When I saw this film featured on Netflix's streaming service I was intrigued, being a fan of both supernatural themed and martial arts movies. Pleasantly Opapatika fulfills both those requirements although not as thoroughly I would have liked. It feels like the story is never really explained well and you definitely have to be on the ball when watching to follow it. One also has to be willing to forgive what I can only guess are translation errors in the subbing although they weren't bad enough to really mar the movie experience for me.
Opapatika does however is provide a unique story experience. I can honestly say that there aren't many movies that I have seen that take such an innovative approach to the use of extraordinary/supernatural powers. The fight scenes are quite enjoyable with each opapatika showing off his special ability. There are plenty of "ouch" moments along with one or two jaw dropping ones. I would caution that this movie is very violent with lots gore and death but more in a "Kill Bill" sort of way, not something realistically graphic like a "Saving Private Ryan".
I don't normally think or say this but it would be nice to see this remade or redone in the States like what was done with the movie "The Ring" (or "Ringu" in Japanese). The plot is truly original and deserves to be completely fleshed out.
Overall, Opapatika is an enjoyable movie with plenty of twists to keep it from being predictable and the main theme tells us that nothing comes without a price and that sometimes when you get what you've been hoping for, it isn't always what you wanted, just like this movie.
Opapatika does however is provide a unique story experience. I can honestly say that there aren't many movies that I have seen that take such an innovative approach to the use of extraordinary/supernatural powers. The fight scenes are quite enjoyable with each opapatika showing off his special ability. There are plenty of "ouch" moments along with one or two jaw dropping ones. I would caution that this movie is very violent with lots gore and death but more in a "Kill Bill" sort of way, not something realistically graphic like a "Saving Private Ryan".
I don't normally think or say this but it would be nice to see this remade or redone in the States like what was done with the movie "The Ring" (or "Ringu" in Japanese). The plot is truly original and deserves to be completely fleshed out.
Overall, Opapatika is an enjoyable movie with plenty of twists to keep it from being predictable and the main theme tells us that nothing comes without a price and that sometimes when you get what you've been hoping for, it isn't always what you wanted, just like this movie.