Pulgasari

Watch Pulgasari

"Banned for a decade!"
  • 1985
  • 1 hr 35 min
  • 5.3  (1,308)

Pulgasari is a 1985 North Korean fantasy-action movie directed by Shin Sang-ok. Filmed in Japanese, the movie stars a militant captured by the Korean Empire, Nam-Hwa. Nam-Hwa is the daughter of the governor of the province, and she leads a resistance party against the Empire secretly. The story of Pulgasari revolves around her father, a blacksmith who is prosecuted by the Empire for creating weapons. In the movie's opening scenes, we see soldiers killing people and confiscating weapons, and Nam-Hwa's father is among them. He is arrested and jailed, and his daughter seeks to set him free.

Meanwhile, the blacksmith creates a tiny stone figurine that he calls Pulgasari, after the Korean mythical creature. Upon finishing the figure, the blacksmith performs a ritual that brings it to life. Pulgasari is a small creature, initially measuring no more than six inches long. It feeds on metal and starts with eating a few tools and clips.

Over time, Pulgasari grows and evolves. It consumes more and more metal through the course of the movie, slowly becoming more formidable and unstoppable. Nam-Hwa's father urges Pulgasari to join the resistance movement, and the creature quickly becomes a symbol of hope for the people.

As the Empire grows more aggressive, Nam-Hwa teams up with a band of rebels, including her love-interest, to overthrow the Empire's corrupt leaders. Along the way, they engage in several high-stakes battles, which Pulgasari joins and ultimately leads. The metal-eating creature proves to be invincible, as it continues to consume more and more metal and grow more and more powerful.

As the resistance progresses, a heavy-hearted Nam-Hwa learns the truth about her father's past firing under her leadership but sacrifices her life at the last moment, giving Pulgasari the strength to rise even among the severest of difficulties. To everyone's surprise, Pulgasari consumes Nam-Hwa's father, giving him the strength to stand up to the Empire once and for all. The result of this final conflict is both satisfying and tragic, but it leaves the people free of the oppressive government that had been holding them down.

Pulgasari is an exciting and entertaining movie, packed with action, love, and hope. For those who enjoy fantasy movies or action movies, Pulgasari is an excellent choice. The special effects are impressive, considering the era, and the acting is superb. The background score is perfect for the movie's theme and holds the viewers well. By the time you finish the movie, you will feel inspired and empowered, rooting for the underdog even when facing the most challenging of odds. All in all, Pulgasari is a must-watch movie for anyone who enjoys a good action or fantasy tale.

Pulgasari
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Description
  • Release Date
    1985
  • Runtime
    1 hr 35 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.3  (1,308)