Is Why a Cuckoo Cries Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1967)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Why a Cuckoo Cries (1967), audiences are invited back into the world of Horror, Drama. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "The only son of a government official Yun loves Ok-hwa, the daughter of former gisaeng Gye-seon. But his father doesn't feel good about having a daughter of a former gisaeng as his daughter-in-law. He matches him instead with the only daughter of another official. Soon, Ok-hwa dies of lovesickness missing Yun so much. The ghost of her appears to Yun, who betrayed her and married another woman, to make him repent for his fault."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Kim Ji-mi attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Horror. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Why a Cuckoo Cries worth your time? If you appreciate Horror, Drama films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Why a Cuckoo Cries misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 103 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.