A few years ago, a Korean engineer decided to write a fantastic novel based on events surrounding the mass suicide of a cult based in Seoul. The book eventually became quite popular among young people, due in particular to the immense exposure it received in chat rooms on the internet. The Soul Guardians is the film that is based on that novel, shot by first-time director Park Kwang-choon. It stars Ahn Sung-ki, Choo Sang-mi (The Contact) and Shin Hyun-joon (The Gingko Bed).

Apart from its connection to the novel, this film generated interest due to its advanced computer technology and special effects. The Korean film industry has benefitted recently from the opening of the Seoul Cinema Complex, a new center for filmmaking. The Soul Guardians was one of the first films to make use of these expanded capabilities. It proved to be success at the box office, even if it did receive only lukewarm critical reviews.

In general, the advances in special effects technology over the past couple years in Korea have been dramatic, and this is one of the best films in which to witness this change.