The Closet looks great. The country house, the strange old wardrobe and especially the misty other world behind it, with its gloomy forest and empty playground, are beautifully designed. Korean horror rarely looks cheap, and this is no exception.
Kim Nam-gil is the most fun part of the film. His exorcist is scruffy, likeable and a little ridiculous, waiting for ghosts while eating instant noodles. He gives the film energy every time he appears, and he deserved more screen time.
Ha Jung-woo has the harder job, playing a father who is cold and distant at the start. Some critics found him flat and hard to like, which makes it difficult to invest in his search. The story also borrows heavily from Poltergeist and offers few real surprises.
What lifts it is the heart. The ghost's motive ties into real child neglect and abuse, and the ending is genuinely moving. It is not a classic, but it is a solid, well-made ghost story.
