Often enough, films in which characters obtain superhuman strengths -- whether physical or in the mind -- tend to focus on their rise to as a vigilante, followed by the discovery of a villain that stirs up some drama. There aren't many films that I can think of that focus strictly on the use of superhuman powers, especially when the one obtaining such powers is a middle-aged deadbeat.

Yeon Sang-ho's Psychokinesis (the first South Korean superhero film, and second live action film by Yeon Sang-ho) follows a simplistic narrative in which a father comes back into contact with his now adult daughter after the death of her mother. Their business just one of many being threatened by a corrupt organisation that aims to kill off businesses on the land for construction purposes. It's not seeking tons of action, or a plethora of characters with equal powers threatening each other.

Psychokinesis focuses on the redemption of Seok-heon (Ryu Seung-ryong), a security guard that lives a lonely, rather pathetic life. His accidental stumble upon superhuman powers grants him the ability to move items with his mind. He's not out to become a major vigilante, nor is he there to further improve his powers and use them to his advantage. He's out to redeem himself for abandoning his daughter as a child, to finally be there for her in a time of need.

There's plenty that's unique about the film: Seok-heon's daughter is impressed by his powers at first, she's not believing him and accuses him of attempting to avoid admitting his past actions. His plan to use his powers to help his daughter and nearby businesses only comes in towards the climax of the film, and only then, he's using the powers due to the fact that he truly cares for his daughter, and the years of guilt have never left him. It's evident that Seok-heon would have tried his best to shield her from the dangers even without the powers.

Psychokinesis' writing has the film constantly pushing forward, never overstepping Seok-heon's use of his powers, and never allowing us to forget the very core of the narrative: Seok-heon's redemption and want to be a good father, regardless of how many times his daughter fails to believe him.

That said, there's social commentary within the film, displaying the ways in which small businesses are easy targets for the rich; their livelihoods often stripped away by the rich seeking to build and sell real estate, even through illegal and corrupt ways. You could make the argument that it would take someone of superhuman strength to combat their powerful and corrupt grasp. Or that sometimes it can take superhuman strength to acknowledge your faults and do your best to accept your responsibilities, especially as a parent with a child seeking your help.

Yeon Sang-ho's Psychokinesis is certainly unforgettable, and it's an excellent start to what could eventually become a genre of superhero films within the South Korean film industry. Yeon Sang-ho has definitely set the standards high already.