“The Divine Fury” is a South Korean action-horror film that combines martial arts and supernatural elements. The film, directed by Kim Joo-hwan, stars Park Seo-joon as Yong-hoo, an MMA fighter who, after a tragic childhood experience and a life spent ignoring his faith, realizes that his stigmata—a wound that mysteriously appears on his hand—gives him divine powers to confront demonic forces. Father Ahn, an experienced exorcist played by Ahn Sung-ki, reluctantly guides Yong-hoo into a realm of demonic confrontations and spiritual combat, all set against the backdrop of Seoul.
What Is “The Divine Fury” About?
At its core, “The Divine Fury” is about redemption, faith, and the struggle against evil. Yong-hoo, an orphaned MMA fighter who has long abandoned his Catholic faith, is unexpectedly confronted with a stigmata that both confuses and empowers him. As he grapples with his newfound talents, Yong-hoo joins forces with Father Ahn to confront rising demonic activities in Korea. The plot revolves mainly around themes of lost faith, spiritual awakening, and confrontation with inner and outer demons.
Who Is the Antagonist in “The Divine Fury”?
The primary antagonist in “The Divine Fury” is Jisin, played by Woo Do-hwan, a Satanic figure who serves as a vessel for the demonic entity known as the Dark Bishop. Jisin is a club owner who sacrifices souls to maintain eternal youth and is responsible for much of the chaos and demonic possession Yong-hoo and Father Ahn face. He is a formidable foe who utilizes his dark powers to manipulate and terrorize his victims.
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Is “The Divine Fury” Worth Watching?
For fans of genre mashups and action-packed stories, “The Divine Fury” offers a unique blend of horror and martial arts, yet it is not without flaws. The film contains a combination of clean action sequences and terrifying supernatural elements, although its execution may feel uneven. While the film’s visual design and atmosphere are impressive, it suffers from pacing flaws and a narrative that should have been edited more tightly. If you’re intrigued by the idea of a martial artist using divine abilities against demonic forces, it’s worth watching, but don’t expect a more meaningful experience.
Overall Verdict
“The Divine Fury” combines elements of action and horror to tell a story about the spiritual and physical conflict between good and evil. It is a visually appealing experience, but its narrative occasionally stumbles, with a plot that may feel stretched thin during its two-hour runtime. The film establishes an intriguing premise and teases a sequel, which might build on its universe and people. While the film has shortcomings, fans of Korean cinema, action, and otherworldly elements may nevertheless enjoy it.
Where to Watch “The Divine Fury”?
“The Divine Fury” is available for viewing on Amazon Prime Video, Viki, and other video-on-demand platforms. It may also be available for rent or purchase through platforms such as iTunes or Google Play Movies.
Title: The Divine Fury (Korean: 사자)
Directed by Kim Joo-hwan
Written by Kim Joo-hwan
Starring: Park Seo-joon, Ahn Sung-ki, Woo Do-hwan
Music by Koo Ja-wan
Release Date: 31 July 2019
Country: South Korea
Language: Korean
Where to watch The Divine Fury (2019); Original Title: 사자
