The Wailing
Well Go USA Entertainment | Release Date: June 3, 2016
7.9
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 182 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
156
Mixed:
14
Negative:
12
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
GOUGHJun 3, 2016
Great film. Horrifying experience. At first you're a little offset with the goofy characters, but sticking with it and them, you become trapped, or "hooked". Gut wrenching drama for sure. Scary. If you're not careful, you'll be wailing yourGreat film. Horrifying experience. At first you're a little offset with the goofy characters, but sticking with it and them, you become trapped, or "hooked". Gut wrenching drama for sure. Scary. If you're not careful, you'll be wailing your self. There IS a LOT of WAILING, to be sure. GO SEE IT NOW!!… Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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10
zembowerboyAug 17, 2016
97%
For about 45 minutes or so, The Wailing plays like some bizarre horror comedy. It's over-the-top and weirdly silly, to the point that I thought to myself there was no way it would end up getting under my skin or freaking me out. Then the97%
For about 45 minutes or so, The Wailing plays like some bizarre horror comedy. It's over-the-top and weirdly silly, to the point that I thought to myself there was no way it would end up getting under my skin or freaking me out. Then the rest of it comes and holy damn was I wrong, I'm not sure exactly where the turning point was. And that's a part of its brilliance, it sneaks up on you quietly. It gets you to let your guard down, and even chuckle, only to pull the rug from under your feet. By the end I was overwhelmed, creeped the hell out, and bewildered, left with so many questions, but absolutely satisfied. I'm still thinking about it now, and there are about a billion images from it I can't get out of my mind.

Like a richly dense novel one can't help but devour, The Wailing is definitely lengthy. However, it quickly pulls you in and the nearly three hour running time flashes by. I probably could have watched it for another hour, it's ridiculously entertaining. It's also soul-shakingly disturbing, pulling one in so many emotional directions; it's as draining and exhausting as it is absolutely rewarding.

Unpredictable and wholly original, there's nothing out there like it this year. It's a powerful experience that is damn near impossible to forget. The Conjuring 2 can go **** itself, THIS is genuine horror through and through, leaving so much to digest and process. Incredible filmmaking. Bat **** crazy brilliance.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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3
TLAJan 19, 2018
I seldom am as disappointed by a film that gets such critical acclaim. I just couldn't get past big cops falling onto the ground in totally defenseless postures at the slightest threats. Also the high pitched whining that seems to be aI seldom am as disappointed by a film that gets such critical acclaim. I just couldn't get past big cops falling onto the ground in totally defenseless postures at the slightest threats. Also the high pitched whining that seems to be a staple of many Asian films annoys the hell out of me.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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7
JonZsuJul 19, 2016
The Wailing is a horror film about everything - the walking corpse, the sinister ritual, the possessed innocent and more. They were all organized in a masterful pace of editing and well-composed cinematography. The ambiguity of "who's theThe Wailing is a horror film about everything - the walking corpse, the sinister ritual, the possessed innocent and more. They were all organized in a masterful pace of editing and well-composed cinematography. The ambiguity of "who's the cause of it all" haunts you even when the film is over, which is the scariest part of this well-done creation combining fear and trust.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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2
agpearsonOct 16, 2018
This film has been received very will critically, but I have no idea why. Comedy? Horror? Thriller? It's neither one thing or another! Running at 2hr 35minutes, I was at no point engrossed or horrified - completely misses the mark.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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0
lutetiumjNov 24, 2019
Save yourself the time and don't watch this movie. I should've stopped the first hour in, but I felt pot-committed and boy was I disappointed with myself for sticking it through. Read the other negative reviews for why.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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0
meanjoelgreenDec 18, 2016
The worst movie I saw in 2016. The town people are so straightforwardly dumb that is unbelievable. This is the only way they get to tie all the borrowed ideas together. It pathetic that no critics had the courage to write a real review,The worst movie I saw in 2016. The town people are so straightforwardly dumb that is unbelievable. This is the only way they get to tie all the borrowed ideas together. It pathetic that no critics had the courage to write a real review, which is what is lacking in each male character as well. Portrayed every unmasculine stereotype of Asian males. I want almost 3 hours of my life back.… Expand
4 of 9 users found this helpful45
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9
CloppersJun 7, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Very good movie. A little confusing to follow, but overall a pleasant experience. More thrilling than scary. A lot of the "scary" parts were only scary if you follow Korean superstition.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
PanchogulAug 9, 2021
La larga duración puede repeler a muchos, pero realmente vale la pena cada minuto, es escalofriante, indagadora y perseverante, una de las mejores películas coreanas.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
easilyatchaJul 18, 2017
the devil possession is a going theme in the liberitanian korean mindfields and also in this horrific transmigrane. love the buildup at the end

78%
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
DirigiblePulpDec 14, 2016
I kept having to pause this which I don't recommend as a way of watching this film; it's almost entirely based on the total buy-in of mind, body and soul into the atmosphere and action presented within. Losing that ride through the world,I kept having to pause this which I don't recommend as a way of watching this film; it's almost entirely based on the total buy-in of mind, body and soul into the atmosphere and action presented within. Losing that ride through the world, having to re-enter it and engage mentally again creates a disconnect and a discordance.

The plot is either nonsensical beyond belief or so stupidly straight-forward considering its running time that that's the only reasonable explanation. I don't know.

I do know that the seance/exorcism scene is incredible and hypnotic, even as you realize you don't understand what it is the shaman is doing; not that you're meant to in this case, but it's an apt metaphor for the whole film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
spartacus215Feb 7, 2017
I will start off by saying that Korean Films are by far my favorite films and though I haven't seen every single one the ones I have seen have been cemented into memory as Masterpieces. The film is directed by Na Hong-jin and this is theI will start off by saying that Korean Films are by far my favorite films and though I haven't seen every single one the ones I have seen have been cemented into memory as Masterpieces. The film is directed by Na Hong-jin and this is the first movie I have seen of his but his third major directed film. The story centers on a village that is being plagued by sickness and running rampant with heinous crimes. The main character who is a cop is trying to find a way to stop what is going on as so to save his daughter. The acting was excellent with Do-Won Kwaki who plays the cop Jong-goo and Hwan-hee Kim playing the daughter Hyo-Jin. They do a great job and so do all of the other cast members. The one thing I have come to love about Foreign films especially Korean ones is how much raw emotion and talent they can portray in a movie with actors I know nothing about and that they can pull you into caring deeply about these people. I also like how the cops aren't Americanized. I mean as someone who is an American citizen the cops are portrayed as militant and bullies to a degree and here they are portrayed as docile being that they have no real weapons and being in a small village and they're not prepared to handle what is going on with the current state of affairs. The action is invigorating. I mean the heart of this 2.5 hour movie is a straight tension filled drama with some very well crafted action scenes but don't come into this movie thinking it's a John Wick or even close. I would say think the movie Seven. The cinematography is gorgeous with each shot being meticulously edited and put onto film. The locale is beautiful and makes you want to re-watch it again just to feast your eyes on it for a second time. I will conclude with saying that this is definitely in my new favorite Top 10 horror films of all time and as someone who is a horror fanatic like myself that is a bold statement. I'm glad I didn't review this movie immediately after watching it but waited about a day because the ending will make you side one of two ways obviously and at first I didn't like it. I waited and read some remarks on google about the ending and came up with my own theory. The movie has an Inception feel to it and I will leave it at that but I can say you don't want to skip this film. I find it to be fresh and tasteful and worth a watch at least once. Don't let not liking to read subtitles waylay your interest. The fundamental theory behind this movie is about a man in a Quandary of a situation but surrounded by religious connotations.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
Ivan665Mar 1, 2017
A crystal clear and well deserved 8.5/10 from me. Somewhat better than the Conjuring 2, if I have to compare it to something, although they are not in the same boat, but they have some vague common points in the setting and action. MajorA crystal clear and well deserved 8.5/10 from me. Somewhat better than the Conjuring 2, if I have to compare it to something, although they are not in the same boat, but they have some vague common points in the setting and action. Major drawback is the length of it, while you watching it, but after youve watched it, it becomes an upside. Wont tell anything to keep it spoiler free, but the plot is the best part. Its mysterious and dreadful. Main chars are nicely made, real and believable, ordinary people. If the movie had more popular actors, and a couple of effects, woudve been a real event in the genre. Still, a good one.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
Iky009Jan 4, 2019
Seu inicio desperta uma sensação estranha e divertida, que depois se reverte em um espécie de terror apreensivo, horas chocante, horas com um tom macabro e difícil de desgrudar. Goksung é um filme surpreende com uma ótima trama, bonsSeu inicio desperta uma sensação estranha e divertida, que depois se reverte em um espécie de terror apreensivo, horas chocante, horas com um tom macabro e difícil de desgrudar. Goksung é um filme surpreende com uma ótima trama, bons personagens, e um final incrivelmente imprevisível e inesperado.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
LeZeeDec 14, 2016
A father's struggle to see his daughter to get well.

A new film from the writer, director of 'The Chaser' and 'The Yellow Sea'. This time its a horror-thriller that focused on a rural police officer who witnesses a series of strange eventsA father's struggle to see his daughter to get well.

A new film from the writer, director of 'The Chaser' and 'The Yellow Sea'. This time its a horror-thriller that focused on a rural police officer who witnesses a series of strange events escalating fears among its people. The original title was 'Goksung', which means the name of the village where this story takes place. This film is specially for those who like Korean films. But I'm sure that everyone would enjoy it equally. Very typical Korean film yet an engaging theme and thrilling, particularly towards the final quarter.

The opening, and almost the first act were like a black comedy. That does remain same after sometime. Because they wanted to give an impression what kind of person is this story's lead man. He's a cop, but feared of supernatural stuffs. So one day, he gets an early morning call to head where a family was slaughtered by one of its members. In his small village, with a small population, events like this are very rare, but when another similar incident was reported, ruled out what it was considered, but something else beyond humans.

After the strange dreams, he comes to know his family too got affected by it, particularly his young daughter. Followed by when it gets serious issue, the family decides to bring in a shaman and so the ceremony begins to free her from whatever possessed. This is where the film turns more aggressive in revealing following event with twists and turns. The rest of the film should be watched to know how it all ends.

The first thing was the film length. It was too long, nearly 150 minutes, but the screenplay filled with many enthralling scenes and dialogues. So I don't think sitting for that long would be an issue for most of the people. Surely you will be on your seat edge most of the time on your watch. Good story, but very confusing. I mean not puzzling way, but the events and its characters, especially the conclusion which is not exactly a perfect one with proper detail. So you might look for some clarifications after watching the film.

"If you go fishing, do you know what you'll catch? He's just fishing. Not even he knows what he'll catch."

The concept was a little confusing like what kind of horror is this. At one stage there comes a zombie, but it follows right after an exorcism on a girl possessed by a ghost. The writer used the time as long as he wants to develop them. So the narration was slow, but very steady on its direction going deep. If you are good at Korean films, the style they make, you might predict some of the scenes correctly. Like I said the final few minutes might confuse you, but really well done part if you understand that clearly.

The film characters wise, I liked how it all connected at the end. But as a story, the solution did not seem right. I think not the fitting one or more convincing. I know who would you root, I mean most of you back what character, so from that perspective, feels it compromised a bit after put up a stern fight with what they had believed. I liked how culturally this story was narrated. I mean as its set in a small village, the ceremonies to fight the evil spirit was conducted traditional way, not the western style, except it opened with a quote from the bible.

The actors were perfect, particularly I liked where it was shot. A fine location to mix horror and cop themes. The suspense keeps the film alive, but you won't always looking at that, because the theme expands quite bigger than you expect. There are some unexpected turns, you might find yourself scratching your head for how deep it could go.

Don't worry, in the end, it all comes together, or maybe watching it twice could help you with that. As I said the runtime might not favour you for the second viewing. Besides, pay a good attention while watching it for the first time, then you will get everything. Particularly if you are an animal lover, that's a biggest clue you could get in this film.

I think it will be one of the best horror you would find around the world this year. It might get remade elsewhere, but the chances are less and it could remain as one of the Korean classics in the line of many others like 'Memories of Murder'. You don't have to be a Korean film fan or this director's, but if you do, surely you will have an advantage in understanding it clearly and like it more than the others. Definitely it is one of the best Korean films, but I don't think so a must see, not according to me. Though I won't conclude my review without recommending it to you. So I say watch it.

7.5/10… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
OrudomonkiJul 27, 2016
A fantastic well told story with great acting and directing. Thrilling experience, with a lot of scary and itching moments. This is how you make a horror film, without jumpscares.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
smodcastMay 20, 2017
Korean movies don't get the billing they deserve from most audiences. The critics are right this time. This movie will leave you with something, but the best movies do. A mish mash of movie genres that turns out to become something whollyKorean movies don't get the billing they deserve from most audiences. The critics are right this time. This movie will leave you with something, but the best movies do. A mish mash of movie genres that turns out to become something wholly unexpected. Perfect Cinema.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
Meth-dudeMay 15, 2019
With great acting performances, interesting characters, gorgeous cinematography, a dark and eerie atmosphere and some genuinely unnerving moments, The Wailing is a masterpiece of modern horror.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
ismacinefiloNov 11, 2022
Review resumida español.

No sólo destaca en su aspecto narrativo, si no también en lo visual. Su plot twist es muy bueno, aunque te presenten de primeras lo que podría ser el villano, te engañan y engañan hasta hacerte creer que estásReview resumida español.

No sólo destaca en su aspecto narrativo, si no también en lo visual. Su plot twist es muy bueno, aunque te presenten de primeras lo que podría ser el villano, te engañan y engañan hasta hacerte creer que estás equivocado. Para finalmente revelar que tenías razón. Muy buena… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
tethysdustJan 29, 2017
Great film with a story that is more complex than you would usually see in Hollywood. Kept me guessing until the end, which I think is always a good thing.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
NBFCJan 9, 2018
The plot follows a rural village that is experiencing an epidemic of savage murders committed by people who have contracted a mysterious disease. While the police claim it is all due to toxic mushrooms, rumors start to float around that aThe plot follows a rural village that is experiencing an epidemic of savage murders committed by people who have contracted a mysterious disease. While the police claim it is all due to toxic mushrooms, rumors start to float around that a Japanese hermit is somehow the cause. Our protagonist, officer Jong-goo, teams up a shaman after his daughter starts showing the same symptoms as the other perpetrators. Meanwhile, there is a mysterious white-robbed woman who keeps giving him cryptic clues concerning the true nature of the danger that our protagonist and his family are in.

A fascinating combination of Korean spiritual and Christian themes, this horror flick from director Na Hong-jin manages to keep up the chills, tension, and memorable scenes coming throughout it’s two and a half hour runtime.

To give anymore away would ruin the surprises that this movie has in store!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
KimJaeSeokOct 8, 2017
This movie may feel strange to everyone. Because this movie has perfectly incompatible two plots.
For a long time, commercial movie have explained why something is necessary to audience. and They don't give another possibility to imagine toThis movie may feel strange to everyone. Because this movie has perfectly incompatible two plots.
For a long time, commercial movie have explained why something is necessary to audience. and They don't give another possibility to imagine to them. But this movie has 'another possibility'. So audience would be an investigator like detective.
This movie facilitate that 'Flimmaker's growth means Audience's growth'. Amazing.

이 영화는 모든 사람들에게 낯설 것입니다. 왜냐하면 이 영화는 완벽히 양립 가능하지 않은 두 플롯을 가지고 있기 때문입니다.
오랫동안, 상업 영화는 '왜 어떤 것이 필연적인가'를 관객에게 설명해왔습니다. 그리고 그것들은 그들에게 상상하는 또 다른 가능성을 주지 않았습니다. 하지만 이 영화는 '또 다른 가능성'을 가지고 있습니다.
그래서 관객은 형사와 같은 조사자가 될 것입니다.
이 영화는 '영화 감독의 성장이 관객의 성장을 의미한다'라는 것을 가능하게 합니다. 놀랍습니다.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
ZekuDec 9, 2017
Another nice surprise from the east. Hong-jin Na gives us this '' The Wailing '', a really atypical horror, which manages to include exorcisms, zombies and hidden symbolisms without ever being too cryptic.
Recommended.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
RenzoGenzoApr 8, 2018
This movie sucks you in but is also extremely frustrating at times. There's a lot of Act First Ask Third situations that could have been avoided if most of the people would just get the words out of their mouths sooner. The cops areThis movie sucks you in but is also extremely frustrating at times. There's a lot of Act First Ask Third situations that could have been avoided if most of the people would just get the words out of their mouths sooner. The cops are completely incompetent but the setting and cinematography are both great. The men in this movie are bumbling idiots for the most part and take so long to either spit the words out or answer a simple question that some of the scenes feel like they drag on a little too long. Once pieces start to fit together does the mystery pat off.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
DawdlingPoetJan 3, 2022
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is very much a sinister Korean ghost story/horror film, with some pretty gruesome visuals. Its a film with a strongly unsettling tone to it. I wouldn't say its full of gore but its certainly a film I'd say best avoided by anyone thats overly squeamish. The plot is like a mystery which is slowly unravelled and with twists along the way. Its a long film but a suitably atmospheric one - it didn't feel especially tedious or bland during its two and a half hour duration, which has to be a good thing. Also, I particularly liked the cinematography at certain points, showing the rural landscape well - the sunsets and skylines etc. I suppose this is more of a horror film than a ghost story, although it is a bit of both. Its a good film with an interesting plotline though, not a cliched slasher-fest. While there is a lot of bloody violence depicted, its more supernatural in nature, with exorcisms depicted, rather than gunfights or knife attacks etc. I'll say no more so as not to provide big spoilers. I hope this helps you judge whether you'd like to see this or not. Personally I'd recommend it though as it is pretty gripping, yes.… Expand
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10
MilitiaRobboJan 17, 2020
Look, I never give movies a 10 except Scarface and The Gentlmen, but this is a 10. The story is sooooo well written, it's THE MOST original horror/thriller I've ever seen and nothing in the genre has ever closely compared to it for me. TheLook, I never give movies a 10 except Scarface and The Gentlmen, but this is a 10. The story is sooooo well written, it's THE MOST original horror/thriller I've ever seen and nothing in the genre has ever closely compared to it for me. The only thing close to as good as this in the genre is The Ring.… Expand
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8
rappM95Nov 12, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. So much raw emotion on display. South Korean filmmaking at its finest. The suspense during the shaman dance is heart pounding, and the overall product is very satisfying.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
akshatmahajanSep 19, 2020
I was pretty excited for this movie after my friend suggested me & also after seeing film's high rating. In starting, film was going in good pace but after 45 minutes I was not able to take it anymore. It was unnecessary stretched. TheI was pretty excited for this movie after my friend suggested me & also after seeing film's high rating. In starting, film was going in good pace but after 45 minutes I was not able to take it anymore. It was unnecessary stretched. The director could have shown us much better in 2hr 30min.

In between the movie, I was confused if I was watching horror or drama movie. I can keep on going on how bad this movie is compared to the reviews you read here.

Overall, will not recommend this movie. Will recommend you to see better movies of same runtime (2hr 30min).… Expand
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2
M7AMDAug 21, 2023
Something i never understand with these Korean movies they always stretch their movies too long than it needed to be like this one, why is this movie is 2 hours and a half?! It should have been 1:30 maximum

The movie started with anSomething i never understand with these Korean movies they always stretch their movies too long than it needed to be like this one, why is this movie is 2 hours and a half?! It should have been 1:30 maximum

The movie started with an integrating and mysterious story but slowly becomes confusing and dull in a bad way.

The main character's acting was terrible and overdramatic as if he was in a comedy movie so is the rest of the police, most of the movie was a bunch of people screaming which annoyed me a bit.

The ending which is supposed to tighten up the story will leave you confused.

The only thing i liked about it was the first half hour and the cinematography.

For these reasons, i do not recommend go watch a better Horror movie.… Expand
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9
DarkwingSchmuckJul 27, 2023
A first-rate, incredibly ambitious horror film that is full of humor, suspense, and thrilling twists. The ingenious premise centers around a shlubby cop who is thrust into a demonic horror movie. Think Paul Blart: Mall Cop being dropped intoA first-rate, incredibly ambitious horror film that is full of humor, suspense, and thrilling twists. The ingenious premise centers around a shlubby cop who is thrust into a demonic horror movie. Think Paul Blart: Mall Cop being dropped into Hereditary and you'll get the gist. It's beautifully made, and despite its 2 and a half hour runtime, The Wailing is compelling from beginning to end.… Expand
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