As an avid matcha enthusiast who is no stranger to the performative male allegations, I had my trepidation about watching a movie including both K-pop and demon hunters.
But after discovering that the movie contains flawless animations, irresistible hit songs and an engaging storyline, I quickly realized that the film was a takedown.
In just 67 days, “KPop Demon Hunters” became the number one movie in Netflix, and multiple of its songs like “How it’s Done,” “Soda Pop” and “Golden” have taken the top spots in the global Billboard 100.
Summary
“KPop Demon Hunters” is a 90-minute animated musical centered around the pop stars Rumi, Mira and Zoey (band name HUNTR/X) as they use their songs to fight demons. When I say demons, I don’t mean the ones in my head, but rather actual monsters that are trapped below the Earth and live only to steal souls from humans to give to their demon king, Gwi-Ma.
Following a tradition that has been passed down, the pop stars use their songs to create the Honmun, a barrier made from the resonated souls of fans, to prevent the demons from breaking through.
Without revealing any spoilers, “KPop Demon Hunters” masterfully combines HUNTR/X’s songs with a plot revolving around their duty as demon hunters.
Analysis
What made this film Netflix’s second-most successful original show of all time is its appeal to a globalized community.
For K-pop fans, this has all the songs you could want to listen to your heart’s content. For women, this movie spreads an uplifting message of female-empowerment. And for us guys, we too can relate to the movie’s classic heroic archetype with vivid animations that can put a spell of allure on any audience.
As a movie centered around the importance of fans — the power source of the Honmun — “KPop Demon Hunters” provides a fresh take for musical shows.
A common pitfall that past singalong movies like “Sing” or even “Alvin and the Chipmunks” fall into is the lack of relatability and connection for the audience. However, “KPop Demon Hunters” combines the cultural tunes of both Korea and the United States, combining to form a movie that anybody can find interest in.
Final Thoughts
Call me a performative male or fickle fanboy or whatever other label you may throw my way, but I have gone from a HUNTR/X hater to a THREE-time viewer.
Now, from the same computer I binged the movie, I conclude my review. Five stars, infinite yelps, all the rotten tomatoes. As the credits rolled and “KPop Demon Hunters” faded away to a close, I was left with only one complaint: I can’t watch it for the first time again.