’ve seen of our heroines’ opponents, the demonic boy band known as the Saja Boys.


There’s several levels of mythological pun and reference here. Saja is the Korean word for lion, hence their initial logo, but the Saja Boys are actually Jeoseung Saja, psychopomps and messengers of death in Korean mythology.

Myth of General Sinui - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Jeoseung Saja generally dress in black formal wear, classically as traditional Korean scholars with robes and straw hats, as seen here.


Also note the escalation in sinister lyrics - “Soda Pop” is actually rather disturbing if you listen to the lyrics, “Your Idol” is just more explicit.

 

[Umbran]

I watched it last night, and had a good time doing so.

The animation style is quirky, as you'd expect from the folks who did Into the Spider Verse and The Mitchells vs The Machines.

If you are okay with K-pop, the music is pretty good - the lyrics quite clever in their layers of meaning in context.

Edit to add: This film is very much about accepting people for what they are, and it makes no bones about it. If you cannot get behind that message, you will have issues with this film.

 

[Voadam]

I started this thinking I would like the themes but I just was not enjoying the music and bailed pretty early.

 

[jian]

Watched it now, it’s excellent and great fun. The music is pretty catchy - in fact I think the Saja Boys’ songs are more so. Damn that demon music!