Thirst (2009)

Director: Park Chan-wook

Stars: Song Kang-ho, Kim Ok-bin, Choi Hee-jin
Runtime: 148 minutes

Synopsis: Through a failed medical experiment, a priest is stricken with vampirism and is forced to abandon his ascetic ways.

Performances: 8/10
Screenplay: 7/10
Editing: 6/10
Cinematography: 9/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10

Verdict: Directed by legendary Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook, mostly known for films such as "Oldboy" or "The Handmaiden", "Thirst" doesn't exactly serve as a twist on the vampire mythos, but rather redefines the romance genre. Loosely based on Emile Zola's "Thérèse Raquin", it tells the very unconventional love story between a blood-thirsty priest and an unhappily married woman. It's a very sensual watch, filled with gruesome imagery that will bother more than one, that very effectively discusses themes of morality, desire, and passion. The two lead performances by Song Kang-ho and Kim Ok-bin are phenomenal, but it's the film's cinematography that was its highlight for me. The score by Jo Yeong-wook also served well its purpose of building a nerve-racking atmosphere but did occasionally come off as a little too goofy for me. Clocking at 148 minutes, I'd be lying however if I said that I didn't feel its length, but I hear that there's a shorter version available out there, so maybe check this one out instead.

FINAL GRADE: 7/10