Thirst opens today in select cities in the US. Director Park Chan-wook continues his explorations of human existence in extreme circumstances. This time throw in the currently trendy vampire character. As usual with Park Chan-wook films, Thirst is rating R for graphic bloody violence, disturbing images, strong sexual content, nudity, and language. Here’s a synopsis:

A priest becomes a vampire…another man’’s wife is coveted…a deadly seduction triggers murder. Thirst is the new film from director Park Chan-wook (Old Boy, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Sympathy for Lady Vengeance). Already a box office smash in Korea, Thirst was honored with the Prix du Jury [Jury Prize] at the 2009 Cannes International Film Festival.

Sang-hyun (played by top Korean star Song Kang-ho, of The Host) is a priest who cherishes life; so much so, that he selflessly volunteers for a secret vaccine development project meant to eradicate a deadly virus. But the virus takes the priest, and a blood transfusion is urgently ordered up for him. The blood he receives is infected, so Sang-hyun lives – but now exists as a vampire. Struggling with his newfound carnal desire for blood, Sang-hyun’s faith is further strained when a childhood friend’s wife, Tae-ju (Kim Ok-vin) comes to him asking for his help in escaping her life. Sang-hyun soon plunges into a world of sensual pleasures, finding himself on intimate terms with the Seven Deadly Sins.

You can catch the film at one of these locations:

New York – Landmark’s Sunshine Cinema (143 East Houston Street, near 2nd Avenue)

Los Angeles – Laemmle’s Sunset 5 (8000 Sunset Boulevard, at Crescent Heights)

San Francisco – Landmark’s Bridge Theatre (3010 Geary Boulevard, near Blake Street)

Thirst (Red Band Trailer)

I´m Not Catholic – Thirst Clip

Slips Into Shoes – Thirst Clip

Vampires Are Cuter Than I Thought – Thirst Clip