Directed by Kim Sung-Hong, Starring Moon Sung-Keun, Choo Ja-Hyun, Jeon Se-Hong. Horror/thriller, Korea, 2009, Approx. 99 minutes.

DVD release date 31 January 2011 (Certificate 18) (Cine-Asia) (sub-titled)

Film director Hong takes young and pretty actress Hyun-ah (Jeon Se-Hong) to the countryside to discuss a new role. They stop at a farm, however the owner Pan-gon (Moon Sung-Keun) has more sinister intentions than just serving chicken soup. After murdering Hong, he kidnaps and imprisons Hyun-ah, where his immediate intentions are unclear. Meanwhile, Hyun-ah’s sister, Hyun-jung (Choo Ja-Hyun) is concerned at her disappearance, and attempts to track her down.

Supposedly based on true events, the basic premise of the film is simple, as after dispatching with Hong, farm owner Pan-gon locks up Hyun-ah, and has no intention of releasing her. Keeping her in a cell in the basement, and with no way out, she must do exactly what he wants. Pan-gon eventually rapes Hyun-ah, however after she can’t take any more and tries to fight back, he then turns to more violent methods to keep her quiet.

Meanwhile, following a message left on her phone, Hyun-jung has some idea of where her sister went, but no more clues. The police won’t help without evidence, and so she attempts to find her on her own. Whilst everything is developed over a relatively small number of sets, and dominated by the three central characters, the film moves along nicely as Hyun-jung closes in on her search, although unfortunately for her, with action also comes consequences!

Far from falling straight into the torture porn category, there is actually a good mix across the horror and thriller genres as the story unfolds. Whilst of course there is sex and violence throughout the film, it isn’t overly excessive, but there is enough to satisfy horror fans. What works very well is Pan-gons character, someone who is heavily disturbed, and shows no sympathy or remorse from his actions. This directs the tone of the film, which doesn’t try to inject any unnecessary humour into the script. The acting from the two leading ladies is also good, and the film is well directed and paced by Kim Sung-Hong.

Korean cinema has delivered some great movies over the years, and seems to be experiencing an excellent period of late, particularly with the success of films such as ‘Bedevilled’ and ‘Mother’ as two recent examples. Whilst Missing isn’t quite as good as either of these, it’s still a decent and well made film, and will appeal to anyone who likes this type of movie. Overall therefore well worth checking out.

Extras: Trailer gallery.

Dino Marabese.

This web site is owned and published by London FrightFest Limited.
 © London FrightFest Ltd. 2000-2011
_____________________________________________