Shadows has an amazing line up: Sang Kang-ho (Memories of Murder, Thirst), Gong Yoo (Train to Busan, A Man and a Woman) and cameo appearance from Lee Byung-hun (A Bittersweet Life, Inside Men) whom Kim has worked previously and Um Tae-Goo (Coin Locker Girl, Veteran).
Pulled at the edge of your seat from start to finish, Kim doesn't disappoint tossing action sequences and twists that he carefully crafts and builds in suspense, only to laid them out with the greatest satisfaction, it leaves you hungry for more.
Just like "I Saw the Devil" and "A Bittersweet Life", Kim starts Shadows with little-to-nothing description of what's going out, only to follow it up with an action-filled chase scene, an amputated toe nail and blood splashed across the wall.
Shadows' 30 minutes train sequence is one of the best I've ever seen. This is the juice. It builds the plot as much as it shapes it and moves it, that includes the characters too. Accompanied by a more menacing version of Ravel's Bolero, the adrenaline just doesn't stop. I, for one, had to pause the film just so I could breathe. Kim brings us from compartment to compartment from character to character from discoveries to discoveries.
Cinematographer Kim Ji-Young does a fine job of transporting us to a 1920s setting of South Korea and Shanghai (the accuracy may be question but it looks beautiful nonetheless) with retro-like colors and saturated tones. Kim ravishes in extremism at times, with loud shoot outs, dialogues delivered in sinister whispers, loud slapping sounds, to torture scenes that likens to his other film, "I Saw the Devil".
Kim channels his narrative into powerful loyalty that seems like The Age of Shadows take a patriotic approach but ultimately, this thrill-filled film is entertaining as much as it is greatly crafted.
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Then you'll probably get a good idea about the time this movie is playing in. A Korean citizen (or Joseon person as it was called back then) who joined the Japanese forces and became a high-ranking police officer. And a group of Joseon citizen who secretly fight for their country's independence.
What I noticed about those kind of Korean movies is that they take their time to tell their story. It is very slow paced as the first half of the film is being used to set every detail in its proper place and to build the overall construction. So, don't let yourself be fooled by this phony silence that only tries to hide the inevitable threats that lie in the shadows. They will explode once in a while and keep you excited.
Although I could sympathize with people who get bored because of its long and calm progress... If you allow yourself to dive into this foggy story you will be rewarded at the end. You won't see it coming until it's already happening. Then you just sit there, watch blankly and feel that undeniable pressure in your chest.
As the movie shines with many ~high-ranking actors, there's only one that truly outclasses everyone else here. And that's Song Kang Ho. I already watched some of his other movies but never was I captivated by him the way I was here, with this performance. I didn't notice it immediately. But suddenly one scene, one moment, one gesture. And he killed it. And me. He caught me off guard and brought me to tears.
Sadly, I can't say the same for Gong Yoo. He was good, no doubt. And he also had moments where his character shined but his overall personality stayed too shallow. Even Lee Byung Hun's short appearance had more impact on me.
If there's one other thing I would complain about, then it would be that I missed some more light on the actual situation of the Joseon people during that time.
Altogether:
Recommended for those who have patience and don't mind slowly enveloping stories. People, who are interested in this period of time. And for people who don't mind a little blood. There's no exaggerating amount of it but some scenes make me advise you to not eat while watching if you're sensible to those things.
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The age of shadows is one great movie that i am glad i got to see. The cast choice was just amazing they all did a great job delivering their role, uhm tae did a really good job in here i cant wait to see his coming work.
the direction was really good it keeps you attached, Dont let the length of the movie put you off cause its really good. One of the finest performances by gong yoo he never fails to impress me
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The film is a must watch for anyone, especially South Korean audiences. They loved it and thus it became a Box Office success. But it's a film much more than just an entertainer. Unpredictable and well-detailed, the film's screenplay is quite excellent, and the execution is top notch. Don't ask about Kim's direction: it's excellent as usual. Same for Gong Yoo and Song Kang-ho: you'll be able to relate to them and feel what they go through, thanks to the natural performances of these two men. The reason what keeps you glued to the screens is the presence of mind- boggling thrills, breathtaking action sequences, splendid cinematography and a top notch execution along with delightfully awesome visuals supported by powerful emotions.
Seeing Lee Byung-hun in this film was an absolute pleasure. He plays his part perfectly. The humour in the film is quite decent and is placed accordingly. The editing, however needed to be tighter as it could've been trimmed to some extent. The film being a little slow might not engage everyone at once. But when it does, it does it seriously and successfully.
Having said that, I'll have no doubt I calling the film "Kim's masterpiece", since he lives up to the expectations one can have from him after he has delivered films which've changed the way world looked at South Korean Cinema. This film only adds up to the praise for the South Korean Cinema, and presents a lot of things we'll like to take back home with us.
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A very well-crafted historical spionage actioneer!
After his journey in the United States filming The Last Stand with Arnie, Kim Jee-woon returned to Korea to make another notable blockbuster that he demonstrated how to handle so well in the past.This time it is a period espionage and counterespionage plot, in a sober and serious, almost dry tone. However, fans of the director will be reminded in style and rhythm of The Good, The Bad and The Weird, with which it shares the fantastic protagonist trio, an excellent production design and some very dynamic and spectacular action scenes, a trademark of this director.
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This review may contain spoilers
I'd like to take praise at the cinematography, direction and editing. The film looks so stunning visually, everything framed perfectly, scene transtions done well. Big plaudits for Kim Ji-yong on (Cinematography) and Kim Jee-woon (direction and writing)This was quite an eye opening film with Song Kang-Ho, once again, delivering an outstanding performance as Lee Jung-chool, the conflicted police captain stuck between the might of Japanese rule and the heart of the Korean Resistence. The fight against the oppressive regime of the Japanses occupation. But along side that and the trueish stories of the time, we have a cat & mouse game of politics between Lee Jung-chool and Hashimoto. The film is jammed with tension filled scenes as well as great, but short action fights. The torture scenes near the end are violent but pivitol to the story and add tons of drama. A very down to earth tale of patriotism with a great unique style of film making on top.
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Delievery!
Honestly, I'm here cause my man Gong Yoo lol I'm not much of a history buff (unless it involves war) but this is about as close as you can get. With deception, fear and a whole lot of blood this movie is bound to impress! It gets kinda slow in a few parts but it punches you back into the action shortly after. Everyone's acting was incredible with the whole "Frienemy" theme. The tricks, schemes and OMG moments kept me on the edge of my seat and before I knew it the movie was over. The ending was...eh. Thinking logically, it made the most sense but I was still a little sad lolEnjoy...
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I never expect that it would be this good
It's an old film, 2017 movie with an old era of setting. At first I was hesitant to watch it because I don't like the setting of the movie, since it's one of Gong Yoo's film I just give it a try. Good thing I found a tagalog dubbed on this I can easily understand its plot and I don't need to read on subtitles anymore.It was a star studded film with brilliant actors especially my ultimate oppa is here no other than Gong Yoo my loves.
The story tells the story of a traitor with good intention, there is a reason why his beena traitor.
Good thing Kim WOO Jin (Gong Yoo's character) no matter if ther fail they will still look forward, if they faced trials now to never give up.
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