Completed
LeejLicious
26 people found this review helpful
Nov 18, 2013
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
Wow! I am amazed that nobody reviewed this movie!
They story is not anything new, but I loved the way the executed this movie, and it really stands out. You get sucked in the first seconds you watch this movie. There is NEVER a dull moment! So in the 2 hours you'll be guessing, sitting on the tip of your chair and you might encourage some characters.
The acting was amazing, the fact that they could suck me in from the first till the last seconds is very good! I thought everyone precisely fitted their character.
The music helps a lot to build up some tension, and I recommend this movie to anyone who likes action, a good story, suspense and tension!

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Completed
Sindsoron
23 people found this review helpful
Apr 5, 2014
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
Korean thrillers have earned them self certain reputation over the years, a reputation due to their consistent high level. Only a handful of them is outstanding, but the rest is solidly constructed and does not deviate in the level from foreign production. Unfortunately, this consistency in the level is also some kind of curse, because overtime the viewer starts to feel familiar with all the schemes and because of that most of the new thrillers will feel similar to the older and it will be hard to find something fresh. Cold Eyes is a great example that there is still room for innovation and a new way of using old ideas. This is an excellent remake of the Hong Kong movie Eye in the Sky (2007) and is a remake, which in my opinion has surpassed the original.

For this solid work is responsible pair of directors, debuting Kim Byung-Seo and more experienced Choi Ui-Seok (he also wrote script for the movie and previously directed two movies, Make it Big (2002) and The World of Silence (2006)). Starring beautiful Han Hyo-Joo (Always (2011), Masquerade (2012), Love 911 (2012)), accompanied by an experienced Sol Kyung-Gu (Public Enemy (2002), Silmido (2003), Tidal Wave (2009), Troubleshooter (2010), The Tower (2012)), while their opponent is portrayed by Jang Woo-Sung (Musa the Warrior (2001), Mutt Boy (2003), A Moment to Remember (2004), The Good, The Bad, The Weird (2008)) in on of his few roles as an antagonist. The entire cast has done an excellent job and characters portrayed by them seemed very real, so we can fully enjoy how well they are written out. With all this movie was seen by 5.5 million viewers, which translated into almost 40 billion profit won (~$37 million).

The story is not new or revealing, but it is a good and fresh combination of familiar patterns, put togheter into a brilliant whole. A young, slightly neurotic cop Ha Yoon-Joo (Han Hyo-Joo) has a rare 3D photographic memory. To use her talent in the best way, she is trying to get into an elite unit in charge of surveillance and supervision, led by Hwang (Sol Kyung-Gu), and supervises by the chief Lee (Kyung Jin). Hwang after a short test, brings her in to his team and gives her the nickname "Flowery Sow". Each member of the team has a nickname (Snake, Squirrel, Monkey, etc.) and each of them is represented on map of current operation, by custom chess piece in shape of their nickname. Ha Yoon-Joo thanks to her intelligence, ambition and enthusiasm, quickly gains the trust of the whole team. Unfortunately, they will face with the villain other than any they so far had to deal with. James (Jang Woo-Sung), is planning attacks with precision and accuracy of a Swiss watch, and everything is done under nos of Hwangs team. Thanks to the excellent planning and supervision of the entire operation from the roofs of skyscrapers all his operations are performed without any problems and without leaving virtually no trace.

Right from the start you can see that we are dealing with an outstanding thriller that have its calmer moments, but they are only helping to build the tension before another portion of the action. A nice surprise is the excellent use of Seoul and its lack of features typical for a big city (no characteristic skyline). Choi and Kim in an interesting way exploited these flaws to create a maze. The action seamlessly moves from the stairways to the streets, subway tunnels and winding streets of markets. But the real genius of the movie reveals itself not in what it does (and everything it does excellently), but in what it does not do. There are no, typical "hard" guys from opposite camps, no heavy (homoerotic) exchanging of glances, nor melodramatic inserts trying to move and shrug viewer.

Yoon-Joo, at some point, is going through a kind of break and floods in tears, but it is rather because of her impotence to use her talent to catch James, than being a "weak" woman. Han Hyo-Joo very convincingly presents a sympathetic cop, along with her ??annoying tics and flaws, who in fact is defined by her skill and not a pretty face or character. In turn, Sol Kyung-Gu somewhat toned down his character, so that Han Hyo-Joo and supporting cast could shine more. Detective Hwang is not simply eccentric, he is a complex person who manipulates the relationships and emotions of others. However, the biggest surprise is the excellently created James. Jang Woo-Sung in recent years stuck in the role of suffering romatic. In Cold Eyes he is finally able to show that he is better than that. Portrayed by him James, is calm and methodical, and his only pleasure is seeing how his elaborately constructed plan is executed. Hwang at some point defines him as "omniscient author" which perfectly describes his character. However, despite all this reserve and distance, James is still a hard and ruthless criminal who will not leave any loos ends, and his favored weapon is a fountain pen.

It is a little sad that such an excellent thriller, is only a remake, not the original work. It is another sign of the imminent stagnation of Korean thrillers, and if directors won't risk and try to experiment with new approaches, we are doomed to see identical thrillers using the same, old ideas.

Despite all the flaws, this is a great thriller that should appeal to any fan of the genre. Finally there is main female character, which is independent and strong, which should appeal to ladies. I hope that my prophecy will not come true in the future we will get more thrillers at level of Cold Eyes (but I would like them to be the original Korean creations).

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Completed
helkwo
6 people found this review helpful
Mar 7, 2015
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
Wow...I was totally blown away by how good this movie was. I got sucked into the movie straight away and the suspense and the thrills just did not let up. May be the story is nothing original but the execution was absolutely top notch. I couldn't fault neither the acting or directing and the action scenes did not disappoint either. The only thing I think could have been better is more character development and comprehensive background story.

I am surprised that not many people have reviewed this movie or have given better rating because as a suspenseful action movie goes, this movie definitely exceeded my expectations.

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Completed
Nicolelodeon
3 people found this review helpful
Mar 4, 2020
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 9.0
This movie is one of the most thrilling Korean movie I’ve ever watched honestly. Most action movies end up absurdly and not clear, but this movie ended with a happy one, that’s one of the thing I like about this movie.

The story and the acting is excellent! If you’re planning to watch this for Jung Woo-sung, don’t. He’s not the main character and just showed up in not much of the scenes. But don’t get me wrong, the movie is still super fun to watch and you’ll not regret spending a 2 hour-ish watching this ;)

Overall, the movie is great and it’s a 9.5/10 for me⭐️

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Completed
Achyut Prashast Singh
2 people found this review helpful
Mar 18, 2018
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
I was willing to watch this film since quite long. The trailer was very impressive and the posters too excited me to watch it soon. Finally, I saw it yesterday and was totally impressed. Not for a single moment did it let me move. Right from the first shot, COLD EYES pulled me into its atmosphere and engaged from start to end.

Han Hyo-joo is amazing. It's a pleasure to see an actress like her step into this genre. She's pretty, of course, and not just her looks but even her strong performance won't let you take your eyes off her. Sol Kyung-gu: mastermind genius! He's such a great actor. His performance is excellent and is to be watched out for. Jung Woo-sung: EXCELLENT. He's not just a manly, handsome actor but also a strong performer. These three actors are simply one of the best things about this film, apart from the tight screenplay, stunning action sequences, splendid cinematography and edge of the seat thrills.

The film has rich production values. What also impressed me is that the directors have not wasted even a single second and have told the story very skilfully.

COLD EYES, undoubtedly is one of the best action thriller films, ever, ever, ever. It's so good that I would love to see it again and again and again. It has got a great repeat value.

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Completed
rachel
6 people found this review helpful
Sep 24, 2014
Completed 0
Overall 6.5
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 6.5
Music 5.5
Rewatch Value 4.0
Don't expect too much from this movie. It is light on the plot and low on the thrills, but just exciting enough to keep you somewhat engaged. If you have seen your fair share of action movies, this one is just another movie to forget.

2PM's Junho is surprisingly one of the more entertaining aspects of this show. Honestly, we don't get much "acting" out of Jung Woo Sung, who is meant to be the main villain. By the end of the movie, we don't get much information about his character either, which is a pity. Clearly, Han Hyo Joo's character is meant to be the centerpiece of the show, but her character development is just barely there.

Simon Yam has a cameo, as a wink to the original Hong Kong version of this story, Eye in the Sky.

My verdict - meh.

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Completed
garaseun
1 people found this review helpful
Sep 19, 2020
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.5
i don't watch thriller genre's that much so my rating can be very high for those who are a sucker for thrillers, but i definitely enjoyed this one a ton! i was very much drawn into the plot, the characters and of course their acting. it's one of those thriller genre kmovies that put you onto the edge of your seat and there isn't a single boring moment, although to be honest i was quite confused on what was going on in the first 15 minutes but it surely gets better..

i loved the bond between the team and the teamwork they had was really good. i didn't expect i'd be sad over a part of the film, it felt unnecessary but considering the genre of the film it's plausible. the casting deserves a round of applause and a thumbs up tho, sol kyunggu, han hyojoo, jung woosung, lee junho and the whole entire casts all portrayed their characters very well and did soooo well!

as for the villian, i can tell he was made just to be a "villian".. there really isn't much backstory about him except for him being a thief and being the leader of the group who lies low. i wouldn't say he's the worst villian i've seen in kmovie history but he isn't one who i could cut some slack on solely because of his looks, he's still as evil and crazy (but not as crazy as the chief tho.. *wink*) jung woosung did so well tho!

i would definitely rewatch this when i'm in the mood for a rollercoaster ride of emotions, also i will never shut up on how beautiful hyojoo was in this film even with that hair she had!

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Completed
Essay - Kun
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 11, 2022
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.5

BEST KOREAN THRILLER YOU'LL EVER COME ACROSS

Usually, Korean Thriller movies lose the plot towards the end but this one doesn't.
Right from the bat, it's bang on.
A focused plot is like a clean slate.
Each and every minute is a hell lot interesting to watch.

The plot isn't baffling, it's based on surveillance but the execution and theme predominantly rise up the movie to another level.
And on top of that combine it with the acting of Jung Woo Sung and Han Hye Joo.
Voila Perfection achieved.

The only reason I've given this a 9.5 is the ending.
And once you watch the movie you'll get the reason.
Don't miss it.
It's as real as it gets.
I enjoyed it a lot.

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Completed
Yluss
0 people found this review helpful
Dec 26, 2020
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

Eye in the Sky 2007 it's spoiler if you have allready see this movie

remake (completly identical) of : " Eye in the Sky"
2007 HK movie with :

Simon Yam / Sergeant Wong Man Chin - Sol Kyung Gu / Chief Detective Hwang (Main Role)
Tony Leung Ka‑fai / Chan Chong Shan - Jung Woo Sung / James ( Main Role)
Kate Tsui / Constable Ho Ka Po, Piggy - Ha Yoon Joo / "Piglet" (Main Role) (Main Role)
Source : (Google)
Young Hong Kong police officer Ho Ka-Po (Kate Tsui) is given a shot at joining an elite surveillance unit as it tries to solve a jewelry store robbery. Squad leader Sergeant "Dog Head" Chin (Simon Yam) isn't sure she has the right stuff for the job. The team pores over surveillance camera footage trying to identify the gang of thieves led by the clever and dangerous Shan (Tony Leung). Painstaking police work combines with intense action as cops and crooks head for a showdown.

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Nadine
0 people found this review helpful
Sep 18, 2022
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

IMP one of the best kmovies

I honestly did not expect this movie to be that good when I first saw it but I love love it. The first time I watched this I fell in love with Han Hyo Joo’s acting and considering this was made in 2013 I was quite surprised how everything was. I kind of wish the movie was longer because I miss it so much and I cannot deny that this is one of my favourites. The ending was nice and perfect , there was nothing boring to the movie and there was nothing you could say that would change my mind on this movie. I rewatch this movie whenever I get the chance to and it never fails to make me sit on the end of my chair waiting for what would happen next.

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Completed
lower_deck
0 people found this review helpful
Oct 18, 2023
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 5.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 4.0

A good enough thriller

It was enjoyable 2 hours. I didnt notice how they went by. I enjoyed it. This is a watch-from-distance movie. That means none of the characters develop mainly because its about one particular case. Its completely dependent on what happens in the field so even though pace is pretty good, we never find out anything about characters. Just a superficial thing or two. So you cannot invest in them.

The acting has no scipe because there are no incidents where it can be portrayed. The one place where it can be, either director did not give enough tome or main cast failed.

But it still is an enjoyable movie.

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Completed
Doctors Gal
1 people found this review helpful
Nov 11, 2020
Completed 1
Overall 3.0
Story 2.0
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 2.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

Brutal honest review

I do not understand the ratings. I almost fell asleep watching it. There's no background music, there's minimum of talk... Any plot? Where? The first 10 minutes are the best part of this movie. James was the only character who motivated me to not drop it. His coolness, mysteriousness, accuracy. I loved how he planned everything into the smallest detail.

The most disappointing part...so James is a skilled slayer who killed everyone without any mistake BUT he gets injured by a woman with retarded tic and killed in the last minute by a team who failed their mission at least 3 times and the guy with glasses somehow survives AND APPEARS suddenly on the spot with everyone despite the seriousness of his injury. Seriously??

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Cold Eyes (2013) poster

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