It’s been quite awhile since I’ve watched any foreign films with subtitles. It has always been a bit of a burden to read text while trying to enjoy a movie, but I was glad I took the time to watch this one. The Restless was a masterpiece of colors and beauty. The exquisite scenery mixed with a plot revolving around fantasy, drama, and romance made for quite the unique experience.

What the film lacks is a solid screenplay. The premise of the script was good but the execution of it was done very poorly. There were holes left unfilled, puzzles unfinished, and much left to be desired. I was left with more questions than answers and I really felt short changed by the end of it all.

The film however is not at a complete loss. Although more of a romantic fantasy movie than a martial arts fest, the film still provided some very nice swordplay, solid CGI effects, and visuals which were captivating to both the eyes and the imagination. The bond between the two main characters is felt throughout the film and although not a word of English is spoken, you can feel the connection and sense of urgency each character has to rediscover themselves and their love for one another.

Overall, I’d rate this movie as a solid DVD rental. For most people, it will be enough to keep them glued to the screen and it provides enough romance as well as action to keep everybody satisfied.

Synopsis:

It is AD 924, at the end of the United Shilla Dynasty. Continuous riots sweep the land ruled by a corrupted government. Evil forces are rampant and malicious demons roam the land. YI Kwak, born with the powers to see spirits, joins the royal demon hunting squad, ‘Chuh-yong-dae’ after losing his fiancée, Yon-hwa to evil demons. YI Kwak excels as the most talented warrior of Chuh-yong-dae and the royal squad seems to gain momentum as powerful fighters against the forces of darkness. Then one day, YI Kwak drifts into Joongcheon, the world of the dead through a strange shrine. Joongcheon, the intermediate world between Heaven and Earth, a place souls remain for 49 days, preparing for reincarnation. SOURCE: Korean Film Council