Hwayi: A Monster Boy (2013)

Hwayi reviewed by Hwayi hehe

My friend suggested that it would be cute to see Hwayi review Hwayi so here I am.

Getting into this review, for this movie, I did not check the ratings (Like Rated 15+, 18+) and jumped straight into it. Let me just say, I was shocked but not pleasantly. I realized from this movie, that I'm not into really dark things. This was simply way too dark for me.

Story: The story actually wasn't the bad. It looked good. And it looked exactly what I like to watch. However, I was totally wrong. There was too much death. Literally every five seconds a "dad" would die, it felt like. There was just so much stuff thrown at me that I couldn't catch up. And there's a brief butt naked scene where it showed after the raping of a young girl, that literally scared/disgusted me. I really should've checked the rating before watching it.

I feel really bad for Hwayi for having to grow up underneath these maniacs. I do remember liking one of the dads a lot but everyone else was just not it for me.

Acting: The acting was amazing! Yeo Jin Goo pulled off a splendid performance at just the young age of 16. And of course, the other actors as well did amazing.

This is not a movie for people who can't deal with blood, gore, extreme profanity.

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I have waited to watch this for about 3 months. During the last month I was constantly searching for it every day just to see if it was out. And when I finally found it u can't believe how exited I was.!! >_<

YeoJinGoo who's only 16 irl and playing the character of HwaYi was amazing. He has many scenes and the story was overall about him. His acting and performance was spectacular. The upbringing he had in this "family" containing 5 fathers and a women who was taking care of him. The things he had to go through and how it affected him. Him still being so soft and sane inside while hurting. Him laughing, crying, hurting, fighting and getting furious. The look in his eyes when he realized everything. OMG. I bet he's getting an award for this. Korea is all over him saying he's gonna be THE next TOP actor. Seriously the guy is only 16 but looks around 20. I can't believe I'am saying this but I LOVE HIM. He's smoking HOOOTTT and 4 years younger than me. His voice is so mature and sexy…. ahhh I'am boiling. xD
Every one of them deserves an award. The actors playing the father were great at their roles. They had me hooked on the spot.!!

The storyline was amazing. The concept of the monster and the symbolic meaning behind it was very well-thought. I looooveeed the action, fighting and car scenes. It was just perfect. I loved the pace of the story too. There wasn't a single moment I was bored.

Warning: It contains a lot of blood-splatter so it aint for the REALLY weak-minded. But if I was u I would watch it. It's a must watch. Goes right to my top 5.

ENJOY :D

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“Nature or Nurture?”; The Ultimate Question of ‘ Hwayi:A Monster Boy’

Director Jang Joon Hwan and screenwriter Park Joo Seok’s attempted to delve deeper into the ultimate debate of “ nature vs nurture” with ‘Hwayi: A Monster Boy’ - a savage action-thriller that is expedited by its gratuitous fight scenes. Despite Jang Joon Hwan’s film bringing forward TV star Yeo Jin-goo’s first silver-screen debut, the film’s scant insight into the motives and drives of its odd ensemble of characters alongside shoehorned storytelling and dialogue, will likely test the patience (at times) of action-genre enthusiasts and casual watchers alike.

The movie focused upon the titular main lead Hwayi ( Yeo Jin Goo); a high-school boy who was kidnapped as an infant and brought up by a gang of sadistic thugs. From a young age Hwayi has been reared into becoming a perfect killer by his five “ dads”: Suk-tae (Kim Yun-seok), Jin-sung (Jang Hyun-sung), Ki-tae (Cho Jin-woong), Dong-beom (Kim Sung-kyun) and Beom-soo (Park Hae-jun). However after turning seventeen, Hwayi is soon forced to face the reality of his upbringing as questions soon rise towards his birth parents against his violent nurturing and environment.

Jang Joon Hwan’s 2003 success ‘ Save The Green Planet’ was a work that combined graphic violence, fantasy and social critique to create a daring result. In many ways ‘ Hwayi: A Monster Boy’ shared a lot of similar themes with its predecessor- bloodlust gore and themes revolving around captivity and humanity blooming to life in an attempt to hook and intrigue viewers. However, whilst ‘ Save The Green Planet’ was a movie that possessed tactful multilayered themes and topics, ‘ Hwayi: A Monster Boy’ struggled to sketch-out the same depth as Joon Hwan’s previous work due to a notable key issue; writing.

In theory, Hwayi’s complicated relationships with his five fathers should have been the backbone of the entire movie. However, their character-drives and definitive personality traits were so ineptly draw together at times in Park Joo Seok’s fictional and niche microcosm of convicts and killers, that it was often difficult to truly differentiate them apart. Aside from Suk-tae acting as the boy’s main rearer and as the leader of the group( who is revealed to have his own motives in a twist which whilst climatic, lacked pretension, )and doltish Ki-Tae who sincerely showed affection for the boy , the other men’s reasons and personal motives for bringing up the boy and corrupting Hwayi were rarely tackled or given convincing explanations.


Playing Hwayi as a character pushed over the edge, Yeo Jin Goo could admittedly often lack an air of subtlety by overstating his character’s angst. Nonetheless Yeo Jin Goo gives the main lead an edge of complex fragility, instability and sympathy for audiences. His budding romance for classmate and potential love interest Yoo-kyung (Nam Ji-hyun), one of the few female characters of the movie( who lacked definitive qualities) , acted as a lighthearted respite from the movie’s downbeat narrative.

Costarring alongside Yeo was Kim Yun Seok. The venerable actor added a running streak of brutality and viciousness to his onscreen persona Suk-Tae. Nevertheless despite the brilliant dynamic charm of Kim Yun Seok onscreen, tedious dialogue exchanges against lukewarm chemistry between him and Yeo during scenes rarely instilled tour de force moments when ambiguous feelings of love and contempt became apparent in their final conflict.

In terms of pacing the narrative is filled with adrenal energy- suspenseful and expedited by its violence, but given the myriad of action sequences and locations shown throughout the film, the pinnacle conflict of the movie was climatic yet slightly incoherent also . ( Especially due to sporadic editing at times.) A notable issue which should also be addressed within ‘ Hwayi: A Monster Boy’ was its presentation of female characters. Whilst it is arguable that Joon Hwan and Joo Seok may have been trying to present a critique towards the infringement of gender stereotypes within South-Korean society, the lacking scope for female archetypes aside from the nameless, abused wife of Im Hyung Taek ( Seo Hyung Hwa), and “ love interest” Yoo-Kyung, served little purpose or depth exploration aside from being plot devices to keep the storyline moving.

Of course it’s wrong to entirely critique the movie. Admittedly well-mounted cinematography served as aesthetic eye candy for viewers with inventive and intuitive choreographed fight scenes paired together with a subtle yet momentous score.


Overall ‘ Hwayi: A Monster Boy’ was a film which will likely appease and irk audiences alike. The notable cast lineup did not disappoint and whilst the polished and slick fight sequences and gruesome violence will likely appeal to many fans of the genre, the bogged-down dialogue against cliche-ridden characters and plot will test genre aficionados and casual watchers alike. However, whilst the ending certainly helped to wrap up several key plot points, the end outcome of ‘ Hwayi: A Monster Boy’ was a mixed-result of gory and hare-brained carnage against some insightful delves into nurture, crime and parenting along the way.

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With more deaths than a Shakespearean novel, I bring to you Hwayi. A movie that has a promising premise but ultimately turns out to be a disappointment as it throws away the concepts it struggles to build.

It tells the tale of a kidnapped boy(Hwayi) who is raised by five murderers. Hwayi’s journey though is one of self-discovery as he attempts to discover who he is in more ways than one. First is the topic of his identity as circumstances lead to him discovering that he was kidnapped as a boy. Hence begins his quest to figure out who he is. Amidst this he is also on a journey of self-discovery as he floats in between normalcy and the violent environment that he’s in. Then is also family love as he discovers his new family but is also rooted to his old one. Then you have a story that is looser than than than a one size fits all dress.

Unfortunately, while Hwayi seems deep, it is just very lack luster that it leaves the whole movie feeling tedious and lost. Most of the supporting characters in this movie such as the cops lend absolutely nothing to the plot at all. Another unnecessary addition is the stereotypical action scenes that don't need to be there. The chase scenes are ridiculous and look so low budget you have a hard time believing it. Ultimately they lend nothing to the movie other than the dragged out time. A lot of concepts are thrown in here, but they are never well done making the movie have very few compelling moments. The only decent action sequences come from a few fights but a majority of the movie is gun usage which is terribly done. At some of the action scenes, bullets kind of seem to materialize out of no where and it’s not evident who is shooting who.

The movie, transcends mediocrity (just a little) due to two people. Hwayi played by Yeo Jin Gu and one of his fathers played by Kim Yoon Suk. They both blend in to the gray tinged tones of the movie very well and as characters, really lift this lackluster plot. However, despite the magnificent acting displayed by both, ultimately, there’s almost nothing that is truly focused on and sharpened. It deals with the concept of monsters but completely throws that concept under the rag with what is somewhat of a plot twist. I'm apprehensive about calling it that because it’s neither compelling nor triggers my interest much. It deals with self-discovery but that concept also suffers a bigger death than most of the characters in the movie. It deals with family life but that is also just not developed enough and ultimately, there is nothing that really sticks. When you think it is going somewhere, it takes a completely different direction.

At the end of this journey, I found myself beyond disappointed. The script is just mediocre and I really wish the writer would have made it tighter. The more you watch, the less stellar it is and frankly, it did not need the length that it had. The only pros to this are the good acting which lend a hand to the few compelling moments. The compelling moments come from the moments of self-conflict such as when Hwayi hesitates to shoot but there are moments when he hesitates but mere seconds later does and you're just there going… For a move that seems heavy in philosophy, it really should have explored its themes better. Furthermore, the conclusion for me was just terrible. Another unnecessary addition to leave us with an ill placed "feel good" moment. Furthermore, because the relationship between the two characters involved was barely developed, it was just another scratch in the head.

Overall, underwhelming due to a scattered plot.

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Hwayi is about a boy who is kidnapped as a toddler and subsequently raised by a group of five criminals. Hwayi's relationships with his dads should form the backbone of the story. That isn't the case as their personalities are so hazily drawn even when reaching the hour mark. Rather the backbone is Hwayi discovering a dark truth and his transformation into a world he tries so hard to separate himself despite having been raised in it. There's more to it than just pure revenge often considering the ramifications of such actions on both side. The kidnappers all desire a different life for Hwayi from desiring Hwayi to follow in the criminal lifestyle or making an honest living. Each of the five kidnappers each differ in how they see Hwayi, but underneath the rough shell all share love for the child they raised. As determined as Hwayi is on his goal he's emotionally distress at the situation at hand. Morally correct he feels justifies towards his vengeance, but emotionally pulling the trigger on those who raised him is not a simple concept to convert into. It cares about the characters and their complicated relationship for one another allowing time to make it core character relationship have value to its action scenes.

A subplot that involves a detective searching for the criminals doesn't impact the film in a meaningful way. All the subplot does is reinforce how intelligent the criminals are as a team and reiterate information characters already figured out on their own. After a series of twists and a couple dead bodies later it reaches a climax that overstays its welcome. It's subtext is underlying a nature vs. nurture view as the protagonist feelings are complex and to a degree no better than from those he wishes to avoid.

The five fathers quickly establish their respective characters right from their first appearance. As an innocent who's sheltered, duped and pushed over the edge, Yeo (Hwayi) sometimes overstates his character's pain and bafflement. Lim Ji-eun is pitiful as a woman confined in her hopeless position by her men and then by herself, Nam Ji-hyeon is a plucky high school girl who happens to begin a tentative relationship with Hwayi, and her scenes with Yeo jin-goo are a few precious warm spots in the movie.

Korean cinema is the go to for the thriller genre. As saturated as it might be no other film industry has quite nail the genre quite perfectly as Korea bringing in new twists on familiar setups and avoiding any unneeded melodrama among other reasons. Hwayi is another one of those stellar action/thriller that succeeds giving high focus on the human side of its story giving the old revenge set up a revitalizing fresh take.

Hwayi is a very unique action/thriller with an original and exciting take on the father and son dynamic. It's more than a film about revenge more so than it is the delicacy of parenthood and how damaging it can for both sides. Cold and gloomy as it might be it's also a great action/thriller that offers a unique story and good set pieces.

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Hwa Yi is a young boy who’s been kidnapped as a kid by a group of five gangsters. The gang takes in the boy as their son and raises him into a criminal.
A contract to kill off a whole family has been signed, however, once it’s up to Hwa Yi to take the enterprise he starts messing up, being of course so different from his five parents.
The youngster’s difference doesn’t hold the righteous nature alone; Hwa Yi sees something grotesque that impedes him to take cruel actions. It also may manifest when he is left unaccompanied…

Directed by Jang Joon-hwan, Hwayi: A Monster Boy (2013) is really ruthless and brutal. Be ware of violent scenes as some may result quite disturbing and direct.
The main lead Yeo Jin Goo was 16 year old only when carrying out the role of Hwa Yi. It’s quite noteworthy in my opinion as he played the part really well and the fight scenes are striking.

At the second half of the movie, though, it takes a turn to a typical revenge-themed Korean film. If you watched I Saw the Devil you know where I’m coming from. Hands up, it is properly made as a thriller and full of action, but I didn’t expect that kind of dramatic plot-shifting.
The main subject of this movie I’d say is the boy’s transfiguration from an innocent kid to a fearless killer, comparable to a monster, as the title suggests.

I found the second part a bit slow pacing and the film’s events made me a tad testy. Which is also the purpose of the movie, so don’t watch it if you tend to get triggered over seeing lots of emotionally unfair and violent scenes.

Recommended to an observant public and splatter lovers.

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Hwayi: A Monster Boy

I came across this movie by accident on youtube. I don't watch action movies too often, but if I do it must catch my attention - this one did it. I read a summary of the story and it seemed interesting.

So to the story, it was definitely interesting and quite original idea. Five monsters in human form and one innocent boy, who is forced to become monster too. He is struggling with what he is taught his whole life and what he really wants. He is in a battle with monsters and with himself and his past. Will he have to destroy the monsters or will he become one? It's sad, very violent, disturbing, but also powerful with strong message. What I liked was the psychological side behind it all and the darkness. It has a pretty fast turnaround.

All actors here were really good in their role. I still have to mention that Yeo Jin-Goo, who played Hwayi and he was only about 16 years old in that time handle it just amazing. You will feel all his feelings and pain through his great acting.

The music fit well. I probably won't watch it again soon, not because it's bad, but this is the type of movie that is enough to watch once.

CONCLUSION: For me it is definitely yes, I'm just sucker for depressing movies, which will leave you with lots of thoughts in the end. But I probably wouldn't recommend it to sensitive people (blood, some gore, a lot of violence, suicide attempt). So, if you prepare for this, just go for it. It's worth to watch.

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Wow, I'm not much for leaving reviews but this movie moved me so much I just have to say something.

~Good parts~
The acting is definitely A++ and the cast did a really great job of showing the relationship between each other and their own characteristics really well

Its easy to follow along to and your not left wondering about anything.

The complexity to each character and the raw emotion I felt while watching this left me breathless

~Not so good but still worthwhile parts~

While the plot wasn't to hard to follow there are insistence where you can kinda guess where its going

Im not one much for blood and gore so if you are not either then your going to need to be aware that there is a lot

I'm not to sure if this is really bad but Im going to write it down because Im petty, but prepare to cry. Like Im really emotional and this movie hit me hard. So prepare for a dark complex movie, because you are in for a rough ride. <3

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A MUST to your list!

❤️❤️❤️Still debating if you wanna watch this or not??? I feel you.... BUT after giving this movie a chance, I've never been so happy. Aside from watching versatile actors come together in a big screen, I was able to watch my favorite young actor- Yeo Jin-goo!

Story- Wow!!!! It's dark, as it is supposed to be. He's a child kidnapped and raised by a bunch of killers and was able to adapt their skills in the process while growing up. He was betrayed by his own "family" and learned the truth and retaliates. From being an innocent child he turned into a monster overnight. Painful to watched as he slowly transform into their walking nightmare.

Acting/Casts- I have high expectations since all the veteran actors are together in this film, Yeo Jin-goo who's just 16 during this film /movie slayed his role. No wonder he gains the respect/recognition of his co-actors which is by the way the creme dela creme of kdrama world. He was a minor when they shoot this film, so when they were screening this movie he was asked to wait outside, he waited outside while eating hotdog. lmao. The veteran actors were skeptic at first since he was so young, they're worried if he can deliver the role well, since the story and his part is too dark. Surprise, surprise!!!! Yeo Jin-goo eventhough he's young, is considered as a veteran since he's been acting since he's 8. His co-actors said that all his scripts are clean, no notes or whatsoever, it means that he just read them, immersed himself to the role and BAM! He's youngest winner of Blue Dragon Film Awards... NEED I SAY MORE?❤️❤️❤️

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Pure Entertainment

To sum it up, this movie is pure entertainment. There are moments of comedy, there are tender moments, action, thriller, tense. This movie really does have it all. For a movie viewing I’d almost say it’s close to perfect to sit down and watch but the catch is you can’t be someone with a feint heart.

Hwayi has a pretty easy to follow synopsis as well as simple on the outside character motivations that have much more depth and layers to pick apart if you want. As someone who likes a lot of depth I found this really nice, and considering it’s a movie I liked how it was easy to follow and you don’t have to really pick apart the characters as you’re only with them for a few hours.

There’s a lot of important themes the movie has, the main takeaway I found was the importance of family structure. It’s fine that they are all fathers, what isn’t fine is what they teach their ‘son’.

Kidnapping a boy and nurturing him under their gang activities and eventually encouraging him to kill others for their benefit isn’t a plus. But their are a few moments of payoff, where you can tell that they really care for him despite. They don’t want Hwayi dead and it’s interesting to see their dynamic as this family play out. I really like how coming into the movie after the time skip you believe they’ve all lived together for the years and it’s natural but definitely not typical or healthy either.

Now I’m not going to go into depth for this movie because I don’t find the need to. It’s entertaining. It’s really entertaining. The acting is beyond impressive considering Yeo Jin-Goo was 16 years old when filming. He’s the best of the best and I don’t doubt this movie when I watch. There are never moments where I sit and think “oh these people are just acting”. It’s a fully immersive experience. The amount of gore is a lot more than expected, the kill count is also more than expected. It could be arguable that some of the kills and gore are just for fluff, but I see this as a movie and movies I watch to entertain myself so I don’t see that as a bad thing.

This movie really made my night and I recommend it. It’s really good and I wish I could say more, but all I can do is emphasize it’s strength. The acting is superior, the action is very impressive, the story is easy to follow. This movie is very very good.

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