Arang

Based on Korean folk tales, Arang is the latest variation in the tradition of long-haired-ghost that long plaguing Korean movies. Add some detective routine, Arang try it best being different, alas still fence in the very same old formula.

A veteran female detective with troubled past, So-young (Song Yoon-ah, Face), is investigating a series of homicide case. Assisted by a rookie cop, Hyun-gi (Lee Dong-wook), they try their best to reveal the killer. Soon they found that every victim is received email from the same sender before they died. They track the email from a website called 'Min-jung's Salt Storehouse'. As the plot progress and some appearing of a Kayako clone, the truth comes as over-the-top as a sappy Korean melodrama.

Yes, the director Ahn Sang-hoon, try to differ his works from the others Korean Horror with an attempt with a-whodunit-mystery. But, he seems neglecting to throw out the elements that now being the very lame formula for Asian horror. So, even the investigation routine somewhat interesting, the keep appearing of the ghost is irritating. He should try with more original effort or stick to the tale instead, rather than make Arang into another trashy horror movie.

I would not say Arang doesn't entertaining, because it does. But, it's not enough to be a fine watch, because it somewhat fail for satisfying either horror or thriller. If only it restraint to one objective and had more proper set-up and decent ending, I believe Arang will delivers.