The Depths (2010)

Brilliant dark gay-themed thriller with solid characterization, tight plot and good production values. The settings show film noir influence. Don't let the initial wedding scenes put you off, this really takes off after this is out of the way and the relationship between photgrapher Bae (Kim MIn Joon) and his friend (the groom) operating a photographic/modelling studio is established as a basis for the plot development. Ryu, working in an organized prostitution racket, becomes the centre-piece of the plot and is an entirely believable character, well acted by Ishida Hoshi (a name to watch). The ending is very skilfully done and certainly has you thinking to work out what happened. A solid gay-themed production, well worth a watch if you go for thriller-type movies. Not for those looking for sensitive romance.

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sometimes u watch a movie and ur left with more questions then answers, even if u get the plot - this was depressingly, interesting and yet confusing - as is half-way through i had a feeling this gonna get a sad/bad ending for all involved - so maybe the fact that the ending wasn't "bad" (as in no one died or got hurt) should've elevated this feeling of dread. but considering Ryu more or less got a price on his head, and he still in Japan, is worrying - cause he doesn't seem like he has anyone to rely on and the only way to support himself, is by selling his body (something he had been doing before he joined Kimura and his gang - that's what i'm guessing). so how hard will it be to find him?!? kinda discouraging - doesn't leave u with a "it can be a positive end" type of feel - to this movie

the first time we see Bae Hwan, who comes to Japan for his friends wedding - when u see Gil Su's reaction i for one knew he felt more for Bae Hwan then mere friendship - so it was hella ironic that his wife is the one that does a runner (on the poor dude) with another woman. same with the injection of Ryu in between them - all of Gil Su's motivation to push Ryu away from Bae Hwan, was cause he was jealous - but he knew he couldn't have his friend, so he wanted to keep Ryu - sad and very messed-up. and even if there wasn't anyone i disliked, i kinda felt really bad for Ryu - yeah he is jaded and knows how to get what he wants, how to manipulate people into getting his goal - but at what price? really looking at this character - i felt deep sorrow cause he was a lost child that has never had a home and likely never will find a safe haven in this world -

that's why was wondering why Bae Hwan decided not to take Ryu along in the end? did he feel (especially when u see him coming out of his hotel room and almost knocking on Ryu's room) that he realized, he wanted more from him, and considering the wife and child back home, he changed his mind and decide not to test fate?!? that's the only conclusion i can come too, same with Ryu turning to some belligerent dude for solace (cause lets face facts, the kid wanted to feel cared for and loved and he has never gotten that without "giving" something in return. so for him having sex is a sad imitation of love and care) instead of knocking on Bae Hwan's door - whom he didn't want to taint - their relationship - as Bae Hwan was the only one to date, that treated him like a person, not a sex object he wanted to use - like i said at the start depressingly, interesting ...

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