KPop Demon Hunters

by Tyler Glover

Photo: Netflix

Directors: Maggie Kang & Chris Appelhans
Starring: Arden Cho, May Hong & Ji-young Yoo
Rated: PG (action/violence, scary images, thematic elements, some suggestive material & brief language)
Runtime: 1 hour & 35 minutes

 
My experience with the global phenomenon "KPOP Demon Hunters" began the same way that my experience with "The Greatest Showman" did way back in 2017. It came out and was beloved by many people I loved, who encouraged me to watch it as soon as possible. I had watched the trailers for both, though, and just felt it wasn't going to be a film that I would enjoy. We also live in the day and age when movie trailers almost spell out the whole movie for you, too. You can definitely get a good sense of whether or not you'll enjoy a movie since you're seeing most of it. After about a month and a half of multiple people encouraging me to, I finally watched "KPOP Demon Hunters" and fell completely in love with it, particularly its amazing soundtrack. "The Greatest Showman," likewise, had a stellar soundtrack that still gets in rotation on my Spotify eight years later. Both times, I felt that I should have given in and watched the movie sooner than I did.
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"KPOP Demon Hunters" is an animated film that tells the story of Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, who are members of the K-pop girl group Huntr/x. They are also covert demon hunters who carry on a long tradition of trios that use their voices to create a magical barrier called the Honmoon that seals the demons away from preying on humans. After centuries, they are very close to turning the Honmoon gold, which will seal the demons away from humans permanently. Fearing that the end is coming, the ruler of the demons, Gwi-Ma sends a former human named Jinu to form a K-pop boy band called the Saja Boys with the goal of stealing Huntr/x's fans and weaken the Honmoon. Additionally, Rumi, the leader, is concealing the fact that she is actually the daughter of a hunter and a demon. 

The main thing that "KPOP Demon Hunters" has going for it is the amazing soundtrack. There is not a weak one in the bunch. However, arguably, the most popular song is "Golden." "Golden" has managed to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and is considered a contender for a nomination for Best Original Song at the Oscars. Netflix has also announced that they will be campaigning the film for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. A nomination seems extremely likely, with a win definitely in the realm of possibility.

While the music for the film is remarkable, it also features a great script by Maggie Kang, Danya Jimenez, Hannah McMechan and Chris Appelhans. The film manages to tell a story that, while familiar, still feels original, fresh and new. The animation is visually beautiful and truly makes the film even more of a spectacle.

The film has managed to connect with audiences worldwide and has become Netflix's most-watched film in its history. If you are one of the few who haven't given in, it is time. Do not wait any longer! You will not regret it!