Volcano High (2001)

I saw the film and, every time i think of it i can't refrain from smiling... It's so stupid, i remember i was ill when i saw it and was obliged to stay in the bed, but i don't know if i would have left if i could. This film has a strange appeal, given by the spectacularity of martial arts and special effects (and, above all, of SHE, Ice Queen, the kendo team captain) that glues you to the monitor. But it's not the only one. The film couldn't have been made well, mainly because the potential it had was irrelevant. The plot is a continuous nonsense, the setting gives a sense of Dejà Vù being too similar to arcade game's stages (It evokes memories of The king of fighters and Rival schools) and the film itself leaves a sense of emptiness. At the end of the film you let your brain-voice talk and you hear "What the hell was all of that crap?" The apotheosis is in the final scene, 20 min. of really boring mud brawl in the perfect Asian style: The hero is up to die beaten by the punches of the "boss", he isn't a man anymore but just a piece of meat covered by blood, when he finds the weak point of his enemy kicking his ass off!

I saw this movie recently and although i expected it to be rubbish i am pleased to admit how completely wrong i am it was a piece of visionary genius the characters are some of the most obnoxious people i have ever seen that are likable they constantly bicker with each other for superiority and it is hilarious to watch. The fight scenes are stunningly beautiful the sfx are superb they even rival! the large production movies like x-men and x-men2 i personally recommend that everyone see's this movie it should be appreciated especially by sci-fi and martial arts movie fans or anyone who just wants to watch a funny compelling story about the differences between kids and teachers especially when the kids have super powers.

Volcano High tells the story of Kim Kyung Soo, a high school student who has super natural powers, after he is expelled from his last school he is sent to 'Volcano High' a place where he thinks he'll be able to control his abilities with other students who have similar powers such as he.Soon he locks horns with the school bully Jang Ryang while he tries to win the affections of the most beautiful girl in school. the gorgeous but deadly Jade, but another problem for Kim presents itself in the form of the five lords of discipline, five teachers who travel from school to school controlling the most unruly of students oh and they all have super natural powers also.I LOVED this movie, I got such a kick out of watching it. Everything about this movie is great the acting,the action and sometimes even the script.Watching this you'd think it was based on a Japanese manga comic but it isn't, the director Kim Tae-Gyun was heavily influenced by these comics and animated movies and set out to do a live action japanime movie and he was successful in every aspect.Jang Hyuk who plays Kim does such a wonderful job in this role he is able to be a serious hard-ass one moment then straight away making himself look like a total goof.A great highlight in the movie are the fight scenes, in my opinion they make good use of wire work and visual effects which is very reminiscent of movies such as 'The Storm Riders' or 'The Avenging Fist' The humour is some times lost in the translation which is to be expected if you don't speak Korean. This movie is one of the few which has been making Korean cinema more and more prolific over the past few years its up there with such other Korean gems as 'Friend' 'Bichunmoo' 'Musa' and 'Guns n Talks' I recommend this film to anyone who is a fan of Andrew Lau f/x laden fantasy epics or Japanime, you will not be disappointed.I also recommend you try and pick up the Region 2 Premiere Asia DVD as it contains the best version(The 95 minute one) and also contains the cut footage and the second disc full of great extras.

I can understand why this film splits viewers into those who either love it-to-death or those who despise it. To properly enjoy Volcano High, you will need to relax, loosen up and dig up some old skool memories.Considering this is primarily a fun film, main and periphery characters are well portrayed, and there's a lots of subtle comedy and bombastic drama to keep anyone with a developed sense of humour happy. However, if you love martial arts movies, you will be disappointed - the martial arts is spread pretty thin. Although Volcano High is Korean, it appears to have gone the way of recent Hong Kong kung fu films, in that choreography is either obscured or entirely replaced by CGI effects. However, the special effects and acting are top-notch, Hyuk Jang especially evoking both sniggers and respect. Well made and good fun if you don't take your movie-watching too seriously. If, however, you want something a bit more substantial from Korea, try Musa or Shiri.