Folklore Season 1 Episode 6 Mongdal (Eng Sub)

Mongdal is the sixth episode in the first season of Folklore, a horror anthology series that explores the supernatural beliefs and practices of Asian cultures. Each episode is set in a different country and directed by a renowned filmmaker from that country.

In Mongdal, we are taken to South Korea, where we are introduced to a teenage girl named Hana who is living with her mother in a small, isolated village. Hana's mother is ill and bedridden, and Hana spends her days caring for her and tending to the household chores. Despite her responsibilities, Hana is intrigued by the village's folklore about a creature called Mongdal, who is said to appear to young women and lure them into the forest.

One day, Hana's curiosity gets the better of her and she ventures into the forest, where she encounters a handsome young man named Jun. Although Hana is initially distrustful of Jun, the two begin to form a connection, and Hana starts to believe that she has found someone who understands her and can help her escape her mundane life. However, as the days go by, strange things begin to happen in the village, and Hana realizes that Jun may not be who he seems.

Mongdal is a haunting exploration of the power of folklore and the dangers of desire. Director Lee Sang-Woo masterfully builds tension throughout the episode, using the dark, foreboding forest and eerie, otherworldly music to create an immersive and unsettling atmosphere. The opening scene, which features a group of old women gathering around a fire to tell stories of Mongdal, sets the tone for the rest of the episode and establishes the importance of storytelling in the village's culture.

The episode also touches on themes of gender and power, as Hana struggles to assert herself in a society that devalues her worth as a young woman. This is particularly evident in the scenes between Hana and her mother, in which her mother repeatedly chastises Hana for not conforming to traditional gender norms. However, as Hana becomes more involved with Jun, she begins to assert her own desires and challenge the status quo.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Mongdal is the way in which it incorporates elements of Korean shamanism into the story. The shaman in the village is an important figure, as she is the only one who can communicate with the spirit world and perform rituals to ward off evil spirits. The scenes in which Hana seeks out the shaman's help add an additional layer of depth to the story, and lend the episode a sense of authenticity and cultural specificity.

Overall, Mongdal is a haunting and thought-provoking addition to the Folklore series. From its eerie forest setting to its exploration of gender and power dynamics, the episode is a masterclass in atmospheric horror that is sure to leave viewers with chills long after the credits roll.