Yes, that's how I would describe this; disturbingly intriguing.

I might be alone in saying this but I actually enjoyed this film. The casting was excellent, the characters were all disturbing and gritty in different ways, the atmosphere was dark but interesting, the soundtrack gave it a unique feel, and the acting from the main characters was really, really good.

The low score and bad reviews probably come from its confusing message. Usually there's a clear message in a film so people can understand what they're watching. At first you think you're watching a regular old investigative mystery, but it takes a turn real quick and ends up becomming a blend of supernatural, philosophical, and religious ambiguity. I feel like I'm supposed to be asking myself questions while watching this, but I don't know what ones lol. Confusion like that will never be well-received by an audience. It's unfortunate because this was actually a pretty good movie.
The romantic storyline between Shitao, Lili, and Su Dong Po was the most interesting part for me. I wish they had gone even further with that and spent more screen time with them.

Cast:
Lee Byung Hun can't be tamed. He's absolutely perfect here despite the writers doing him dirty by giving him an underdeveloped character to work with. Elias Koteas was born to play a serial killer. Seriously, he's got the perfect voice and facial expressions, or lack there of. And then there's Takuya Kimura. He had the most confusing character of all, and yet managed to give a great performance.

Watch this at your own risk of being either highly disturbed or highly disappointed. Just don't try to understand it too much and you might end up appreciating it; confusion, gore, religious symbolism and all.