There are a number of features which this film does not possess: a blockbuster budget, award-winning acting or extravagant imagery. Though thankfully, all this can be set aside considering the fact that it still possessed many of the features which make a Park Chan-Wook film great.
The biggest mention has got to be rewarded to the film score. There are two words to describe this; chilling and haunting. Though I will not give too much away, whenever the main tune appeared, it did not fail to send an eerie chill down my spine. Only Park Chan-Wook veterans would understand.
Next has to be the camera technique. You see that Park Chan-Wook understands the limitations set for a short-small budget film but yet plays of the strength of this. The macabre setting of a morgue, the focus on different objects, as well as the sad TV footage remains at the forefront of your mind even after the film ends.
The change in mood and hints of dark humour, modestly delivered are
examples of what is to come with this director. Although the acting is not spectacular either, Park Chan-Wook does try to give depth to them, via a heavy reliance of dialogue and plot twists.
All in all though Simpan is not a film to be watched first without having watched any of Park Chan-Wook's big budget films beforehand (namely the revenge trilogies). However, if you have watched his other films, and appreciate his skills in directing, then you will surely be able to appreciate the raw talent that is evident in this movie.
