YY
Yohan Yukiya Sese Cuneta 사요한
# A well-made live-action adaptation
The Korean film «Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy» («전지적 독자 시점») is an adaptation based on the still-ongoing Korean webtoon «Omniscient Reader» which itself is based on a Korean novel of the same name. (That was a long sentence!)
While many gave it a low rating and were not satisfied, I was very satisfied and gave it a perfect 10 ⭐. Here's why:
1. It's an adaptation of a very long and still on-going serial novel and webtoon.
2. Adaptation writers have literary freedom on how to adapt a work of art in a differeet medium and target audience.
3. Like it or not: budget constraints.
Most, if not all, who gave it a low score expected it will cover beyond the plot in the movie. It just is not possible. And if they dod that, they will have to skip a lot of critical moments of the story which will also earn far more negative reviews than what it received for this release.
The acting were good. The choice of actors were generally who one would have imagined while reading the novel or the webtoon. I'm not saying I agreed with all the casting but they did well for their respective roles.
The special effects and CG passed. It wasn't perfect, there were fight scenes were the different layers (real layer, green/digital layer) were not smooth nor clean, and were obvious. They need to improve their technique and technology if they plan on making a sequel.
The chosen parts of the story, I approve of it as well.
Last but one of the most complained about, I also approve of the obvious changes. It fits the film format, and the essence of this "chapter" of the story were maintained as it was in the original source material. That is the most important on adaptations. It is not about incorporating every scene, or having the exact likeness for the characters, or making sure the sequence of events remain exactly the same. No, that is just wrong in adaptations. What matters is keeping the essence of it. The feels. The aura. The message. What made the original material popular. That's what a real adaptation is.
A perfect 10 ⭐. Now, where's the sequel? The next "chapter" is one of my favourites.
"Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy" has a very Asian computer game vibe.
This film feels a little like "Squid Game" where people are sacrificed for entertainment but more so a computer game. Participants have to complete levels, earn rewards, which in turn can be used to purchase and unlock skills, abilities and weapons.
The key protagonists avoid feeling like a cardboard cut out's too, by having well rounded, back stories that are cleverly woven into the adventure/horror premise that's at the heart of this film.
Quality acting and decent special effects round out this entertaining romp.
In summary, "Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy" is an enjoyable, South Korean adventure horror, that looks like its set up to become a series of films. Definitely worth a look.
