▲ A poster for "Run to the West" is seen in this image provided by CJ ENM. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
▲ A still from the action fantasy "Run to the West" is seen in this image provided by CJ ENM. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
▲ Jae-beom (Yang Se-jong) is seen in this still from "Run to the West," provided by CJ ENM. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
▲ A still from "Run to the West" features characters including Jang-won, portrayed by Byun Yo-han (L), as provided by CJ ENM. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

(Movie Review) Run to the West

(Movie Review) AI takes lead in 'Run to the West,' leaving narrative behind

By Woo Jae-yeon

SEOUL, Oct. 15 (Yonhap) -- The promotion of the action-fantasy film "Run to the West" has focused more on its use of artificial intelligence (AI) in creating visual effects than on its own cinematic merits.

As a result, viewers are left to analyze the technical execution of the AI-assisted visuals, rather than becoming immersed in the narrative itself.

The sentiment is also echoed by the cast. At Monday's press conference, lead actor Byun Yo-han joked that he felt as if he was attending "some kind of a scientific hearing" and he feels "like I need to prove something here."

The actor portrays Jang-won, a national intelligence officer tasked with protecting Jae-beom (Yang Se-jong), a presumed billionaire who amassed his fortune through illegal gambling operations in the Philippines.

While engaged in a car chase, Jang-won, Jae-beom and others are suddenly caught in a car accident. The next thing they know, they have been transported to "the intermediate world," a concept from Buddhism referring to the space where the soul stays after death before moving on to their next life.

In this chaotic, in-between realm, they are relentlessly pursued by Grim Reapers determined to terminate these drifting souls to bring order to the world.

These pursuers, depicted as the 12 zodiac animals in black-hooded gowns, were crafted using AI. At Jogye Temple in downtown Seoul, the Grim Reapers are suddenly confronted by the Four Heavenly Kings -- guardian deities who protect the world and uphold the Dharma -- as well as the Haetae, also known as Haechi, a mythical creature believed to protect against disasters in Korean folklore. All these creatures were also created using AI technologies.

While the film is billed as the country's first feature film to heavily incorporate AI, the visuals show that there is still much room for improvement.

Amid the excitement surrounding its state-of-the-art technology, the film also suffers from a lack of narrative logic. It fails to explain key plot points, such as why the Four Heavenly Kings suddenly fight the Grim Reapers or the identity of the small but all-powerful elderly man who effortlessly destroys these angels of death.

Directed by Kang Yun-sung, known for films like "Long Live the King" and "The Outlaws," as well as the Disney+ series "Low Life," the film leaves the door open for a sequel with its short one-hour runtime and abrupt ending.

Fans of fantasy creatures and action who are also interested in the current state of the country's AI technology might find the film worth a trip to the cinema. Even so, they will likely step out with more questions than answers.

"Run to the West" hit local theaters Wednesday.

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