KPop Demon Hunters

I don't want to say anything because I don't want to create expectations and this is one of those films where I'd recommend going in as blind as possible. – But don't sleep on this movie! Even if nothing about the premise of this movie appeals to you, I would still say it's worth watching.

KPop Demon Hunters is a visual and musical treat that takes you on a wild ride through a world inspired by K-pop, anime, and the Spider-Verse. The animation is so colorful and creative that it’s like a kaleidoscope explosion! The music is catchy and upbeat, and the story is layered with depth and emotion. Arden Cho and the rest of the voice cast do amazing jobs bringing the characters to life. The main character, Rumi, is on a journey of self-discovery, and it’s really heartwarming to see how much they grow and learn. The film does have a few minor flaws, like some uneven tones and underdeveloped secondary characters, but overall, it’s a fun and entertaining fantasy parody of pop culture. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves K-pop, anime, and just great storytelling.

I enjoyed this movie, but boy do I have issues with the storytelling and the glamorizing of K-pop idols' lives. SPOILERS AHEAD: 1. Rumi was born part-demon, right? Her mother was a demon hunter and her father was a demon, which implies that not all demons are evil, right? Yes? No? We are never told how Rumi's mother died and we are never told what happened to Rumi's father, but I highly doubt that Rumi's mother was tricked into a relationship by a demon long enough to have a child. 2. All demons are supposed to be banished when the Honmoon is sealed, so how the heck is the cat and the crow still there, also, why do we even have a demon cat and crow? They're cute, but what are they? Are there "true demons" like Gwi-Ma, the cat and the crow, and "enslaved demons" like Jinu and his boy band? 3. Gwi-Ma enslaves other demons and practically tortures them with their shame for all eternity and we end the movie by permanently trapping them all in the demon realm with him? Really? Even though Jinu shows that demons can be redeemed by... showing them kindness and forgiveness?! REALLY?! Okay! The last one is my biggest issue with the plot. As for my issues with the representation of K-pop idols; their lives are only glamorous on the surface. K-pop idols are not born, they're made. These kids go through hell, for lack of a better way to describe it. It's not so much an issue with the K-pop industry itself, as it's a "cultural" issue. Koreans push themselves and each other to the brink, and it can and does lead to suicide. South Korea has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. The movie shows our K-pop protagonists snacking out and enjoying life, when in reality, these kids are on a strict diet and are allegedly not allowed these things. I like the movie, but I've read too much about the real lives of K-pop idols to overlook the glamorized misrepresentation shown here.

This might be my new favorite Sony Pictures Animation movie ever!!!!!!!!!!! KPop Demon Hunters excels from start to finish in every facet, including its animation, music, characters, and story. Sony is definitely showing us, "how it's done, done, done".