Neck (2010)

Neck Poster
Original Title: NECK ネック

Tomokazu Shudo has his first ever crush on Sugina Mayama, a senior student. Tomokazu has troubles confessing his feelings to the popular student, but one day, he is invited to the research lab where Sugina Mayama works. Tomokazu hopes to use this meeting to express his true feelings for her. To Tomokazu's surprise, when he arrives he first sees a big wooden box in the middle of the dark lab. Sugina tells Tomokazu that he looks scared and then proceeds to push Tomokazu into the box!

Film Overview
"Neck" is a brilliant South Korean motion picture released in 2010, a blend of horror and thriller lubed with humor, directed by Kwang Bok Kim. The movie includes the talented actor, Yeon Woo-Jin, as the lead character, Tae Jin, who is an enthusiastic evidence photographer for a publishing company. Likewise, the lovely starlet Yoo In-Na plays Soo-Mi, Tae Jin's girlfriend, who vanishes under strange scenarios.

Plot Synopsis
The plot focuses around the character Tae Jin, who in the hopes of impressing his sweetheart, Soo-Mi, prepares a surprise birthday party for her at his workplace, welcoming her close friends. Nevertheless, the party takes a horrific turn when Soo-Mi vanishes without a trace. Tae Jin, ravaged and aghast, starts a desperate search for her. Nevertheless, as he starts to look into the matter, he finds himself unwinding a terrifying tapestry of secrets and deceits connecting Soo-Mi's disappearance.

The Twist and Mystery
As Tae Jin starts to investigate Soo-Mi's disappearance, he finds that the last image taken of Soo-Mi doesn't simply have her image but also a terrible specter of a guy allegedly murdered by Soo-Mi. The plot thickens as Tae Jin continues to unfold the secret and deals with frightening supernatural happenings. At this juncture, film leaves the audiences at the edge of their seats, integrating the elements of horror, mystery, and suspense.

Delighting Conclusion
Towards the climax, Tae Jin's investigation brings him face to face with a grim reality involving a vindictive ghost, Soo-Mi's secret lover, and a conspiracy by Soo-Mi's pals to kill Tae Jin. Through creative investigator work and gutsy confrontations, Tae Jin manages to find and show Soo-Mi's innocence. The film climaxes with an intense and stunning fight with the ghost, ultimately leading to Soo-Mi's rescue.

Vital Analysis
"Neck" ingeniously blends horror, thriller, and humor to provide a distinct cinematic experience. The director magnificently produces an environment of constant thriller utilizing innovative cinematography and scoring. The performances were strongly led by Yeon Woo-Jin, whose character's improvement from a lovelorn partner to a determined private investigator was brilliantly executed. Likewise, Yoo In-Na offered a subtle yet gripping efficiency as Soo-Mi, ensuring the audience will continue to root for her even in her absence. The movie's well-executed climax remains one of its significant highlights, leaving audiences shocked yet satisfied.

In conclusion, "Neck" is a brilliantly crafted horror thriller, effortlessly mixing various movie genres to develop a thrilling and suspenseful story. The movie's mix of complex characterizations, taut movie script, and remarkable performances makes it a standout entry in the Korean horror genre. The unforeseen plot weaves keep the audience glued to their seats, making "Neck" a movie that deserves to be seen.

Top Cast

  • Saki Aibu (small)
    Saki Aibu
    Sugina Mayama
  • Junpei Mizobata (small)
    Junpei Mizobata
    Tomokazu Shudo
  • Chiaki Kuriyama (small)
    Chiaki Kuriyama
    Eiko Akasak
  • Yuta Hiraoka (small)
    Yuta Hiraoka
    Takashi Gori/ Mataro Echizen
  • Gota Watabe (small)
    Gota Watabe
    Koike
  • Ayaka Komatsu (small)
    Ayaka Komatsu
    Kaori
  • Itsuji Itao (small)
    Itsuji Itao
    Reporter
  • Yoichi Nukumizu (small)
    Yoichi Nukumizu
    Okada
  • Shigeki Hosokawa (small)
    Shigeki Hosokawa
    Meiousei O
  • Jiro Sato (small)
    Jiro Sato
    Professor Jun
  • Tomomi Kasai (small)
    Tomomi Kasai
    Mao