Henjel gwa Geuretel

The Grimm's classic fairytale Hansel and Gretal is one that lives forever in the memory. With its gingerbread house and wicked witch, it is a children's tale that possesses joyful wonderment and creepy scares in equal measure. When Yim Pil-sung released this film in 2007, he promised to pay homage to such beloved fairy tales; however, the famed story which lends its name to Pil-sung's film is observed but not adapted here.

Hansel & Gretal works on many levels. The film has a magical and original script supported by equally magical visuals. The capture of the snow filled Korean forest and claustrophobic house create a feeling of wonderment straight out of a fairytale. This has maybe gone a little unnoticed outside of its native Korea, but it is well worth chasing up. A big surprise for its charm and inner delights, this is a horror film with a very sweet tooth. LW