Review Korean Movie "Hail to Hell (2022)"

Oct 15, 2022

Considering that "Hail to Hell" was written and directed by Lim Oh-jeong, a long time collaborator of Hong Sang-soo, and involves bullying, suicide and a cult, the question that would probably arise to anyone who read about the film is how would she combine her experiences with the themes of the movie. The answer is definitely surprising.

As the story begins, two high school students, Na-Mi and Seon-woo, who have been bullied extensively in school from Chae-rin and her gang, attempt suicide in an abandoned building. However, just before Na-Mi, who was actually a member of Chae-rin group before she got ostracized, commits the deed, they realize that perhaps it would be better to exact revenge than end their lives. In that fashion, they decide to go to Seoul where Chae-rin now lives happily, according to their information at least. When they do find her though, they stumble upon a rather surprising outcome, as their former tormentor has found religion and has joined a cult, and even seeks forgiveness from the two girls. As the two girls start to test their resolve to take revenge, they also realize that the cult is not as innocent as it tries to present itself.

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Lim Oh-jeong directs a film that thrives on its context, particularly in the way it poses questions regarding a number of thought-provoking issues. The concept of bullying is essentially just a base in that regard, with the choice between committing suicide or murder deriving from it. What constitutes friendship and how these relationships are shaped is another one. Can people really change, and is religion the best way to do so also arises throughout the movie, as much as the whether there is actually a cult that is even remotely decent or that they are all run by people who just want to exploit others. Lastly, whether forgiveness can be a currency in any setting is the question that rounds up the rather interesting narrative here.

These questions are also the ones that shape the two protagonists as the story unfolds, with every new one posed having a significant impact on them, regarding their plans, their relationship, their past, and even Chae-rin herself. This element, along with the antithetical chemistry of the two, as Seon-woo is rather introverted and Na-mi feisty, are the ones that carry the movie from beginning to end, along with the twists involving the cult and the people who both attend and run it. Regarding this last aspect, the whole concept of the point-system is rather shocking to watch in its unfolding, essentially highlighting the ridiculousness of such constitutions.

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The acting is also on a very high level. Bang Hyo-rin as Seon-woo highlights her inner struggle and the fear she feels that Na-mi will betray her in a laconic, but quite eloquent fashion. Oh Woo-ri is more extroverted regarding her feelings as Na-mi, but that something bitter is hiding beneath this cheerful facade is artfully depicted through her performance. Lastly, Jung Yi-ju's transformations as Chae-rin, as she is also presented as a hard-core bully through various flashbacks, and the ways Lim has the audience never being sure of if she has actually changed, are among the highlights of the movie.

In terms of visuals, Lim Oh-jeong's work has nothing to do with Hong Sang-soo's minimalism, as the noir-like cinematography by Jung Grim is quite impressive in the presentation of the different setting the movie takes place in, with the fireworks scene in particularly being the most visually impressive in the movie, while also highlighting Koo Ja-wan's music. Choi Kyoung-yoon editing results in a mid-tempo that also works nicely here, although the moments the pace picks up are the most memorable.

Some more definite answers to some of the questions Lim posed would be welcome, as much as some more realism in the presentation of the cult. However, these are only minor faults and "Hail to Hell" emerges as a film that is equally interesting, entertaining, and pleasant to the eye.