Kim Go-eun and Lee Do-hyun’s performances in ‘Exhuma‘ have captivated audiences, especially with their authentic portrayal of shamanic rituals. Directed by Jang Jae-hyun, this supernatural thriller delves into the mysterious events that unfold when a geomancer, an undertaker, and shamans relocate a suspicious grave.
Kim Go-eun takes on the role of Hwa-rim, a skilled shaman, while Lee Do-hyun plays Bong-gil, an assistant involved in the exhumation process. The film’s commitment to realism and authenticity has set it apart, making it a standout in the genre.
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‘Exhuma’ Features The Real Ritual
In ‘Exhuma‘, the rituals are deeply rooted in Korean shamanic traditions, enhancing the film’s eerie and authentic atmosphere. One of the standout rituals is the daesal gut, which involves animal sacrifice to chase away evil spirits.
This level of authenticity required extensive preparation from Kim Go-eun. In an interview with Kdom, Kim Go-eun said, “Before performing the ritual, I recite a prayer called ‘Gyeongmun’ for about 30 to 40 minutes. The teachers recite the prayer meticulously, which was really impressive. It felt like watching a performance. Also, each teacher had a different feel every time. I also had thoughts like, ‘How can I do that?’ and if I feel awkward at that moment, it would be embarrassing.”
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Behind The Scenes Of ‘Exhuma’
The ritual scenes in ‘Exhuma‘ are central to the plot, showcasing the depth of Korean shamanistic traditions. The film follows Hwa-rim and Bong-gil as they perform a shamanistic cleansing ritual to protect themselves during the exhumation of a mysterious tomb. This scene is crucial in setting the tone for the supernatural events that follow. The filming took place in real locations with real shamans on set to ensure the accuracy of the rituals.
Behind the scenes, Kim Go-eun’s preparation was extensive. She mentioned that she regularly consulted with shamans through calls and video chats to perfect her movements and chanting.
Kim Go-eun also shared an anecdote related to the scene where she performed the ritual. She said, “They say that you hear a ringing in your ears when a ghost approaches. When I went to see a ritual, there were people playing drums and gongs nearby. They were close by, but they played the gongs loudly. It sounded like my ears were going to burst. Then, when I went home and it was time to sleep, I heard a ringing in my ears. It sounded like a machine, so I thought it was some kind of machine and looked around at all the outlets to see where the noise was coming from. But it was tinnitus. I even put on earplugs, but I got goosebumps because it was tinnitus.”
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