The Movie's Message

Wow, this movie had me really confused, but I've finally come up with a basic explanation of the main message of the movie.

Ga-in at some point confesses to her father that she wishes everyone around her would just drop dead. Now, I'm not sure what resentment she had against others, but I don't think this point really matters.

What matters is her intention - and its fulfillment. By harbouring negative thoughts, she attracts the dark-haired demonic boy - who is essentially the embodiment of evil - into her life. This boy is in fact an ASPECT OF GA-IN. You could consider him as Ga-In's subconscious - her fears/ worries/ repressed desires.

We have to understand this demonic character not as something literal, but as something metaphorical. That is, we should not break our heads trying to understand how he physically appears to Ga-In or the nitty-gritty details about how he physically gets her to kill others.

Ok, so, going back to the message of the movie... If one holds the belief that the external world is a reflection of our deepest fears, dreams, and desires, then the movie starts making a lot of sense.

Ga-in's desire to see others dead is REFLECTED in her world, via her encounters and interaction with other characters who also wish the death of others whom they are close to, and even go so far as to kill them.

If there is any curse at work in this story, it is the curse of Ga-in NOT KNOWING that her thoughts are being mirrored in the reality she encounters on a day-to-day basis. That's why she loses control of what she is doing and becomes a pawn in the devil's game. Because she has this particular weakness, it is easy for the demonic dude/ entity to use her and get her to perform wicked deeds.

I hope I'm making some sense.

Basically, don't wish death upon others, because eventually people around you will start dropping like flies and eventually you will meet your end too. It's best to love others unconditionally and forgive and forget the injustices you encounter in life.

Hope you enjoyed reading my post. I'm trying to sum up the story in a few words. To be honest, this movie does not make sense if you look at it logically or go through it with a fine-toothed comb, that's why I'm made it really basic here.

Cheers!

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There's only one instant, and it's right now. And it's eternity.

- Waking Life