The storyline, however, is another thing. It's not bad per se, it just lacks depth. It's a simple, straightforward, revenge story that follows our main character, genius Go player Gwi Soo (played by Kwon Sang Woo). First we see him as a child who loses everyone he loves and then we follow him as an adult who seeks revenge in the world of Go. Through his journey we meet other Go players like Busan weeds (played by Heo Sung Tae), Loner (played by Woo Do Hwan) and shaman (played by Won Hyun Joon). They're all interesting characters, but something about their stories felt rushed and incomplete (especially Loner who has a revenge story of his own). As a whole it's an okay storyline but nothing more than that.
Another thing I liked were action scenes. Fist fights are well choreographed and they were interesting to watch. Production was also great with some interesting special effects.
I would recommend it if you like some of these actors or action movies in general. For me it was an interesting watch but it didn't leave any lasting impact.
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agree with most of the commenters, this is a much better movie (story wise, heck even the violence was toned down and what there was of it, wasn't slasher-movie equivalent) then the first "The Divine Move" with Jeong Woo Seong, here cause of the back-story. and when u "use" kids, poverty, add in physical and sexual violence. how can u not identify and root for the main character?!?but have to say a description like the one above is miss leading - cause it makes one think Heo Il Do was some kinda saint, that took in a homeless orphan boy off the streets and out of the kindness of his heart taught him not only Go, but how to survive in this world... which nah - not even close.
the side story, with Loner was redundant, as is there was more than enough meat here without that unnecessary add-on. why they had to add his story. donno. plus his wanting to take revenge on Heo Il Do - acceptable, but why Gwi Soo?!? he as a kid and when Loner watched them, didnt he get that Gwi Soo was against duping his father and wanted to return the money? guess after watching his father go up in flames he got kind twisted. but his killing that poor store-keeper just cause he was around was illogical. unless he is so unhinged and on a rampage - killing anyone and everyone who plays "Go" - if so, why aint he a notorious serial-Goplayer- killer and wanted by the cops?!? just doesn't click.- even his death scene was left open... was wondering if he gonna pop-up at the end or after everything ended... just weird.
plus - and a huge one (for me) thank god there was no romantic B.S. it wasn't needed and given the tone of the movie is would feel strange. so glad. the other plus was that the kid survived. didn't want this to be the typical K-movie ending where its either left open to ones interpretation or u cry ugly tears, cause they kill off the lead.
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here, they took revenge for this guy that "raised" the ml, but so brutally and just to teach him go.... I mean, it is a traditional game, but if you switch it to chess, it'd still be as pointless. sure they played several Saw like Go games, but everything happened just for the sake of the plot.
it's like, if it was a sport like karate or taekwondo, it'd have some action and suspense, beside the whole backstory of the sister felt like a cheap move to add to the "revenge"
Loner had a more solid reason for revenge, his dad was murdered and he got severely hurt by evil guy that raised the ml... but his story was just used as a time filler..
it's funny how a 1 hour 45min movie felt like a 5 hour one.. also this is the type of movies I hate, they add creepy and gore as a way to be edgy but it just looks silly
the acting was great of course, and I never rewatch things
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