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This year is the 108th anniversary of the Korean high School “WaSanGo” (Volcano High). Principal hides himself with “Secret Manuscript” which every WaSanGo student wants to take from principal… Kyang-Soo Kim (Jang Hyuk) fell asleep in physics lessons when teacher writes X and turn to Kyang-Soo. Teacher threw chalk to Kyang-Soo but Kyang-Soo stop the chalk and push the chalk to trap teacher at blackboard, and was being expelled from his 8th high school. Kyang-Soo farewell with his friends and reach WaSanGo, his 9th high school. Kyang-Soo was shocked by the brilliant martial skills of the WSG students. Kyang-Soo first met “Dark Oxen” Jang-Rhang. Kyang-Soo also met the prettiest girl “Yoo Chae-I”, “Icy Jade”, in WaSanGo. Kyang-Soo get inside the school corridor and met “Tea Expert” Hak-Rim(Sang-Woo Kwone). Hak-Rim finish tea bottle and handed to vice-principal (principal is absent) to let principal to taste his made tea leaves. Lunch time, a WSG student was eating “Fujian ToFu”. Jang-Rhang hates “Fujian Tofu” because “Fujian Tofu” makes Jang-Rhang to memorize his angry and hideous mother. Jang-Rhang pull the student for fight. Hak-Rim came in time and blocked Jang-Rhang to hit that WSG classmate, got onto Jang-Rhang’s nerves. Jang-Rhang order the changing of Hak-Rim’s tea leaves into poisoned leaves, and kill the principal. Checking Principal’s deceased body, Vice-Principal got a written paper. It wrote “Suspect : (1) Vice-Principal (2) Song Hak-Rim (WSG Tea Expert)”. Hak-Rim was being called and was jailed. “Yoo Chae-I” felt Hak-Rim innocent and plan to help Hak-Rim, visit Hak-Rim with her best female friend. Hak-Rim ask “Yoo Chae-I” to bring Kyang-Soo. When Kyang-Soo is brought to Hak-Rim, Hak-Rim teach Kyang-Soo everything he (Hak-Rim Song) knows, and counted on Kyang-Soo to defeat Jang-Rhang. Jang-Rhang challenge all WSG students with a “2-day ultimatum”. “Yoo Chae-I” trained her sword skills harder to prepare for the facing of this 2-day-challenge. But it was actually “Jang-Rhang tells IcyJade he loves her”. “Yoo Chae-I” refused Jang-Rhang. One day, “Yoo Chae-I” get into the male bathroom/toilet and was being reported by the male victim, and was going to be expelled from WaSanGo. Kyang-Soo ask vice-principal to keep “Yoo Chae-I”. “Yoo Chae-I” was being impressed and began to love Kyang-Soo. The final battle of WSG, Jang-Rhang versus Kim “HandSome” Kyang-Soo. Finally Jang-Rhang was being defeated and Kyang-Soo was being praised by “Yoo Chae-I”. But Kyang-Soo saw “Yoo Chae-I” and collapsed. “Yoo Chae-I” was worried of Kyang-Soo. Hak-Rim was happy to receive the news, though Hak-Rim can’t be released. Kyang-Soo graduated from Wasango.
Duration: 120 min
Released: 2001
IMDb Rating: 6.1/10 (2,911 Votes)
Genre: Action, Dubbed Movies, Fantasy
Stars: Hyuk Jang, Min-a Shin, Su-ro Kim, Sang-Woo Kwon
Directors: Taegyun Kim
Writers: Tae-gyun Kim, Dong-heon Seo
Year: 2001
Server 1 – Movshare
Volcano High (2001) - A Cult Classic Blending Action, Fantasy, and Comedy
Released in 2001, "Volcano High" is a dynamic South Korean film that occupies a unique niche within the action and fantasy genres, celebrated for its bold visuals, imaginative storytelling, and its wild, stylized take on martial arts high school dramas. Directed by Kang Woo-suk, who is well-known in the Korean film industry for his craftsmanship, the film combines martial arts action with supernatural elements and a strong dose of comedic flair. "Volcano High" became particularly popular internationally as a cult hit, partly due to its flashy style and peculiar blend of genres.
Plot Summary
The movie is set in Volcano High, a prestigious martial arts high school where fighting is central to occupation and social standings. The story follows Kim Kyung-soo (played by Jang Hyuk), a rebellious and talented fighter with a mysterious past. Kyung-soo gets expelled from his previous school and transferred to Volcano High, where he quickly disturbs the existing power dynamics.
Volcano High is no ordinary school. It is steeped in fantasy, complete with ancient martial arts techniques, mystical powers, and a tyrannical student council led by the ambitious leader, Jo Pil-yeon. There is also a unique element of supernatural energy coursing through some of the characters, adding to the larger-than-life vibe of the narrative, combining classic teenage rebellion with spectacular fights.
Throughout the film, conflicts arise surrounding a legendary martial arts manual, which supposedly grants unbeatable skills. This book, known as the "High School Combat Manual," becomes the focus of power struggles among students eager to control the school and their futures. The film weaves this intense rivalry with themes of honor, friendship, and self-discovery, culminating in showdowns that are as visually stunning as they are dramatically tense.
Main Cast and Characters
Director and Writer
"Volcano High" is directed by Kang Woo-suk, a respected name in Korean cinema known for directing films that often explore action and thriller genres with a distinct style. Kang Woo-suk’s direction in "Volcano High" showcases his versatility as he adopts a hyper-stylized approach, mixing CGI effects with live-action combat scenes, producing a visually synthetic but exciting world.
The screenplay was written by Jang Hyun-suk, who crafts a story that is part action, part teen comedy, and part fantasy epic. The writing effectively blends these genres while keeping a brisk pace that appeals especially to younger audiences seeking both humor and excitement.
Style and Themes
One of "Volcano High’s" standout features is its distinctive visual style. Using comic book panel techniques, CGI sequences, and an eclectic soundtrack, the film aims to mimic the energy and aesthetic of manga and anime, which was quite innovative at the time for Korean cinema. This makes it feel like a live-action cartoon where reality blends with imaginative fantasy.
Thematically, the film tackles youth rebellion, the struggle for identity, and the quest for power, all common tropes but handled with a unique twist due to the martial arts fantasy setting. The movie also explores the dynamics of friendship and rivalry, illuminating the decisions young people face when confronting authority and discovering themselves.
Reception and Legacy
While not a huge mainstream commercial success globally, "Volcano High" has gained a devoted fan base for its audacious style and energetic storytelling. The film is often praised for pushing boundaries in Korean action cinema and contributing to the development of genre-blending films that emerged more frequently in later years. It appeals mainly to audiences who appreciate offbeat cinema combining fantasy, action, and youthful comedy.
Conclusion
In summary, "Volcano High" (2001) stands as a fascinating example of early-2000s South Korean cinema trying something bold and different. With Jang Hyuk's charismatic lead performance, a vibrant supporting cast, and Kang Woo-suk’s visionary direction, the film offers an unforgettable ride through a world where martial arts meets fantasy, teenage rebellion, and comic-book aesthetics. If you enjoy fast-paced, visually inventive action movies with a flair for the unconventional, "Volcano High" is definitely worth watching.
For more detailed information, visit the Volcano High IMDB page.
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