This review may contain spoilers
Mankind's greed has no limits....
I've been anticipating this movie, for quite a while now and I have to say the wait was worth it.If you're one to get easily emotional, then get ready to grab your tissue box, because BoGum's doe eyes will make you cry and feel for his character, Seobok, who amid everything was still innocent and yet treated so unkindly by humans, through all his life. To never know kindness, love or trust, and see himself as nothing but a specimen with a purpose.
It truly depicts the lack of humanity when it comes to study and use animals for such, also the greed of those who fear death while seeking for a way to prolong their petty lives.
"It scare me to think of dying, but living forever is scary too."
Kiheon and Seobok both share something in common here, they both fear the unknown that lies in dying, and yet they are also afraid of living.
"What should I believe to not be scared?"
The symbolic value and moral grounds this movie works with are deeper than one can assume, and mainly questioned by the two main characters, along their journey, were their fears and doubts are exposed.
"Do you think dying... is really like sleeping?"
"Maybe."
"Then how come people aren't afraid to fall asleep? It's like dying for a while."
For some it might be the typical collaboration between Korean/American plot with the whole experiment and survival, however it's GongYoo and BoGum's acting that takes the prize.
Special effects too in a way when it comes to production.
The OST is nothing out of the ordinary for me, although quite right into the emotional scenes.
Not going to lie, it's quite an emotional ride.
The message in plot is more than it seems.
Its all about acceptance and resilience.
And knowing what's wrong and right.
"It's beautiful."
"What is?"
"To be alive."
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Brilliant Cast, Average Storyline...
Easily one of the most hyped Korean movies of the year, screenwriter-director Lee’s ” Seobeok” drew attention by the collaboration of two of Korea’s biggest stars in the industry, Gong Yoo and Park Bo Gum working alongside one another. However, something which does seem to have been left out in reviews beforehand in favour of biased comments upon the actors themselves, is glossing over the actual storyline.
Seobok is an odd fusion of drama, philosophy and morality in the first-half closely followed by fast-paced action with gunfights and psychic powers in the final part. It is surprising, but somehow, these two halves did blend quite well, resulting in a rather entertaining film.
The movie is the tale of Min Ki-hun (Gong Yoo) a former intelligence agent with a traumatic past. He suffers from a long-term illness which causes him to occasionally lose consciousness (mostly at times most convenient for the plot). Chief Ahn (Cho Woo-jin), his former cunning agency head, recommends that he be part of a revolutionary experiment that might help to cure him of his ailment. This experiment involves Seobok (Park), brought to life through stem cell cloning and genetic engineering. Seobok is a gentle, benevolent soul who is fascinated about the world, and morbidly about mortality.
Seobok’s bone marrow contains special cells that could unlock the secret of immortality. Unsurprisingly, a lot of people are interested in him, mostly for selfish reasons.After a surprise ambush by some military forces, Min and Seobok find themselves on the run together. If viewers can put two and two together, the screenwriting openly becomes predictable as the story moves along .
Admittedly, the action scenes are pretty enthralling, opening up in the beginning of the film with a terrific moment when a vehicle is driven through a brick wall. Yet whilst the plot does begin to build up to a satisfying climax, the pacing is ultimately slow in parts with perhaps the only reward seeing the antagonists get their just desserts, as well as some more profound moments of angst-ridden backstories for the characters. The philosophy in the movie whilst arguably risking the problem of being overwrought, did add a multifaceted layer to the storyline.
As far as acting goes, Seobeok is certainly headlined by its two main actors Gong Yoo and Park Bo Gum, who do not disappoint within their performances.
Amazingly, Gong Yoo was hesitant to accept the role at first and was unaware that he would be starring alongside junior actor Park Bo Gum. However, Gong Yoo later confessed that he enjoyed playing the role ( as well as being able to break away from his typical ” good guy” roles as a foul-mouthed and cynical agent), something which he certainly excelled within his performance as troubled protagonist Min. In a scene exploring Min’s back story, Gong Yoo captivates the pure humanity of his character in arguably one of the most memorable parts of the film.
Evidently, costar Park Bo Gum also had his fair commentary upon feeling fairly nervous with working with Gong Yoo in the film. Regardless, Park’s somewhat romanticised appearance as the mysterious Seobok, did not diminish his talents onscreen as both characters and their bond over the course of the film was fairly likeable and easy as a viewer to become invested within. Admittedly, the side characters were mediocre at best; not dire nor unwatchable, but the antagonists in particular felt formulaically one-dimensional.
As far as the ending goes it is more a matter of opinion. Some may interpret it as more a clever metaphor, whilst others may be less impressed by the abrupt and sudden conclusion . Overall, ” Seobeok” had undeniably brilliant performances by the lead actors Park Bo Gum and Gong Yoo who certainly do not disappoint. However, whilst the movie attempted to style itself as an intricately complicated philosophical, action-thriller ( and was successful to some extent in parts), it often struggled to pace its own storyline as well as breaking out of unoriginal cliches . Nevertheless, it was enjoyable in parts, and certainly worth watching to pass the time.
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A road movie in Scifi Action
Let me give this 10 because they're brave enough to offer this kind of movie. For me, this is a new kind of Korean movie I've seen so far. They give a special touch of sci fi movie which not as Hollywood presents.Not just about a sci fi action to run your adrenaline or entertain to watch, they try to touch the heart of the audiences.
They start the movie with an intense plot, get into the middle with swing the audiences' emotions then end the movie with a twist yet reasonable decision.
The acting of two main characters are truly the power of this "heavy" movie into the enjoyable one. They got you hooked and emphatized with their stories. I expect more for some roles development and action scenes. But it could take more than 2 hours, so this should be enough.
A movie with good details, philosophical dialogues, nice CGI, proper action scenes, good timing of humor and superb acting wrap this movie into a unique one.
After watched the movie, I could't stop to think of the scenes and dialogues which somehow gave ache in my heart.
Human, life, and death. Thankful for this meaningful movie.
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Emotional : A movie that gives meaning to life and death
I'm glad that SK (South Korea) is producing more series and movies that will surely give not just an impression to the viewer, but also meaning or value and I find that this movie is one of those. With its sci-fi take, a bit of action and melodrama tag / genre, this one did not disappoint me. The balance between those tags were good especially the bits of humor inserted to lightened up the mood of the movie. In addition to that, the acting is top notch for both of the action and emotional scenes.Apart from the good production as well as the intriguing plot, good pacing of the story and solid cast, what really caught my attention are the emotions portrayed by the main characters and the lines exchanged between the two (Seobok and Kiheon) about life and death.
We get to see their desperation - Someone who wants to live, Someone who wants freedom, Someone filled with regrets, Someone who just wants to be loved... In the end, the choices the main characters made are what gave meaning to their life. These are definitely heavy and powerful moments depicted in the movie that will to surely touch the viewer / audience.
In conclusion, props to the director, producer, writer, actors and all the people involved for making this movie. If you want to watch something that is emotional or melodramatic, you can add this to your list. This is a highly recommend watch. Enjoy watching... :)
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What is life and death?
This sci-fi/action/thriller movie raises the questions we've been asking ourselves since antiquity: What is life and death? For what purpose do we live and what happens after death?Both the lead actors (Gong Yoo & Bo Gum) ponder about these things and portray their emotions beautifully while doing so. This philosophical matter is amalgamated with some powerful action sequences in this movie. Didn't like the ending, though. It felt too abrupt and forced to me.
Nevertheless, the splendid performances given by the lead actors as well as all the action will make your eyes glued to your screens till the end.
Highly recommended to all!
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WOW
for someone who doesn't like sci fic genre, this movie really a good one. this movie is full of emotion on how world and people in real life were. both park bo gum and gong yoo really good at potraying their character. this movie show how people treat you if you are different with them and how people just use you for their own benefit. very interesting story that will reflect on yourself. this movie will become and eye opener for you because we didnt choose to be born and its not your fault for become different than other peoplethe cinematography really great.
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Gong Yoo Perfection
I am a HUGE Gong Yoo fan, so it's only natural I watch this masterpiece of awesomeness! My imaginary hubby is beast in any role he plays and proves it just as much here. Paired with Park Bo it's a dynamic duo I'm obsessed with! If you're looking for something packed with action, thrills and chills look no further. With bullets flying, bones crushing and a speck of bromance my boys deliver all the way, while showing the dark side (or typical side) of the corruption in worldwide government. I was in my feels a bit and there's a few things I would've changed/liked to have seen happen but overall I'm perfectly satisfied (with everything except the ending) lolEnjoy...
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Fast Paced but nicely executed
In Seo-Bok, the namely main character only knows his mom, and the lab he was made in as a clone of course. As the second main lead portrayed by Gong Yoo does not have much time to live, and he is technically immortal, through the lens of each other, they figure out the meaning of life, death, and maybe sleep :)Bo Gum's acting was so great with the balance of puppy eyes and anger. For this reason, I believe the plot could have been taken further and the movie could have been longer and still enjoyable. The matching of him and Gong-yoo was delightful, so I do wish they included a bit more lighthearted, comedic scenes, but the meaningful conversations will suffice.
The use of music felt a bit excessive at times, making things feel quiet and slow and I felt like it took up too much of the movie. I also feel that a different, more joyful ending could have taken place since we don't know the path Gong-Yoo will take from here. All in all, this movie could have been taken further, but it was executed amazingly nonetheless.
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This review may contain spoilers
A great Sci-fi melodrama
I thought I'm not gonna cry while watching this tho but I'm wrong XD.... It's such a great movie and story to watch to I high recommended this to watch... It all started with happy one and ended with reasonable ending, it feels like I'm in a roller coaster ride of emotions T^T.....I don't want to make this too long and to spoil some lol... Park Bo gum did a great job acting like a kid (he's so cute) and also Gong Yoo portraying like a brother or Father.....Okay some glimpse in the story..... We all know all mothers can't stand seeing their child suffering and I thanked the writer it's really showed it here in the movie...and choosing between Living in pain or death.......(I really don't want to spoil the movie I just want to share my experience watching this lol XD)....
I can really feel their brotherly love because Ki Hyun really understand seobok but everything needs to back in normal..and that shows how good brother or father Ki Hyun to Seobok at least he feel how to be taken care off.... T^T
Anyway guys I REALLY RECOMMEND THIS TO WATCH!!!!!
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Death will save our humanity.
I don't write reviews for movies in general, but I really wanted to talk about this one.The subject that it touches is that of our humanity. If humans ever arrive with technologies to prevent the inevitable - death - from happening, what are we left with ? Insatiable desires for more money, power, in short, an endless life to take possessions but give nothing. Humans are already so self-destructive, the only thing that is certain is death, if we take it out of the equation, it's the worst we could do to our specie.
Also, as the subject of the death of humans is approached, so is that of being worthy of being saved. Do we deserve it ?
In the end, all humans die, whether from disease, accidents, or by other humans, that is a certainty. But what makes a person more worthy to be saved, and should we save those who are designated as worthy, because nowadays we treat everyone, but especially those who don't deserve it too.
In the end, there is not necessarily an answer, I know that human beings will one day arrive at a stage where in some way we will become immortal, just as I know that one day we will populate our solar system and even our galaxy, it may not be for now, or in a hundred years, but it will come. Well, if our planet Earth has not left us before because of our relentless destruction of it.
Human beings are going to die out, one way or another, just like our galaxy is going to die. It's written in the universe and life, death is part of it, and even if humans manage not to kill each other and survive the death of planet Earth, our hope will die in this solar system.
Now, it may seem tragic, but I think we've done enough, we'll discover enough, our existence in the history of space is nothing but a drop. And I find it reassuring, it all started in silence, and it will all end in silence, and if other species ever come to live long after humans, let's just hope that their intelligence won't be a path to self-destruction too.
Anyway, this movie is one of many on the subject, and I'm glad it helps get people thinking. Immortality in human hands would mean our end, and that I am sure of it. But I know the human greed, and we'll achieve immortality but not invincibility, we will die among ourselves, if that's not ironic.
Well, good movie, the production is pretty good, the characters too and the story benefits from a good script.
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Action movie with a sci-fi angle: not that original but beautifully acted and produced
This movie is about the encounter of former intelligence agent Ki Heon and Seo Bok, a human clone whom the mere existence might have a huge impact on the globe if made public. The story is not really original in terms of concept as well as pacing and resolution but it hits at the right times the right notes, making it an entertaining watch.The biggest flaws in terms of the story relies in its villains which are really dislikeable and lack too much of nuances to be interesting. The dialogs between Ki Heon and Seo Bok with some of their most peaceful moments really strike a chord with me but at the same time, it was totally counterbalanced by the antagonists scenes which were worth quite a few eye-rolls.
The acting was amazing. It is a well known fact that Gong Yoo and Park Bo Gum are great actors, and here they are really stellar and bouncing back on the talent of each other. The secondary cast did a good job overall despite the lack of subtlety and substance for some of the roles. Moreover, the foreigners performances were okay overall and not distractingly bad like it can happen sometimes.
The production value was really nice. I was super impressed by a lot of the action scenes, with both main male leads totally credible in it. The props, accessories and scientific aspects of the film were well conceived and believable. The soundtrack did not necessarily leave a deep impression on me but was suitable.
I would recommend this to people looking for an action movie with a sci-fi angle and some stellar acting. It is not original at all and the antagonists actions and dialogs can be a little cringe, but if you love Gong Yoo and/or Park Bo Gum, it is for sure worth the time.
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Good execution of a basic story.
While the movie has high production value, good writing and great cast, it brings exactly nothing to the table. We have seen this story in a similar setting quite a few times.These are always the same questions: What does it mean to be human? How far can we go to survive? What can we do for power and control? What makes some movies tackling these ideas stand out more than the others are cast/performance and the unique setting. Medical trials on clones is not exactly an out of the box idea. And with that, the movie is interesting and enjoyable, but easily forgettable. Sure, a few scenes showcasing Seobok’s special abilities were fun and more unique takes on the typical clone scenario, but surely not enough to make this production outstanding in any manner.
Gong Yoo carried the whole film on his shoulders. The performance saved a rather stereotypical character. On the other hand, as much as I like Park Bo Gum, he made me feel exactly nothing as I was watching Seobok. What’s worth mentioning - the small beef between Chief Ahn and Kim Cheon Woo was probably the most entertaining aspect for me.
The production was great. A high budget movie delivering high quality effects and action scenes.
Overall, a good watch, one that most would enjoy. Will I remember it to later recommend to others? Probably not.
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