Epitaph (2007)

Watched this classic Korean horror last night. One of the two or three most beautiful ghost story movies ever made, and probably the most complex. The 6.3 on IMDb is driven by people who don't seem to understand this movie.

A very general spoiler ahead.

It took three viewings, including two back-to-back on the same night, for me to really understand what was going on across the three interrelated stories which constitute the plot of this movie. I finally figured out that there are three types of ghost stories unfolding within Epitaph. One involves ghosts which are actually nightmares (as in dreams) brought on by guilt. Another involves ghosts which are schizophrenic delusions brought on by (seemingly literal) soul-crushing grief. And the third is an actual supernatural ghost story. This combination is brilliant, and I don't think any movie before or since has attempted anything like it

As a movie, Epitaph is creepy in parts, scary in parts, and poignant throughout. It also consists of countless beautifully composed shots, accentuated by gorgeous lighting, imaginative editing, and a beautiful score . Thematically, it is steeped in grief, guilt, the human yearning for love and companionship, all set within a rich historical context.

I can't say enough about Epitaph. This movie is egregiously underrated and overlooked in world cinema, especially by ghost story aficionados. It should be at or near the very top of every list of best filmed ghost stories.