Post
I was bored this arvo, so just for shits and gigs, I decided to watch KPop Demon Hunters. I'm definitely not in the demographic this was aimed at, but you know what? I frickin loved it!
It was gorgeously animated, funny without being too goofy, and genuinely touching.
(1/?)
Funnily enough, the underlying message was essentially the same as the original Star Wars trilogy.
We're all flawed. We all have a dark side. Evil can't be overcome by attacking other peoples' dark side with violence. The only effective way to resist the dark side is to bring it back into balance with the light. With self-awareness and compassion, for ourselves and each other.
(2/?)
The other part of the message - also shared with OG Star Wars although it's hammered home in KPop DH - is that compassion and redemption are not just solo activities. It's easier to overcome the dark side - individually and collectively - when we do it *together*.
Acceptance and forgiveness are powerful social tools. Acceptance of difference, even when we find its surfaces ugly or icky. Forgiveness of even the most heinous act, when there's genuine remorse and a desire to do better.
(3/?)
This is a a message that's also shared with the Matrix trilogy. The overall story arc is all about reconciliation and collective effort.
The first film sets up a seemingly irreconcilable conflict and a hero who alone can defeat humanity's shadow, the dehumanising machines. Then despite the flaws of Reloaded and Revolutions, they brilliantly subvert that, as Neo learns that the only way to win a war is not to fight. To make peace, to coexist.
(4/?)
KPop Demon Hunters is just the kind of story our culture needs right now. I'm glad it's blowing up and lots of people are seeing and enjoying it, and I'm glad I'm one of them.
(5/5)
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