Exhuma, the new mystery thriller directed by Jang Jae-Hyun (Svaha: The Sixth Finger, The Priests), has topped the box office in Korea for the fourth consecutive weekend. Boasting a stellar cast led by Choi Min-sik, Kim Go-eun, Yoo Hai-jin and Lee Do-hyun, Exhuma is now showing in Philippine cinemas.
Since its release in Korea on February 22, Exhuma has grossed $68 million (USD) and is currently the highest-grossing Korean film of 2024. According to data from KoBiz, a box office tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council (Kofic), the film has had 9.5 million admissions as of March 19.
Exhuma tells the story of two talented shamans, a geomancer and a mortician tasked to find a mysterious grave – and unknowingly unleash a malevolent force buried underneath.
Find out what lies beneath the grave in Exhuma, now showing in Philippine cinemas. #ExhumaMoviePH #Exhuma @columbiapicph
After suffering from serial paranormal events, a wealthy family living in LA summons a young rising shaman duo Hwa Rim (Kim Go-Eun) and Bong Gil (Lee Do-Hyun) to save the newborn of the family. Once they arrive, Hwa Rim senses a dark shadow of their ancestor has latched on the family in a so-called “Grave Calling.” In order to exhume the grave and relieve the ancestor, Hwa Rim seeks help from top-notch geomancer Sang Deok (Choi Min-Shik) and mortician Yeong Geun (Yoo Hae-Jin). To their dismay, the four find the grave at a shady location in a remote village in Korea. Unaware of the consequences, the exhumation is carried out, unleashing a malevolent force buried underneath.
Exhuma is now showing in Philippine cinemas, distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. #ExhumaMoviePH #Exhuma @columbiapicph
It’s another exciting week at the movies with a diverse lineup of films! Brace yourself for a spine-tingling experience with “Immaculate” and “Exhuma,” where horror meets mystery in tales of dark secrets and supernatural encounters. If animated adventures are more your style, join the charming duo in “Noah’s Ark: A Musical Adventure” as they navigate the floodwaters with catchy tunes and heartwarming camaraderie. For those seeking a blend of laughter and frights, “Pagpag 24/7” is here to deliver thrills and chills with its unique fusion of comedy and horror. And if adrenaline-pumping action is what you crave, look no further than “The Wild,” where betrayal and redemption collide in the world of underground boxing. Rounding off our lineup is the touching drama “White Bird: A Wonder Story,” offering a poignant tale of love and resilience set against the backdrop of wartime France. With such a diverse array of offerings, there’s no shortage of excitement at the movies this week!
Now, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s premiering this week:
Prepare to be gripped by fear and suspense as “Immaculate” transports viewers into the heart of a chilling mystery. Follow Cecilia, portrayed by the talented Sydney Sweeney, as she embarks on a journey of faith and terror within the confines of an Italian convent. With secrets lurking in every shadow, this atmospheric thriller, led by Álvaro Morte and Benedetta Porcaroli, promises to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Step into a realm of supernatural horrors with “Exhuma,” a bone-chilling tale of ancestral curses and forbidden secrets. Witness the spine-tingling performances of Choi Min-sik, Kim Go-eun, and Yoo Hai-jin as they confront malevolent forces from beyond the grave. Brace yourself for a journey into darkness as Hwa-rim and Bong-gil race against time to exorcise the sinister presence haunting a wealthy family in LA.
2024 • PG • 1 hr 35 mins ANIMATION, COMEDY, MUSIC BUY TICKETS
Get ready to embark on a whimsical musical adventure with “Noah’s Ark,” a delightful animation guaranteed to enchant audiences of all ages. Join Vini and Tito, voiced by Rodrigo Santoro and Alice Braga, as they weave a tapestry of harmony and friendship amidst the chaos of Noah’s flood. With toe-tapping tunes and heartwarming moments aplenty, this charming tale is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Prepare for a rollercoaster ride of laughs and scares with “Pagpag 24/7,” a comedy-horror hybrid that defies expectations at every turn. Follow the misadventures of two friends, portrayed by Danita Paner and Jerald Napoles, as they navigate the terrifying confines of a haunted convenience store. With a blend of humor and horror, this gem promises thrills, chills, and plenty of laughs along the way.
Brace yourself for high-octane action and intense drama in “The Wild,” a gripping narrative of friendship, betrayal, and redemption. Follow the journey of Woo-chul and Do-shik, portrayed by Park Sung-woong and Oh Dae-hwan, as they navigate the treacherous world of underground boxing. With pulse-pounding fight sequences and compelling performances, this adrenaline-fueled thriller is not to be missed.
Prepare to be moved by the poignant tale of “White Bird,” a heartfelt story of love, loss, and resilience set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied France. Follow the transformative journey of Julian Albans as he unravels the remarkable story of his Grandmère’s courage and compassion. With stirring performances from Ariella Glaser, Orlando Schwerdt, and Bryce Gheisar, this touching drama is sure to tug at the heartstrings.
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
Meanwhile, don’t forget to catch up on some of the movies that are still captivating audiences in theaters. Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still showing in cinemas:
That’s a wrap for this week’s new movie releases. So, don’t wait! Secure your tickets, grab your popcorn, and immerse yourself in the excitement of these new releases. As always, we recommend booking your tickets in advance to avoid missing out on these must-see releases. Remember to check ClickTheCity for screening times and make your next movie-going experience unforgettable. Stay tuned for next week’s movie updates, and happy watching!
As horror films go, Jang Jae-hyun’s ‘Exhuma’ takes a different approach to frightening its audience. At a 134 minutes, director and screenwriter Jang Jae-hyun takes his time to unravel his rather simple story of an exorcism gone horribly wrong. He presents his characters – the charming and very competent young shamans Hwa-rim (Kim Go Eun) and Bong-gil (Lee Do Hyun) – as confident, maybe even cocky, as they take a case involving a rich Korean-American client living in Los Angeles, whose baby seems haunted by an evil spirit. In their initial inspection, they discover that the haunting spirit is an old one, one that is passed from generation to generation and that the ancestral spirit may be back in Korea. This powerful spirit, one they call ‘A Grave’s Call,’ requires a bigger team and they employ a veteran geomancer, Sang-duk (Choi Min-sik) and his partner Yeong Geun (Yoo Hae Jin) to join the ritual. It’s only when the four spiritualists arrive at an unmarked grave atop a deserted mountain that they realize this is far more sinister and evil than they could have imagined.
This whole set up takes over half an hour to put things in motion. What makes it so riveting and fascinating to watch is the way that tension and dread pervades each scene without spilling out into cheesy cheap scares. Director Jang allows his characters – Hwa-rim and company – to be so serious about the work and yet calm and casual outside of it. It shows off their familiarity with each other and uses their relationship dynamics to establish them as human beings that we come to like as an audience. We know something bad is coming and now, 40 minutes into the movie, we like these characters a lot that we don’t want anything bad to happen to them.
Without any huge frightening scenes, director Jang builds the tension using very detailed, very precise dramatization of the shamanistic rituals for cleansing spirits and for exhuming the buried dead to transfer to more auspicious grave sites. Those familiar with these rituals from watching Kdrama will know there’s a lot of music, chanting, and dancing and the film isn’t shy of showing the whole process and captures it for its full cinematic appeal. Kim Go Eun and Lee Do Hyun are exquisite and all they are doing is dancing or dancing with knives (Kim) or drumming and chanting (Lee) but they do it with such conviction and the camera work, quick editing, and exquisite sound designs turns each into such a spectacle that you are overwhelmed by the severity of the rite. It underscores the seriousness of the undertaking. Without showing a single scary image, the ritual alone in full display is enough to create this feeling of dread and fear. Somehow it manages to impress upon you that “damn, I hope it works” and you are actually more attuned to the outcome of all of this.
And when things go south, it takes an unexpected turn. Past the one-hour mark, you realise the story is much deeper, much richer in its exploration of South Korea’s history. This is not just some simple exorcism movie. It’s about past trauma that has yet to be resolved.
It is in the simplicity and the straightforward execution of the narrative that makes ‘Exhuma’ such a joy to watch. It is frightening but it does not rely on jump scares for it. It does so by creating set ups, allowing us to recognize the danger and see it unfold within the story. It does not try to surprise us. Instead, it allows us to follow it as it compounds and compounds.
Unfortunately, the final act feels drawn out and over-extended. Everything leading up to it is so strong, so exciting. When the grand finale happens, there’s a lot of unnecessary talking, actions are repeated, and the pacing suffers immensely. It could have been fast and quick but Jang Jae-hyun is having too much fun with his elements all coming together. But the final image still makes it landing and does not undermine all the fantastic work that set everything up.
‘Exhuma’ is an intelligent horror film that takes its time to build its horror and dresses it up in the full effects of Korean shamanism. It’s culturally and historically rich and steeped in its folklore. The cast, especially Kim Go Eun, is terrific and it can be surprising in its narrative turns.
My Rating:
Exhuma premieres this March 20. Check screening times and buy tickets here.
Exhuma, directed by Jang Jae-Hyun (Svaha: The Sixth Finger, The Priests), tells the story of two talented shamans, a geomancer and a mortician tasked to find a mysterious grave – and unknowingly unleash a malevolent force buried underneath.
A box office record breaker in Korea, Exhuma opens in Philippine cinemas March 20. #ExhumaMoviePH #Exhuma
About Exhuma
After suffering from serial paranormal events, a wealthy family living in LA summons a young rising shaman duo Hwa Rim (Kim Go-Eun) and Bong Gil (Lee Do-Hyun) to save the newborn of the family. Once they arrive, Hwa Rim senses a dark shadow of their ancestor has latched on the family in a so-called “Grave Calling.” In order to exhume the grave and relieve the ancestor, Hwa Rim seeks help from top-notch geomancer Sang Deok (Choi Min-Sik,) and mortician Yeong Geun (Yoo Hae-Jin). To their dismay, the four find the grave at a shady location in a remote village in Korea. Unaware of the consequences, the exhumation is carried out, unleashing a malevolent force buried underneath.
Exhuma opens in Philippine cinemas on March 20, distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. #ExhumaMoviePH #Exhuma
Exhuma, starring Choi Min-Sik, Kim Go-Eun, Yoo Hai-Jin and Lee Do-Hyun, tells the story of two talented shamans, a geomancer and a mortician tasked to find a mysterious grave – and unknowingly unleash a malevolent force buried underneath.
After suffering from serial paranormal events, a wealthy family living in LA summons a young rising shaman duo Hwa Rim (Kim Go-Eun) and Bong Gil (Lee Do-Hyun) to save the newborn of the family. Once they arrive, Hwa Rim senses a dark shadow of their ancestor has latched on the family in a so-called “Grave Calling.” In order to exhume the grave and relieve the ancestor, Hwa Rim seeks help from top-notch geomancer Sang Deok (Choi Min-Shik) and mortician Yeong Geun (Yoo Hae-Jin). To their dismay, the four find the grave at a shady location in a remote village in Korea. Unaware of the consequences, the exhumation is carried out, unleashing a malevolent force buried underneath.
Directed by: Jang Jae-Hyun
Starring: Choi Min-Sik, Kim Go-Eun, Yoo Hai-Jin, Lee Do-Hyun
Exhuma opens in Philippine cinemas on March 20, distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. #ExhumaMoviePH #Exhuma
The anticipation builds as “Exhuma,” the Korean thriller that shattered box office records upon its release, prepares to thrill Philippine audiences with its premiere on March 20. Featuring a star-studded cast including Choi Min-Sik, Kim Go-Eun, Yoo Hai-Jin, and Lee Do-Hyun, the film introduces a compelling narrative filled with suspense, supernatural elements, and deep emotional undertones. Accompanied by the release of its new trailer, “Exhuma” is poised to offer a cinematic experience unparalleled in its intensity and allure.
A Tale of Darkness and Discovery
In “Exhuma,” viewers are drawn into the eerie story of Hwa Rim (Kim Go-Eun) and Bong Gil (Lee Do-Hyun), two emerging shamans, who join forces with an elite geomancer, Sang Deok (Choi Min-Sik), and a skilled mortician, Yeong Geun (Yoo Hai-Jin). Their mission to locate a cryptic grave in a secluded village unwittingly frees a sinister force, setting off a chain of events that blurs the line between the material and the ethereal realms.
Crafted by a Visionary Director
Helmed by the acclaimed director Jang Jae-Hyun, renowned for his innovative approach in “Svaha: The Sixth Finger” and “The Priests,” “Exhuma” is a masterpiece of storytelling. It skillfully combines elements of horror, drama, and mystery, enhanced by breathtaking visuals and riveting performances by its cast, promising to captivate and thrill audiences from start to finish.
Engage with Us
Join the growing excitement around “Exhuma” by engaging with us online. Use the hashtags #ExhumaMoviePH and #Exhuma to share your thoughts, and don’t forget to check out the new trailer for a sneak peek into the mysterious and thrilling world of “Exhuma.”
Dive into the Supernatural
“Exhuma” extends an invitation to audiences to explore the unseen, to uncover the secrets hidden beneath the grave. With its outstanding ensemble, gripping plot, and the visionary direction of Jang Jae-Hyun, this film stands as a must-see event of the year. Experience the thrill, the suspense, and the supernatural as “Exhuma” debuts in Philippine cinemas on March 20. Distributed by Columbia Pictures, the local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.
Experience the thrill and chills of “Exhuma,” the latest mystery occult film starring Choi Min-sik, Kim Go-Eun, Yoo Hae-Jin, and Lee Do-Hyun, as it dominates the Korean box office charts, breaking records and captivating audiences with its spellbinding tale.
In a remarkable feat, “Exhuma” stormed to the top of the Korean box office, claiming the coveted No. 1 spot on its opening weekend and shattering records along the way. With an unprecedented level of anticipation, the film surpassed expectations, becoming the biggest opening of 2024 in Korea to date.
Even before its theatrical debut on February 22, “Exhuma” made waves in the industry, boasting a staggering 54% real-time reservation rate and amassing an impressive 369.99 million advance bookings. This unprecedented pre-sale fervor set the stage for the film’s triumphant arrival on the silver screen.
For those eager to delve into the enigmatic world of “Exhuma,” a tantalizing teaser offers a glimpse of the suspense and intrigue that await. Watch as the mysteries unfold and anticipation builds for this captivating cinematic experience.
Watch the Teaser Here!
“Exhuma” continued its meteoric rise, surpassing the 2 million mark in moviegoers after just four days in cinemas. This remarkable achievement solidified its status as a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its gripping narrative and stellar performances.
Directed by the acclaimed Jang Jae-Hyun (“Svaha: The Sixth Finger,” “The Priests”), “Exhuma” delves into the realm of the supernatural, following two talented shamans, a geomancer, and a mortician as they embark on a perilous quest to uncover a mysterious grave. Little do they know, their actions will awaken a malevolent force buried beneath, setting off a chain of sinister events.
About Exhuma
After suffering from serial paranormal events, a wealthy family living in LA summons a young rising shaman duo Hwa Rim (Kim Go-Eun) and Bong Gil (Lee Do-Hyun) to save the newborn of the family. Once they arrive, Hwa Rim senses a dark shadow of their ancestor has latched on the family in a so-called “Grave Calling.” In order to exhume the grave and relieve the ancestor, Hwa Rim seeks help from top-notch geomancer Sang Deok (Choi Min-Shik) and mortician Yeong Geun (Yoo Hae-Jin). To their dismay, the four find the grave at a shady location in a remote village in Korea. Unaware of the consequences, the exhumation is carried out, unleashing a malevolent force buried underneath.
Starring: Choi Min-Shik, Yoo Hae-Jin, Kim Go-Eun, Lee Do-Hyun
Prepare to be spellbound by the supernatural thriller of the year. Don’t miss “Exhuma” when it hits Philippine cinemas on March 20, distributed by Columbia Pictures, the local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. #ExhumaMoviePH #Exhuma
The cinematic landscape trembles as the first trailer for “Exhuma” breaks through the surface, revealing a world where the dead refuse to rest in peace. Starring a powerhouse ensemble of Choi Min-Shik, Yoo Hae-Jin, Kim Go-Eun, and Lee Do-Hyun, this film promises to immerse audiences in an enthralling horror experience. Scheduled to haunt Philippine cinemas on March 20, “Exhuma” comes to you from Columbia Pictures, the local face of Sony Pictures Releasing International.
The Curse Awakens
In “Exhuma,” a wealthy Los Angeles family faces a terror beyond comprehension, haunted by a relentless supernatural force. In a bid to protect their newborn, they call upon Hwa Rim and Bong Gil, a duo of young and talented shamans. However, what they discover is a malevolent ancestral shadow, a “Grave Calling” that demands an exhumation to set things right.
Journey into the Abyss
Accompanied by Sang Deok, a geomancer of unparalleled skill, and Yeong Geun, a mortician with a deep understanding of the dead, they locate the ancestral grave in a forgotten village in Korea. Little do they know, the soil they disturb hides a darkness that should have remained buried. With the exhumation, they inadvertently unleash an ancient evil, setting the stage for a chilling saga of horror and survival.
A Director’s Vision Meets Stellar Performances
Jang Jae-Hyun‘s direction brings a chilling depth to “Exhuma,” combining the eerie with the profound. The film’s cast, including the likes of Choi Min-Shik, Yoo Hae-Jin, Kim Go-Eun, and Lee Do-Hyun, ensures a riveting performance that blurs the lines between the living and the supernatural. “Exhuma” is set to be a cinematic journey that delves into the darkest corners of ancestral legacies and the horrors they can unleash.
Prepare for the Unveiling
“Exhuma” stands as a testament to the power of horror cinema to explore the depths of human fear and the supernatural. As the trailer peels back the layers of this chilling story, anticipation mounts for its release. Will the shamans be able to contain the evil they’ve freed, or will it consume them all? Find out on March 20, when “Exhuma” descends upon Philippine cinemas.
Embark on a journey of unspeakable terror with “Exhuma,” where ancient evils awaken and darkness reigns. #Exhuma
