Movie Review. D-War

Posted by Mike McStay at 2:29am.

Posted in Film & DVD Reviews .

As a fan of the movies, there has always been one type of film that I have always loved. Sad to say, it is the “Monster” film. One of my first childhood movie memories was the 1956 Godzilla. I knew that it was a man in a rubber suit and, to be honest, I did not care. I have amassed a nice collection of the so called “Monster” films. On quiet, rainy days, I still warm up some popcorn and enjoy films from my childhood.

I had heard of “D-War” for many years now, and each time the film had a release date and then the date kept getting pushed back. I kept wondering will this film ever be released. As of today, this is the most expensive Korean Film ever made. With cost rumored to be between 30-100 million dollars, this could even be the biggest risk or failure in Korean film history.

To be honest, the film had every reason I should like it, a big monster, great special effects, a somewhat corny story and a huge battle in L.A. I should have loved it but sad to say, I really hated the film. Based on Korea Pop Wars It looks like I will be in the minority here in Korea. The Korean Producer of the film, Showbox, is prediction an opening weekend of 2-2.5 million tickets sold.

The main reason that I hated the film was very easy. The acting was just that bad. I do not even mean as bad as “Plan 9 from Outer Space”, I actually liked that film.

For all of the special effect, the wooden acting just left a bad taste in my mouth. One other reason was the film seemed very rushed at 90 minutes, it had very little plot development and the story, as a whole, just seemed very flat.

If you like monsters, then this will be the summer film for you. The film is in English and Korean so please be ready for that.

Grade. C-

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Reader Comments

Ard Vijn 08/04/2007 @ 3:15am

Hi Mike, thanks for the review!

I’m still interested though. Harryhausen’s movies weren’t always the best, but as long as there was an adequate number of monsters I’d be satisfied!
Left you a little something in the “about posting” topic on the moderator forum.
Please check it out, I think you’ll like it!
Pusheye 08/04/2007 @ 7:11am

I saw the trailer recently, was that Robert Forster in the film? I love that guy. It’s sad to hear the acting in that movie was poor when he’s usually such a great actor.
Al Young 08/04/2007 @ 8:39am

D-War definitely appeals to my inner child. I’m a sucker for giant monsters so I don’t want to miss out on this movie, even if its super cheesy. It may become a guilty pleasure of mine. Part of the other reason I’m showing support is I want Shim Hyung-rae to stay in business for the sake of seeing what crazy idea he will come up with next. Bring on Fish War!
Swarez 08/04/2007 @ 10:49am

I’m going to see this with the same expectation I will have for Transformers. Big ass battles and cool action scenes, nothing more.

But if the acting is as horrible as in Reptilian then we are in for a ride. Why don’t directors who don’t speak the language hire assistant directors who know how to spot bad acting and maybe coach the actors?
Ard Vijn 08/04/2007 @ 4:36pm

Mike, nevermind the “little something”, it was the picture in front of your article. I managed to get it there myself.
Caterpillar 08/04/2007 @ 4:38pm

Not a surprising review by any stretch. That’s 100% what I was expecting based on all the trailers and previews from the past couple years. Cool monsters and effects, terrible acting and story? I can live with that so long as I get my dragons with rocket launchers and laser cannons. This has GUILTY PLEASURE written all over it. I have to say I’m pleased to hear it’s doing well at the box office since this isn’t your average cynical blockbuster like they are made by Hollywood. This guy is actually a passionate madman and it makes me happy for him that all those years of work are paying off. I second the request for FISH WAR next!
Swarez 08/05/2007 @ 1:17am

It’s one of those films that I hope will be released on HD when it hits the home video marked.
Das War 08/05/2007 @ 9:40am

This film never really got me............Had great potential but nothing more.
Das War 08/05/2007 @ 9:41am

All though I just know realized that the name of my username/band is the longer word of this stupid movie.

hahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Zephyr 08/07/2007 @ 3:09am

a news from Korea…

MBC, one of the major Korean braodcast, just fumbled the ball a big time.

They shot and broadcast the climax(portion not shown in the PR part, of course) scene of D-War, recorded inside one of the theater with a god damn cam.
without permission from the maker or distributer.

I believe that footage is already circulating in YouTube…

Of course, the maker/distributer side is seriously pissed now