KFilm to Watch: The Huntresses (2014)

The Huntresses (2014)

Three female bounty hunters from the Joseon era work together to earn a living. Pocket sundials, expert archery, disguises, hang gliders, weaponized yo-yos and daring acrobatics keep these huntresses in business. There is the talkative, crazy, married Hong Dan; the tough and solemn Ga Bi; and the sweet, inventive leader, Jin Ok (Ha Ji-won from “Secret Garden”!). The girls stumble across a plot to overthrow the king while out on a hunt, complete with a mysterious artifact that reveals the enemy strategy. What happens when Jin Ok freezes at the sight of the noble responsible for her father's demise? Will the huntresses be able to save their country, and themselves?

*A little on the bloody side, but otherwise an entertaining movie. Some of the music gave the film a “Charlie's Angels” vibe, despite being set in the Joseon era. There was a little humor, a little romance, but mostly action and fighting. Not bad considering I don't normally enjoy period Korean pieces. Some of the special effects were a bit cheesy, but I'd still recommend watching it.*

InFilm to Miss: Singh Is Kinng (2008)

Singh Is Kinng (2008) 

The klutzy, unlucky Happy is a menace in his local village, constantly creating chaos and new property damage every time he “helps” a neighbor. Meanwhile, the famous gangster king Lucky is in trouble with Australian authorities, and the news causes his villager father to have an asthma attack. The villagers tell Happy it was a heart attack, leading him to believe it is imperative for Lucky to come home. Will Happy be able to convince Lucky to return, or will the villagers finally be rid of their menace? What happens when Happy meets the girl of his dreams along the way? Will Happy be able to change the gangsters' hearts?

*This film has a lot of gun violence and raunchy dance numbers, complete with casino chorus line girls in next to no clothing. Usually the lengthier running times for these films lends itself to writing deeper characters, but the lead female has next to no personality. Lots of hip-hop and rap influenced music, which is not my taste and I don't think it complements Indian culture very well. I won't watch this again, and I don't recommend it.*