I like to think of myself as above potty humor. You know what I mean? Fart jokes, clever references for the butt, an absurd interest in what goes on in the bathroom..The world is full of giggling children who can't pronounce the word "defecate" but can use the s--t word with great effectiveness. For some reason, this type of humor never grows old to some folks, but sticks itself into the collective psyches of many adults permanently.It was never my thing. So how did I end up watching this? Well, for starters the whole movie is a not so subtle metaphor for society in general. The idea of breaking down the advanced and intricate systems of the world and then articulating it all in overly simplified terms is always a winning movie making formula to me.This movie is vaguely similar to a film called "Equilibrium," where the basic foundational idea of society is presented as a single statement: "Obliterate all human emotion to create the perfect society." The film then grows out of that idea. The plot grows organically as a result of trying to maintain the believability of the original idea.In the case of this film: "All energy comes from collecting human feces; encourage the populace to defecate profusely." The idea is so simple it leaves you wondering immediately if there is more buried underneath it. Well, unfortunately there isn't. The basic plot flow of this film is not original. It has been done before in hundreds of movies. It's very formulaic really. But it still works because of the setting.But no one is really watching for the plot. By now word has gotten around that this movie is violent as heck. It really is. Gore, explosions, torture.. it's got it all. DO NOT play a drinking game with this one, especially if you need to drink every time someone dies. There are several sexual references, so don't think this is appropriate for your kids. There's also some pretty creepy looking characters. The police Captain in particular was worthy of a cringe or two.The voice acting is acceptable (if you are watching the English dubbed version), but not great. The animation itself is somewhat difficult to follow from time to time; characters wiggle like jello and bend like Gumby.All told, the film holds itself together admirably and is very entertaining. It's not going to be a favorite of mine, but I do not regret watching it. It was worth a watch.The only thing it doesn't have (surprisingly) is the actual showing of fecal matter. The mere reference to it is apparently enough.
... View MoreHoly ****(pun intended) this movie never apologizes for where it goes and where is goes caused me some problems laughing so hard at 1 in morning amid housemates. I suggest you read nothing of the plot and just go in blindly, unless you dislike childish potty humor even if it is done in satire and with skill and class.This is not for kids and not for folks who can't take satire and black humor that lives somewhere between the bottom of the toilet and the sewer.Japan has been giving us lewd b-grade porno/potty toons for decades now and I have seen nothing that trumps this South Korean gem. It is way too much fun and very pointed. The subtitles felt natural and true to the story. The animation was slick but not overly proud of itself (and it mixed styles and types of animation fluidly).This film is not for everyone, even I usually hate potty humor. But this film isn't really potty humor because it basks so directly in it's filth that is rises above the immaturity of say something MTV or Adam Sandler to make a greater point. In fact I wonder if the folks who made this weren't making a direct statement about North Korea. But anyway...I laughed and loved it!!!
... View MoreThe good thing is the background plot. And you can read it on the DVD covers and even here.The way this plot comes alive is awkward and tasteless. I'll name a few unacceptable things.1) "The Diaper Gang"It is a complete failure (first of all in art design) - come on, we made much cooler pictures of villains at school though we did it just for fun. And here the Korean guys earn money by THIS? Such green little one-dimension figures with UZI-guns or whatever. However much blood you draw when representing their deaths this will always look like a drawing of a spoilt kindergarten child or a violent grown-up moron. The characters of "Beavis & Butthead" were at least funny at times and quite friendly. I mention "The Diaper Gang" because it is a key element in the flick. It occupies the majority of this feature and that's very irritating to watch this moronic daub.2) Scenes (remakes/remixes) and concepts from other moviesThe Korean guys are stealing concepts from "Alien", "Mad Max", "Indiana Jones", "Basic Instinct", and "RoboCop" just to name most obvious "borrowings". Should I say that the tree mentioned films are cult classics and will be remembered by the movie fans forever? It all looks and feels that these Korean guys have nothing to say and the only thing they can do is stealing other men's ideas.3) Satanic materialYes, you see it correctly. What is it, if not satanic material that goes at the beginning of the cartoon? Quite possibly, the creators of this "new-wave entertainment" are the followers of some satanic cult because a more a less normal person (even an atheist) would have never used such provoking images in a film and would have never promoted this kind of "pop-art" so fiercely.4) Unfunny comedy elementsCannot name even one funny scene: they are either too rude and sinister or too stupid and interfering.Korea should be ashamed for promoting such poor product. It made the situation even more uncomfortable as I watched the promos and advertisement material on the DVD (little kids smiling, Korean girl shouting something like "Ssipak!!!", guys waiving with flags, etc.) - it really makes me doubt the Koreans in general. Let's just say that they look very awkward promoting this kind of video product. Maybe you'd point out: "It's just a little funny-silly cartoon, take it easy!" And I'd say: "No, dear viewers, what we have here is an abomination which should have never been born. Entertainment, however wicked and silly, should have some boundaries and you know it."So, if you like artless projects, enjoy satanism, and are in love with poor remakes/remixes of the good movies, go for it! You'll love this one.I still hope that those happy gals, guys, and children, which were promoting this abomino-animation had not actually seen it and were paid for their "Hoorah!" words. Otherwise Korea (SOUTH) is in big trouble to cherish and advertise rotten products like this. I could not believe my eyes when they showed a little kid of about 5 years old who was supposed to represent the praise of this cartoon. Did the Koreans suggest that even such children could watch and enjoy THIS? Is it a "PG" material in their country?As mentioned above, the background plot is good. I really think so. And this feature shows vividly how an original plot can go down the toilet. They could have done a groovy post-apocalyptic drama. But that requires real talent like that of John Carpenter, James Cameron, Ridley Scott, and George Miller – something that these South-Korean guys and girls are missing so badly If you want a real gem of Korean cinema, go get "Hong kil dong" (1986). But that's North Korea - militant, poor, rejected by the "World's Greatest Empires", etc. And what does South Korea with all its tons of money and luxurious living conditions produce? Read the review from the beginning – that's what. Sad but true 1 out of 10 and keep your children far away from this dung. Thanks for attention.
... View More4 stars for guts and the direction it takes in the first 30 minutes. Snore-fest thereafter (seriously, I fell asleep). The rest of it is nothing special and the movie progresses as just another lame commercial movie. Once you get over the surprise factor, there is nothing much to talk about.The animation quality is pretty good. However it isn't enough to cover-up the faults. I believe the producers could have made a better film if they spent a little longer in contemplation and creativity.There was no place for this to be played in the Auckland film festival. I believe the authorities should be more careful in selecting movies in the future. I am certain that the Korean dialogues must have been funnier than the subtitles as I could figure out by the loud laughs generated by the Korean audience members. To a non-Korean speaker, it wasn't too funny.Watch it only if you must.
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