Exhuma: A Greedy Conundrum

Star Cast: Choi Min-Sik, Kim Go-eun, Yo Hae-jin, Lee Do-hyun, and Jeon Jin-ki
Cinematography by Lee Mo-gae
Music Composed by Kim Tae-seong
Edited by Jung Byung-jin
Directed by Jang Jae-hyun

If you don’t like spoilers – Watch the movie and read – In short – Mega Spoiler Alert!!

If you want a civilization to end, instill fear.

Chapter 1: Fear 

Understanding a problem that persistently consumes us with each passing second is no easy task. Time only becomes a factor when we race towards the finish line, not during preparation. Fear undermines our preparation, tainting the curious mind with dark thoughts that prevent us from overcoming it. This phenomenon is known as the ‘Fear of Unknown.’ An entire industry thrives on this singular aspect of fear, and ‘Shamans’ – a sect that provides solutions to spectral problems – strive to liberate us from it as much as they can. In Exhuma, even they must confront their inner battles with greed and strive for the greater good. Can they succeed? There is no simple answer to this question, we can only discover the truth as we venture into the unknown.

Destination can never determine your journey, but the journey does. 

Chapter 2: Destination 

At the outset of our journey, we often find ourselves preoccupied with the destination. Yet, is the destination truly the ultimate aim of our travels? Or is it the journey itself that should shape our goals? ‘Exhuma’ portrays both perspectives – the destination is orchestrated by the affluent family, while the journey itself carves out the ultimate goal. Even the ancient, vengeful soul redirects the group towards a higher objective. What might this higher purpose be?

History determines purpose.. 

Chapter 3: History

In any compelling horror drama, the historical connection behind an incident or event is often revealed, leading to the current predicament. Consider films like ‘Oculus,’ ‘The Conjuring,’ and ‘The Babadook’—the good kind within the horror genre. These films consistently link each event to a historical backdrop that attracts the monster. In this case, the monster symbolizes Korean history. The creative linkage between a typical ghost story and the extensive history of the Korean and Japanese war, which led to the division of the Korean peninsula and ensuing unrest, is innovative. For those intrigued by history, delving into the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592 AD can be enlightening. Similarly, if the mystery behind the Samurai ghost in the film piques your interest, research will prove invaluable.

Small steps lead you to your determined higher purpose… 

Chapter 4: Higher Purpose

Every Indian takes pride in proclaiming that Indian society embodies ‘Unity in Diversity.’ However, we often declare it without truly embodying it. Similarly, Korean society grapples with issues of ‘unity’ and an ‘eye towards a Higher Purpose.’ We have lost sight of our higher purpose, to unite and work for each other’s welfare. Korean society has neglected the need to look beyond personal greed. The film ‘Exhuma’ illustrates this through the character of the geomancer. Consider the Geomancer, who sold off his ancestral lands to rich, and attempts to earn a living by selling burial lands using his ‘feng shui’ expertise. The Shamans depicted in the movie are primarily driven by monetary gain. The Mortician sells prime land to funeral homes and even pressures the geomancer to complete tasks for profit, despite his strong reservations.

Greed is the first step to succumbing to all deadly sins.. 

Chapter 5: Deadly Sins

When a person becomes greedy, he succumb to lust. As lust overpowers him, he become envious, scheming to obtain he desires for. This wrath leads to false pride, making him feel invincible. Gradually, he becomes a sloth, indulging in gluttony. So, what is the major problem that Korean society has faced over the years? Greed, according to the creators of ‘Exhuma.’ It is the natural elements with which we, as humans, interact that harbor great secrets. We often expect these secrets to lead us to some sort of treasure, yet ghouls and dark forces could also be lying in wait. Once we overcome greed, we may never have to succumb to any deadly sins ever again. Give it some thought.

Family is the one that stays together in happiness and sorrows.. 

Chapter 6: Family

You can easily notice that Geomancer includes the other three into his family, in the end. However, at the outset, Shaman Hwa-rim compels him to exhume a grave, deeming him expendable. He acquiesces to the perilous task for the sake of money, highlighting the necessity of the situation. So, what has changed? What Exhuma makers want Korean society to identify and thereby human society too. The change is internal. Shaman Hwa-rim endangers her life for Bong-gil, and the Geomancer does the same for the entire group. Fostering unity by integrating everyone into a single familial entity promotes collective progress, as opposed to the division sown by greed. The animosity directed towards Korea has resulted in a Samurai’s transformation into a spirit, ensuring that malevolent forces continue to haunt the land. The great warriors (Iron Blood Alliance of Boguksa Temple) endeavored to eradicate these forces and liberate the elements, much like how grand epics guide us towards righteousness. Yet, if even one element is tainted, the rest become perilous. The interconnection is dangerous yet real.

In “Exhuma,” the creators have portrayed the rituals that Shamans perform before exhuming graves, emphasizing the importance of completing these grave rituals. The inclusion of cultural references to a 500-year-old conflict with Japan on a peaceful land adds a unique layer to the narrative. Historical research indicates that numerous Japanese soldiers and officials desired their King to conquer the Korean Peninsula and the Ming Dynasty in China. Leveraging this historical context, the creators have woven original history into their fictional narrative. They crafted characters embroiled in rivalry and envy, with schemers utilizing Feng Shui knowledge and Shaman rituals, adding to the story’s distinctiveness. The narrative’s connection of unity within a family to achieve progress against the backdrop of history is an experience that one must witness firsthand.

Exhuma excels in depicting rituals, production design, imagination, engaging screenplay and enticing visuals accompanied by great performances. As we dig deep, our understanding of the high concepts in the film make it a fascinating watch… a big win for writing. While the film has many things to unearth we get carried away by foxes – technical brilliance and performances. So, be mindful of the journey leading to goal rather than just fulfilling destination, that is, “thrilling viewing”.

Theatrical Trailer: