Director Kim Jee-woon is a my favourite South Korean film director. He knows the perfect way to create entertaining as well as social relevant films. Gong Yoo and Song Kang-ho aren't merely actors: they are the masters of the performances they deliver and when these three men come together with one film THE AGE OF SHADOWS: then there's seriously nothing except "excellent" that can describe the overall film, also because apart from the acting & direction, other departments too are handled extremely well.

The film is a must watch for anyone, especially South Korean audiences. They loved it and thus it became a Box Office success. But it's a film much more than just an entertainer. Unpredictable and well-detailed, the film's screenplay is quite excellent, and the execution is top notch. Don't ask about Kim's direction: it's excellent as usual. Same for Gong Yoo and Song Kang-ho: you'll be able to relate to them and feel what they go through, thanks to the natural performances of these two men. The reason what keeps you glued to the screens is the presence of mind- boggling thrills, breathtaking action sequences, splendid cinematography and a top notch execution along with delightfully awesome visuals supported by powerful emotions.

Seeing Lee Byung-hun in this film was an absolute pleasure. He plays his part perfectly. The humour in the film is quite decent and is placed accordingly. The editing, however needed to be tighter as it could've been trimmed to some extent. The film being a little slow might not engage everyone at once. But when it does, it does it seriously and successfully.

Having said that, I'll have no doubt I calling the film "Kim's masterpiece", since he lives up to the expectations one can have from him after he has delivered films which've changed the way world looked at South Korean Cinema. This film only adds up to the praise for the South Korean Cinema, and presents a lot of things we'll like to take back home with us.