A Monstrous Corpse (괴시) 1981
‘A Monstrous Corpse’ (괴시) is a landmark horror film from 1981, notable for being the first Korean zombie movie. Directed by Kang Beom-gu and drawing inspiration from the Italian horror movie ‘Let Sleeping Corpses Lie’ (1974).
The film unfolds with Kang Myung, played by Taiwanese actor Chiang Ming, journeying to an environmental convention. He fortuitously hitches a ride with Yu Su-ji, portrayed by Yu Gwang-ok, who has recently returned to her homeland after a five-year stint in the United States. As they traverse the winding roads of rural Korea, Su-ji is on a quest to find the elusive Su-ri village, where her sister resides following her marriage three years ago. Their adventure takes an unsettling turn when they become lost. In pursuit of help, Kang Myung ventures off, leaving Su-ji momentarily alone. He stumbles upon a radio tower occupied by scientists, including a former University classmate, employing eerie ultrasonic waves to eradicate insects. Meanwhile, Su-ji’s sense of safety abruptly shatters when a gaunt man with a ghostly pale face emerges from the underbrush, prompting her to flee in terror.
Upon arriving at Su-ri village, they make a grim discovery: Su-ji’s brother-in-law has been murdered. With the police ignoring both Su-ji and her sister, Kang and Su-ji start their own investigation.
The narrative weaves a tapestry of familiar horror tropes, heavily echoing the influences of earlier European horror cinema. Yet, the film’s suspense falters early, as the identity of the sinister zombie is revealed, shifting the film’s tone from horror in the woods to a slower-paced investigative drama with little action.
The cinematography bathes the film in a reddish hue, infusing each scene with a warm yet profoundly unsettling atmosphere. Notably, the house that serves as the home of Su-ji’s sister is the same as in ‘Suddenly in the Dark’, a psychological thriller released later in 1981, further tying it into the realm of horror.
While the film’s narrative is relatively straightforward, it hints at an environmental theme. Kang is an environmental conservationist, and Su-ji’s brother-in-law is a nature photographer, expressing the human connection to the natural world. The scientists at the ominous radio tower, led by a U.S. researcher, engage in a misguided attempt to eradicate insects, ultimately betraying the delicate balance of nature.
Despite its pioneering status as the first Korean zombie film, ‘A Monstrous Corpse’ ironically falls short in delivering the expected gore and frights. The zombies, defined more by their sluggish movements than any terrifying vigour, only bear a faint distinction from human beings, marked by a dull greyish hue to their skin. Intrigue is lacking, as the film offers few surprises, and the motivations behind the zombie uprising become hauntingly clear, diluting the sense of mystery that horror fans often crave.
It is challenging to recommend this film mainly because it lacks suspense, gore, and excitement. Although it is a landmark film as the first Korean zombie movie, released a full 35 years before the fantastic ‘Train to Busan,’ a better option for a suspenseful experience would be ‘Suddenly in the Dark’.