

Movie spotlight
Manshin: Ten Thousand Spirits
A life documentary of a woman who was shunned for being possessed by spirits as a girl, oppressed for following superstitions as an adult, how she grows to be a great shaman who embraces the pain of all people, and how she comes to be honored as a national treasure of Korea with her outstanding artistic talents throughout Korea's tumultuous history.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary explores the life and spiritual world of Kim Kum-hwa, a renowned Korean shaman. Through intimate interviews and evocative imagery, the film delves into her sacred rituals, her deep connection to the spirit world, and the cultural significance of shamanism in Korea. It also touches upon the influence of her artistic siblings, filmmakers Park Chan-wook and Park Chan-kyong, on the documentary's unique visual style and narrative.
Critical Reception
Manshin: Ten Thousand Spirits received critical acclaim for its profound exploration of Korean shamanism and its captivating visual storytelling. Critics lauded the film for its sensitive portrayal of Kim Kum-hwa's spiritual journey and its success in bridging the gap between traditional beliefs and modern audiences. The documentary was particularly praised for its artistic direction and its ability to offer a unique glimpse into a complex cultural phenomenon.
What Reviewers Say
A visually stunning and deeply spiritual portrait of a Korean shaman.
Offers a rare and insightful look into the world of shamanism and its cultural importance.
The film's artistic merit and sensitive direction are highly praised.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews and ratings for this film is not readily available.
Awards & Accolades
Screened at the Berlinale Forum and received positive attention for its unique subject matter and artistic execution.
Fun Fact
The film was co-directed by Park Chan-kyong, whose brother, Park Chan-wook, is a globally acclaimed filmmaker known for movies like 'Oldboy'.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources