SPIRITWALKER is a complex thriller from the first moment the film begins. We are dropped in the midst of a story where every twelve (12) hours it seems our main character's essence is somehow transferred into a new body. His memories seem to be retained from the start of the film, but not prior to the car crash that opens the film. He does not know who he is and how he got into this situation. What he does know is that there are dangerous people trying to kill him; criminals and, possibly, intelligence agents. He just needs to reconstruct the puzzle pieces to find out why?
Director Yoon Jae-keun (Heartbeat), along with award-winning martial arts choreographers Park Young-sik and Chung Seong-Ho (SAG Awards, Best Stunt Ensemble, "Squid Game"), bring to life the action-packed thriller
While the movie is complex it is not confusing. The complexity is not superfluous. It is part of what makes it interesting. As each change occurs the layers of the onion are peeled back and we learn a little more information towards solving this riddle. Is Yoon Kye-sang's character crazy? Is there a supernatural explanation? The film converges in an exciting climax.
Yoon Kye-sang, a former K-pop singer, is very good in the lead role. So is the supporting cast, which includes Park Yong-Woo (Nailed), Lim Ji-Yeon (Obsessed, High Society) and Park Ji-Hwan (The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure). They all do a good job of making you feel that the lead character's personage does change, even though Yoon Kye-sang, essentially, plays all of the characters in the transference.
This is a psychological thriller but it is also an action film. It has its share of well choreographed and realistic fight sequences. The climactic fight scene is riveting and fun to watch. This is top notch martial arts and action choreography. The action is engaging. This movie has a lot going for it.
This film has many of the underlying themes that are prevalent in South Korean Cinema. It is also a high quality film that rivals anything Hollywood has produced.
