Practical magic has a long history dating back centuries. From ancient civilizations to modern times, people have been fascinated by the idea of harnessing supernatural forces to achieve their desires. Whether through spells, potions, or rituals, the practice of practical magic has always captivated the imagination. One of the most important aspects of practical magic is the ability to manipulate energy. Practitioners believe that everything is made up of energy, and by channeling and directing this energy, they can create powerful effects. This manipulation of energy is often done through various tools and symbols, such as crystals, wands, and pentagrams.
The first act of the film ramps up slowly. It sets the stage by bringing the story of the Witch Program back “many years” and introducing a new girl with a past that is shrouded in secrecy by deeply connected to Ja-Yoon (Kim Da-Mi). Cloning, assassination, lots of blood, The Witch 2 is centered around the girl that brings multiple agencies with different motives together in a final act. In a lot of ways, the film is best explained as a violent superpowered fight fest with some story thrown in. In fact, unlike the first film, much of the violence in the film doesn’t always push the narrative forward. Instead, they pop up like gems of brutality.
Sure there are elements of ethics that were involved in the first film, but the bulk of The Witch 2 is centered on ramping up the spectacle and pushing the gas pedal on making action set pieces grander than they were in the first season. After a mysterious girl emerges as the sole survivor of a bloody raid on the research facility called the Ark behind the top-secret Witch Program, she is rescued by a pair of civilians, Siblings Kyung-hee Park Eun-bin and Dae-gi Sung Yoo-bin , who soon realize the girl is both very powerful and in very grave danger.
This manipulation of energy is often done through various tools and symbols, such as crystals, wands, and pentagrams. Spells and rituals are another integral part of practical magic. These are specific sequences of words and actions designed to achieve a desired outcome.
REVIEW: ‘The Witch: Part 2. The Other One’
The Witch Part 1: Subversion was one of my favorite films of 2018. It was packed with science fiction and action all while questing biomedical ethics and using extreme violence to not only shock, but tell its story. Now, from writer-director Park Hoon-jung, the sequel is here. The Witch: Part 2. The Other One (The Witch 2) builds out the world that director Park created by increasing the number of superhumans and turning their powers up to 11.
In this sequel to the popular Korean sci-fi action thriller The Witch, the story moves away from a confined secret lab and out into the real world. After a mysterious girl emerges as the sole survivor of a bloody raid on the research facility called the Ark behind the top-secret Witch Program, she is rescued by a pair of civilians, Siblings Kyung-hee (Park Eun-bin) and Dae-gi (Sung Yoo-bin), who soon realize the girl is both very powerful and in very grave danger. However, as the assassins tasked with locating and silencing the girl move ever closer, the lives of everyone balance on a razor’s edge.
While this sequel doesn’t reach the level of its predecessor it is still a thrilling watch. With over two hours of story, uses every minute to build up atmosphere and characters that pays off in stellar displays of violence. Sure there are elements of ethics that were involved in the first film, but the bulk of The Witch 2 is centered on ramping up the spectacle and pushing the gas pedal on making action set pieces grander than they were in the first season.
The first act of the film ramps up slowly. It sets the stage by bringing the story of the Witch Program back “many years” and introducing a new girl with a past that is shrouded in secrecy by deeply connected to Ja-Yoon (Kim Da-Mi). Cloning, assassination, lots of blood, The Witch 2 is centered around the girl that brings multiple agencies with different motives together in a final act. In a lot of ways, the film is best explained as a violent superpowered fight fest with some story thrown in. In fact, unlike the first film, much of the violence in the film doesn’t always push the narrative forward. Instead, they pop up like gems of brutality.
From pulling doors off cars to knife fights that don’t miss and giant storms of rocks that rip bodies apart, there is nothing small about the action-packed into The Witch 2. There is no subtlety or nuance, just larger and larger sequences that don’t stop building on each other. The center of the bulk of these fights is Jo-hyeon (Seo Eun-soo) the head officer of the agency tasked by the leaders of the Witch Program to capture the girl. She’s unyielding, angry, and capable of singlehandedly decimating an entire facility on her own. With heightened strength and speed, Jo-hyeon is a force on screen and manages to carry herself with an authority that matches the share physical space her well-over 6’3″ English-speaking partner.
That said though, The Witch 2 is a sequel that never feels superfluous. With so much action shoved into the film, not a single moment feels repeated and each fight sequence feels more innovative than the last. But that also means that the lore of the world pales in comparison to such an expansive action-focused cast. This ends up being both a good thing and a bad thing.
For existing fans of the first film, there is a hollowness to how the story, meaning, and science fiction elements develop. That said, there is enough exposition and new elements added that coming into The Witch 2 without seeing the first film isn’t a bad idea. That said, the film’s last act carries more weight when you have seen the first film.
Overall, The Witch: Part 2. The Other One is a film that is extremely exciting for the action alone. While it’s a tad too long, especially for a fairly minimal story, the action is unyielding and pays off entirely – even if it’s a little overstuffed.
The Witch: Part 2. The Other One is being released by Well Go USA and screened at Fantasia Fest 2022.
That said though, The Witch 2 is a sequel that never feels superfluous. With so much action shoved into the film, not a single moment feels repeated and each fight sequence feels more innovative than the last. But that also means that the lore of the world pales in comparison to such an expansive action-focused cast. This ends up being both a good thing and a bad thing.
Spells can range from simple incantations to complex rituals involving multiple steps and ingredients. The effectiveness of a spell is believed to depend on the practitioner's focus, intention, and connection to the spiritual realm. In addition to spells, potions are also commonly used in practical magic. Potions are mixtures of various ingredients, such as herbs, oils, and crystals, that are believed to have specific magical properties. These potions are often consumed or applied topically to achieve a desired effect, such as healing, protection, or love. Practical magic is not only about achieving personal goals, but also about connecting with the natural world and the spiritual realm. Many practitioners believe in the existence of various supernatural beings, such as spirits, fairies, and gods, and seek to establish a connection with them through rituals and offerings. While practical magic has often been associated with the occult and seen as mysterious and secretive, in recent years, it has gained more mainstream popularity. Books, movies, and TV shows have showcased practical magic in a more accessible way, resulting in a growing interest and curiosity among the general public. However, it is important to note that practical magic should be approached with caution and respect. It is not a game or a toy, but a serious practice that requires knowledge, skill, and responsibility. Practitioners should always be aware of the potential consequences of their actions and act in accordance with their own ethical values. In conclusion, practical magic is a fascinating and ancient practice that has captured the imagination of people throughout history. With its focus on energy manipulation, spells, and potions, it offers a unique way to explore and interact with the supernatural world. However, it should always be approached with respect and responsibility..
Reviews for "The Masters of Practical Magic: Learning from the Legends"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with the practical magic scene in this movie. It felt forced and unrealistic. The special effects were tacky and did not match the tone of the film. Additionally, the acting during this scene was subpar and made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. Overall, I felt that this scene was a major letdown and took away from the overall enjoyment of the movie.
2. John - 1/5 stars - The practical magic scene in this film was laughably bad. The spells and incantations were extremely cliché and it felt like the filmmakers were not taking the magic aspect seriously. The CGI was poorly executed and the whole scene came across as cheesy and cringe-worthy. I was really disappointed with this scene and it ruined the movie for me.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - The practical magic scene in this movie was a complete letdown. It was poorly choreographed and lacked any sense of awe or wonder. The magic spells performed were basic and unimpressive. I had high hopes for this scene, but it fell short of my expectations. The whole sequence felt rushed and underdeveloped, leaving me feeling unsatisfied.
4. Matt - 3/5 stars - While the practical magic scene in this movie had potential, it failed to deliver. The special effects and CGI were decent, but the execution of the magic tricks was lacking. The pacing felt off, and certain moments felt forced and contrived. Overall, it was an underwhelming and forgettable scene.
5. Lisa - 2/5 stars - The practical magic scene in this film was a complete miss for me. It lacked originality and felt like a carbon copy of other magic scenes I've seen before. The actors' performances during this scene were lackluster, making it difficult to connect with the characters. The whole scene felt out of place and unnecessary, adding little to the overall plot of the movie.