Films › Na Hong-jin

The Wailing (2016)

Film

DirectorNa Hong-jin

Meta takes3

Figures

Characters

The character of Jong-goo as a father and police officer. → The Fragile Alpha

Locations

The rural landscape of Gokseong and the mysterious sickness.

Form & technique

The film's overall narrative structure. → The Cinematic Chimera
The cross-cut shamanic ritual (gut) scene.

Tropes

The possessed villagers' violent, decaying bodies. → The Abject
Jong-goo's final confrontation with Moo-myeong.
The Japanese Stranger (The Outsider).
The use of rumors and conflicting testimonies throughout the film.

Films most connected to The Wailing

The Crow (1994) — via The Abject, The Cinematic Chimera
The Fly (1986) — via The Abject, The Cinematic Chimera
Django Unchained (2012) — via The Abject, The Cinematic Chimera
Donnie Darko (2001) — via The Fragile Alpha, The Cinematic Chimera
Catch Me If You Can (2002) — via The Fragile Alpha, The Cinematic Chimera
The Secret in Their Eyes (2009) — via The Fragile Alpha, The Cinematic Chimera
Three Colors: White (1994) — via The Fragile Alpha, The Cinematic Chimera
Amores Perros (2000) — via The Abject, The Fragile Alpha