MustSayGoodBye
Earthling
Suspenseful with Human Motives
Once in a blue moon, you nosedive into a mystery/thriller film with no prior warning. South Koreans are not afraid to tackle a tired well-established genre. A movie from the year 2013. The film does have similarities to the novel Rokuyon (64), written by Hideo Yokoyama (Mystery/Thriller Novelist) in 2012. Still, the Director changes a few characters and the setting to suit the mood in South Korea. I would not have noticed it if I did not read this novel a couple of years ago.
The movie thrusts you into an ingenious, suspenseful plot that will have you on the edge of your seat, depending on your attention span. Director Jung Geun Sub hits it out of the park with his directorial debut. All that matters does Montage deliver the ESCAPISM we crave, and the simple answer is YES.
Kim Sang Kyung's depiction of Detective Seo Tae Yoon in Memories of Murder (2003) mesmerized me, itching for him to portray a Detective again. Ten years later, my wish granted. It is unlike his role in 2003, with a little more sophistication and color added to this character in Montage (2013). Uhm Jung Hwa was surprisingly the highlight holding viewers' nerves and keeping the stress construction on a high level throughout the film minutes. I can see why she won numerous awards for this role. The layer of understanding human motives adds to the story from the character's perspectives.
The Director toned down the action, and the lack of violence shows in the stylish camera work. There are a few foot chases, not elaborate, not over the top, adds to the flavor. At the time, there were a few films where the plot encompasses the "Statute of Limitations" in South Korea back then. One film that comes to mind is Confession of Murder (2012), with some high octane action and utmost thrilling elements within the screenplay polar opposite of Montage (2013).
It is a Kidnapping story with a CLEVER Twist that is a mature, yet quiet conclusion that hits hard and true. If you do not mind viewing a slow-paced, but a fast-paced story that allows the audience to investigate the evidence scene to scene GO FOR IT. It might be a little predictable, but it is a gripping film for the small plotholes that are a little obvious to a critic's eye. Would you SCORCH the Eath to find the Kidnapper? I need another film by this Director soon.
Final Rating: 8.59
Acting: 9.21
Story: 8.24
Rewatch Value: It is my fourth time watching this film. I love the suspense, but you may have different thoughts.
The movie thrusts you into an ingenious, suspenseful plot that will have you on the edge of your seat, depending on your attention span. Director Jung Geun Sub hits it out of the park with his directorial debut. All that matters does Montage deliver the ESCAPISM we crave, and the simple answer is YES.
Kim Sang Kyung's depiction of Detective Seo Tae Yoon in Memories of Murder (2003) mesmerized me, itching for him to portray a Detective again. Ten years later, my wish granted. It is unlike his role in 2003, with a little more sophistication and color added to this character in Montage (2013). Uhm Jung Hwa was surprisingly the highlight holding viewers' nerves and keeping the stress construction on a high level throughout the film minutes. I can see why she won numerous awards for this role. The layer of understanding human motives adds to the story from the character's perspectives.
The Director toned down the action, and the lack of violence shows in the stylish camera work. There are a few foot chases, not elaborate, not over the top, adds to the flavor. At the time, there were a few films where the plot encompasses the "Statute of Limitations" in South Korea back then. One film that comes to mind is Confession of Murder (2012), with some high octane action and utmost thrilling elements within the screenplay polar opposite of Montage (2013).
It is a Kidnapping story with a CLEVER Twist that is a mature, yet quiet conclusion that hits hard and true. If you do not mind viewing a slow-paced, but a fast-paced story that allows the audience to investigate the evidence scene to scene GO FOR IT. It might be a little predictable, but it is a gripping film for the small plotholes that are a little obvious to a critic's eye. Would you SCORCH the Eath to find the Kidnapper? I need another film by this Director soon.
Final Rating: 8.59
Acting: 9.21
Story: 8.24
Rewatch Value: It is my fourth time watching this film. I love the suspense, but you may have different thoughts.
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