Thirst (2009) Review in 2025
A South Korean vampire horror film that tells the story of a priest who becomes a vampire after a blood transfusion.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for family viewing due to its mature themes, violence, and explicit content.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of horror and thriller genres, but may not be suitable for all audiences due to its mature themes and explicit content.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The film revolves around the story of a priest named Sang-hyun, who becomes a vampire after receiving a blood transfusion from a woman who is infected with the virus. As he struggles to control his newfound thirst for blood, he becomes involved in a complex web of relationships and moral dilemmas.
Review Details
story8.50/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a unique take on the vampire genre. However, it lacks a clear direction and resolution, leaving some plot threads unresolved.
acting8.50/10
The acting is superb, with Song Kang-ho delivering a nuanced and emotional performance as the vampire priest. The supporting cast is also impressive, with some standout performances from Shim Eun-ha and Moon So-ri.
characters8.00/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Song Kang-ho delivering a standout performance as the vampire priest. However, some characters feel underutilized and lack depth.
direction8.00/10
Park Chan-wook's direction is masterful, with a keen eye for detail and a ability to balance tone and atmosphere. However, some scenes feel overly long and drag on.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, with a blend of dark and muted colors that perfectly capture the mood and atmosphere of the film. The camera work is also noteworthy, with some impressive tracking shots and close-ups.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Unique take on the vampire genre, engaging story, stunning cinematography, and superb acting.
Cons
Lack of clear direction and resolution, some characters feel underutilized, and some scenes feel overly long.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a monster, I'm a man."
"I'm not a vampire, I'm a priest."
"The thirst is a curse, but it's also a gift."
