Forget superheroes, these demon fighters wear glitter and hit high notes as they perform on stage. “KPop Demon Hunters,” released June 20 on Netflix, is already a global hit. With a stunning 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and a record-breaking 236 million views, it has become Netflix’s most-watched movie ever, animated or otherwise.
The first time I ever heard of this movie was through a Netflix notification, showing that this movie would come out on June 20. I thought the characters looked cool from the screenplay, and I thought it could be something to watch. I still enjoy watching movies and shows that are geared towards younger audiences, rewatching shows I’ve seen as a kid.
I don’t love most of the new kids’ shows and movies. I normally prefer old animation over new animation for nostalgia. But “KPop Demon Hunters” changed my opinion. I listen to all sorts of music; I’ve never been a K-pop listener before, but I enjoyed the songs in the movie.
Some people that I have talked to think the movie was as great as it was, but most of the people who say it’s a bad movie haven’t even watched it. So what if the movie is popular with a huge fanbase? It’s still a good film, and I have no shame.
There are so many elements that make this movie so great. From the outstanding animation to the great soundtrack, there is so much to love about this film. I watch movies constantly, usually one a day or more. I love movies more than TV shows because episodes can feel repetitive to me. I’ll rewatch movies repeatedly, just like how I’ve seen this movie five times.
I babysit a lot, and one of the times I’ve seen it is with one of my favorite families I visit. The kids wanted to watch it, all different ages, and enjoyed it. It’s a great film, and having a movie playing that is actually interesting makes the job more fun. Hearing the kids laugh at the jokes for the first time, singing the songs, and knowing the movie is a fun connection with me and the younger children.
The fact is, what appears to be an overnight success was actually seven years in the making.
The story behind “KPop Demon Hunters” is almost as cinematic as the film itself. Story creator and producer Radford Sechrist created the character of Rumi, the main character in the movie, for an entirely different project. However, in 2018, she was reimagined into the film’s unique blend of pop stardom and demon slaying.
Rumi is my favorite character within the movie, and to be honest, I really like her because her long purple braid looks fun. It’s a great hairstyle, and other characters with this trend are also my favorites, like Jinx from Arcane or Rapunzel from Tangled. But Rumi is more than just the beautiful braid; she struggles with her self-identity.
The characters are relatable to viewers, and the movie shows the side of them that isn’t fake. Their lives aren’t perfect, being a celebrity in the day and fighting demons in the night. They have struggles and insecurities that are good to show on TV. The main characters represent different stereotypes and hide their mental health problems. The ending isn’t just about the characters defeating the final boss; it’s about them being open and vulnerable with each other, and they develop a stronger bond with each other.
The film has 10 songs, seven of which are on the Billboard Hot 100. The top hit song, “Golden”, takes the number one spot on the charts.
My favorite song is “How it’s Done”, because I find it very catchy. This song introduces viewers to the characters for the first time, and they come out with a bang.
Much of the film’s success can be credited to its strong global fan base and a soundtrack that has made waves on the Billboard Hot 100. Netflix is already reportedly planning sequels and live-action adaptations, hoping to turn “KPop Demon Hunters” into a franchise. I hope Netflix follows through with that, because there were a few unfinished questions at the end, and so many viewers enjoyed it, including me. In the end, franchise or not, “KPop Demon Hunters” is a great film.
