After all the hype surrounding this South Korean film, I was compelled to buy the Korean 2 disc Special Edition of this. My first foree into viewing this was stomped for it was showing during this year's Toronto International Film Festival, but sold out quickly. Finally though I sat down to view this shiny 2-disc specialty in all it's crisp 6.1 audio delights. Even the packaging is catchy enough to hook in a few newcomers such as myself. Although, not very familiar with the Korean action films, I took to this quite easily and quickly.

After searching around for some background info on this film, I have learned that the main element that surrounds this film, "Wave Technique" or "Internal Force". It seems that this is legendary within the Korean martial arts community and is known as either "Qi" or "Neigong". Anyhow enough with this, I'm not here to blab about Korean history.

At first viewing I had mixed feelings about this, the lack of story and some of the characters seemed vague. That quickly dispensed upon all the visual delights and the martial art choreography. I learned not to judge this piece because of it lack of story, but to just sit and enjoy the visual gleaming across the screen. This was the traditional good versus evil stance with a modern flavor added. May the best man lead us into victory and beyond. Of course one comparison I often heard before viewing Volcano High was it's cross-pollination of The Matrix team-up with the brats from The Breakfast Club. This often ran through my head and I must say, with the character profiles and the scenes that were often pulled off leads one into believing that analogy is correct.

The basic storyline behind Volcano High starts with the expelling and transferring of troubled student, Kim Kyeong-su. Who holds the secret power of the "Internal Force", unfortunely his is oblivious on how to correctly use it. The teachers have no control over the students, hence the The Breakfast Club analogy. They are provoked into believing that there is a secret manuscript that once obtaining it, will reveal strengths of unlimited power. Basically what story there is, the plot or the underlining message is the transition Kim Kyeong-su makes to become a hero of sorts. With the principal falling ill, leaving the very corrupt vice-principal in charge. Making his first move to bring in new teachers, but not your regular teacher's. They also hold the power of the "Internal Forces". This doesn't sit well with Volcano High's self-proclaimed top man, Jang Ryang who tries everything humanly possible to stop them. The real fight begins when Kim Kyeong-su breaks out of his cowardly shell and takes the helm.

Director Kim Tae-gyun visual elements know no boundaries, for these elements propelled Volcano High out of what certainly could of been disastrous. You are literally blasted with visuals that will mesmerize you. The eye-candy delights are often very innovative and non-linear. Everything from the CGI, filters and scenery, this film often and I mean very often makes you forget about the lack of storyline or plot. His use of traditional kung-fu and mixed with the Matrix-ique effects blend with such beautiful end results.