Watch Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum

Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum is a South Korean horror film from 2018 that is directed by Jung Bum-shik. The movie is based on the premise of the haunted Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital, which is considered one of the most notorious haunted places in Korea. The film is shot in a found footage style and follows the story of a group of young ghost hunters who enter Gonjiam to explore the building and record their experience.

The movie starts with the introduction of the main character, Ha-joon (played by Wi Ha-joon), who runs a popular online channel called Horror Times. Ha-joon and his team are looking for their next big hit and decide to explore the abandoned Gonjiam Hospital, which has been closed down for many years. They plan to film the whole experience, including their exploration of the creepy asylum and interviews with locals who claim to have had paranormal experiences in the area.

The group consists of six members, all with their quirks and personalities. They enter the hospital at night and start their exploration. They have hidden cameras, microphones, and other equipment to record their experience. The first few hours are uneventful, and the group starts to get spooked by the eerie silence of the hospital. However, as they proceed into the deeper parts of the building, they begin to hear strange voices and see supernatural occurrences.

As the night progresses, the group starts to unravel, and their skepticism of the supernatural is replaced by fear and terror. They encounter disturbing imagery and witness horrifying scenes, including ghosts and other supernatural phenomena. As the group gets separated, they must fight for their survival as the hospital seems to come alive with malevolent energy.

The movie is a combination of traditional Korean horror folklore and modern found footage horror elements. The sound design is a standout, with the use of ambient sounds and eerie music creating a sense of dread and tension. The cinematography is also well executed, with the use of handheld camera work and a mixture of close-ups and medium shots.

The performances of the cast are commendable, with each member delivering a convincing portrayal of their role. Wi Ha-joon, in particular, stands out as the leader of the group, displaying the right mix of bravado and vulnerability. The other members of the group also put in a solid effort, creating a relatable and engaging group dynamic.

The film does a great job of building tension and delivering some genuine scares, without relying on cheap jump scares. The horror is more psychological, with the focus being on the creepy atmosphere and the slow build-up of dread. The movie also plays with the audience's expectations, with several twists and turns that keep the viewer engaged.

Overall, Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum is a worthy addition to the found footage horror genre. The movie successfully incorporates Korean horror folklore and provides a fresh take on the genre. The film is not for the faint-hearted, and viewers who enjoy a good horror movie will not be disappointed. The movie has a runtime of 95 minutes and is rated R for violence, language, and some disturbing images.

Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum is a 2018 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.