Woochi: The Demon Slayer (2009)

Director: Dong-hoon Choi

Starring: Dong-won Gang, Lim Soo-jung, Kim Yoon-seok

Jeon Woo-chi, an undisciplined womanizing Taoist from the Joseon era, ends up in present-day Korea causing mayhem with his knack for magic.

Also known as Jeon Woo-chi: The Taoist Wizard.

Woochi (played by Dong-won Gang) is a powerful wizard who has a lighthearted outlook on life. The story revolves around both Wizards and Goblins wanting possession of a magical pipe that will bestow great power upon them. Woochi’s sidekick and best friend is Chorangyi, a dog who mostly walks around in human form, and can also shape shift into a horse. They are in search of a Bronze knife, as well, that would turn Chorangyi permanently into a human.

The visuals are STUNNING!! It is incredibly realistic. There’s a lot of slapstick comedy here, and although I generally don’t enjoy slapstick, the presentation was very good. This is an action fantasy comedy, after all. When Woochi is framed for murder, him and Chorangyi are imprisoned for 500 years. On their return, Woochi’s powers are initially weak, and must still battle Goblins, who make their appearance in the city – still in search of the Pipe. The humor does get in the way of the action at times, but this is nevertheless still an entertaining movie.

The action sequences are well done, and the final act is action-packed with impressive visuals. I enjoy this movie every time.

In Korean.

Would I watch it again? Yes.