Description
In 1808, special investigator Wong Gyu is sent to an isolated and largely autonomous island, away from the Korean mainland, to solve a case of arson, but soon finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation. As he strives to find the killer, and the lies and secrets grow as fast as the body count, he begins to understand the complexity of life in this small community. And it’s not just the death toll that’s causing the residents to worry, but the sadistic, methodical way in which the victims are killed. Wong’s dogged investigation leads him to suspect that the murders are related to mysterious events that took place seven years earlier, in which the former owner of a paper mill was executed for Catholicism. The townspeople believe an evil spirit is responsible for their troubles, but as a rational man, Wong Gyu has no time for such superstitions. Soon, however, he is forced to re-evaluate his views as the string of gruesome murders continues unchecked, despite his best efforts, and he begins to understand why he was sent to investigate these crimes.

DVD Available

Blood Rain is a shocking historical thriller with lush cinematography, a picturesque setting and an intricate set and costume design, giving the film a sense of beauty and grandeur. By keeping us guessing as to the nature of the crimes (supernatural, or the work of a truly twisted serial killer?), the director gets us as emotionally involved in the plot as any whodunnit. The many suspects, the surprising revelations and the sudden plot twists, all come together to keep us riveted to the screen. Although primarily a period thriller, Blood Rain contains an unconventional mix of styles. In stunning fashion, director Kim Dae-Seung expertly weaves a murder-mystery plot, traditionally associated with detective fiction, together with a little class-conscious social commentary and a flair for gore rivalled only by American splatter films. Mystery lovers will be thrilled with Blood Rain. One word of warning, though: you may never look at your chicken-burger the same way again.

—Robert Guillemette

Credits
Director: Kim Dae-Seung
Screenplay: Kim Seong-Jae, Lee Won-Jae
Cast: Cha Seung-Weon, Park Yong-Woo, Seong Ji-Ru
Producers: Kim Mi-Heui
Distributor: CJ Entertainment