After drinking water from a mountain spring, a bank security guard gains telekinetic superpowers, which he must use to save his estranged daughter from an evil construction company, as a sup... Read allAfter drinking water from a mountain spring, a bank security guard gains telekinetic superpowers, which he must use to save his estranged daughter from an evil construction company, as a superhero.After drinking water from a mountain spring, a bank security guard gains telekinetic superpowers, which he must use to save his estranged daughter from an evil construction company, as a superhero.
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A South Korean superhero movie about a father that discovers he has superpowers, who then tries to use those powers to rescue his daughter. It stars Ryu Seung-ryong, Shim Eun-kyung, Park Jung-min, Kim Min-jae and Jung Yu-mi. The film was written and directed by Yeon Sang-ho (who also performed both duties on the 2016 critically acclaimed 'zombies on a train' flick 'TRAIN TO BUSAN'), and it was released by Netflix through it's streaming site. I really enjoyed it.
The story is about a bank security guard, named Shin Seok-heon (Seung-ryong), who has a troubled relationship with his estranged daughter, Shin Roo-mi (Eun-kyung). He drinks some contaminated water from a mountain spring, and gains super telekinetic powers. He tries to use these powers to help his daughter, who is constantly being harassed by a corrupt construction company. Seok-heon becomes a reluctant superhero in the process.
The film is the first ever South Korean superhero movie, and it's definitely a refreshing change from the American ones (like the new 'AVENGERS'). This film has so much character, and genuine heart and emotion. It's pretty simple in it's action scenes, and villainous threat, which is what's so cool about it as well. The film concentrates on what a good superhero movie should be about, rather than on CGI and other superficial excesses. I really found it to be quite entertaining and effective.
I am a big fan of Asian cinema, and South Korea do put a lot of good movies out there. And I will say that it was no different with "Psychokinesis" (aka "Yeom-lyeok"). This was definitely an entertaining movie in many aspects.
First of all, I am the first to admit that I am not overly keen on superhero movies, but "Psychokinesis" took the superhero aspect of the genre and brought it to a whole new place. This was not about people in spandex clothing running around being all invincible and showing off powers left and right without concern for the ordinary man around them. No, this was about an ordinary man with quite ordinary every day problems, whom just happened to get superhero powers accidentally and using them to further his own and his daughters goals. So that whole self-righteous and better-than-thou aspect wasn't here. And that made for a very realistic feel to the movie, especially since you could so easily relate to the main character.
"Psychokinesis" is not a movie about grand special effects, CGI and whoa-effects. It uses some CGI, of course, but it is done with limitation, as not to take over the whole movie (read Hollywood superhero franchise movies here). And the special effects / CGI worked out quite nicely in favor of the movie, as it supplemented the individual scenes well.
The movie had a good cast, which all performed quite well. I wasn't particularly familiar with anyone on the cast list here, but it was a good experience nonetheless.
If you enjoy South Korean movies, then you should definitely take the time to watch "Psychokinesis".
Did you know
- TriviaThe first ever South Korean superhero film.
- Quotes
Roo-mi: Well... about those magic tricks that you do...
Seok-hyeon: What?
Roo-mi: Wouldn't it affect your health if you keep using that ability?
Seok-hyeon: [looks at himself] No, not at all. I don't think it matters.
Roo-mi: But still, I think you should go see a doctor.
Seok-hyeon: No, I'm really fine. Actually, I feel healthier. My constipation is gone too.
Roo-mi: You're not a doctor.
Seok-hyeon: I know my body very well.
Roo-mi: Gosh, please just...
[pauses as food arrives on table]
Roo-mi: Just go see a doctor, please. You never know.
[after a moment]
Roo-mi: Let's eat.
- Crazy creditsThe title card is also shown at the end of the rolling title credits.
- Alternate versionsApart from 2D, the film was also released in ScreenX format.
- ConnectionsReferenced in Film Junk Podcast: Episode 664: Hereditary and Ocean's 8 (2018)
- How long is Psychokinesis?Powered by Alexa
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- Also known as
- Psychokenisis
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- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross worldwide
- $6,981,970
- Runtime
- 1h 41m(101 min)
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1