"Goe-gi-maen-syon" is a horror anthology set in an old apartment building, the filming locations and art direction provide an unpleasant atmosphere very well done. The cinematography is good without being excellent. The direction is on point for much of the film and the acting is generally good, except for a few overacting actors. The script, which is divided into 4 segments and an epilogue, has its ups and downs.
Segment 1, "The Writer": The first story set in the apartment building is quite soulless and without any tension, the protagonist overreacts in some scenes and the script does not provide an explanation beyond the incongruous facts. A failed segment.
Segment 2, "The Pharmacist": The second segment manages to improve on the first. The story shows an interesting scene in which the pharmacist's boyfriend talks to her from the shower, only to find out later that something is wrong and that her boyfriend really barely comes home. The end result is not entirely satisfactory. In the trailer, scenes from this segment were shown making it look better than it really is.
Segment 3, "The Seller": It is during this third segment that the film begins to improve. The story depicts the bizarre relationship between a real estate guy and a mannequin he treats as his wife. His kitchen sink begins to cause problems that lead the protagonist to think that there is a black hole in there. Without being entirely excellent, this segment is interesting.
Segment 4, "The Student": The last story is the most interesting and best achieved. A young man returns to South Korea after studying abroad, soon becoming a guest of a friend of his in an apartment in the haunted building. His friend seems to have poor hygiene and the apartment is full of mold. The script is quite good and interesting, also the acting of the protagonist is excellent. The best story was left for last.
Epilogue: One more story that serves to tell the reason why the building is haunted. The script has good moments and the suspense is present. Without being a marvel, it manages to entertain.
"Goe-gi-maen-syon" is not a masterpiece, but it manages to hold interest throughout its duration.
Segment 1, "The Writer": The first story set in the apartment building is quite soulless and without any tension, the protagonist overreacts in some scenes and the script does not provide an explanation beyond the incongruous facts. A failed segment.
Segment 2, "The Pharmacist": The second segment manages to improve on the first. The story shows an interesting scene in which the pharmacist's boyfriend talks to her from the shower, only to find out later that something is wrong and that her boyfriend really barely comes home. The end result is not entirely satisfactory. In the trailer, scenes from this segment were shown making it look better than it really is.
Segment 3, "The Seller": It is during this third segment that the film begins to improve. The story depicts the bizarre relationship between a real estate guy and a mannequin he treats as his wife. His kitchen sink begins to cause problems that lead the protagonist to think that there is a black hole in there. Without being entirely excellent, this segment is interesting.
Segment 4, "The Student": The last story is the most interesting and best achieved. A young man returns to South Korea after studying abroad, soon becoming a guest of a friend of his in an apartment in the haunted building. His friend seems to have poor hygiene and the apartment is full of mold. The script is quite good and interesting, also the acting of the protagonist is excellent. The best story was left for last.
Epilogue: One more story that serves to tell the reason why the building is haunted. The script has good moments and the suspense is present. Without being a marvel, it manages to entertain.
"Goe-gi-maen-syon" is not a masterpiece, but it manages to hold interest throughout its duration.
