This film is seriously the most underrated South Korean film I've come
across till now. There were reviews which criticized the film, but I
went on to watch the film, as it also had a high IMDb rating and great
reviews from audiences. I was totally lost in the film and got so
immersed in it, that for a moment I felt like I was a part of the
story. Seriously, MY WAY is the best war-action film I've come across
till date.

The technical aspects of the film are definitely mindblowing, but it's
a tight scripting, intense emotions and powerhouse performances that
make this film the best of its kind. The action sequences are
mindblowing of course, and the way the combination of an excellent
cinematography and breathtaking visuals has supported them is a treat
to watch.

The story is quite an excellent one, and I must say this film never
bored me for a single second. Jang Dong-gun is excellent as he is in
most of his films. Joe Odagiri too delivers an intense performance and
it's difficult to choose who performs better among the two.

Rest of the cast delivers memorable performances.

The film is very well written and there aren't any noticeable flaws
you'll be able to find. The climax is brilliant, and I felt various
types of emotions while watching the film: sadness, happiness, anger.

The film, in simple words, is one of the most powerful South Korean
films in the recent years.

MY WAY is a film you won't be able to forget once you have finished
watching it. You'll miss it, and that's definitely a good sign.

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If you're into watching realistic movies, then you're bound to like it. SILENCED/THE CRUCIBLE is an effective & realistic drama feature that appeals because of the sincerity towards the film by its actors and the justice done to the script by the director. Such strong content- oriented films can definitely change the society and it's not a spoiler, it did. To find out more, search about it on Internet. SILENCED is by no means an ordinary film: it's a film which questions South Korean society, as well as the people of the world as humans, too.

I don't think it would be right to tell what the film is about since that can be found out easily. But, wait. Why don't you simply see the film and recommend it to others? This is a realistic film, and the word is enough for you to understand what kind of a film it is. The topic is what is being commonly raised in our Indian movies too, but from a totally different perspective. I think this is the first of its kind. The film is made in a way that you'll end up rooting for the lead characters, their efforts and the young victims. I was indeed shocked to see how far can the devilish nature of humans go. Some scenes, rather many scenes might be, by no means an easy watch. But I support the director's reason for adding these realistic scenes: to make us feel angry, and I not just felt angry, but also happy that he succeeded in making us emote.

SILENCED is a film which can end up raising hot debates and talks, and it would be a surprise if one doesn't end up liking the film. The film is a perfect example of films that can change the society, the country and eventually, the world. Even though I'm not a South Korean, I ended up liking this film very much. What happens in this film happens in India almost daily, but still it was refreshing to see such a realistic film from South Korea, the country from where we get terrific films everywhere.

Technically too, this film is brilliant. I recommend catching it on Blu- ray. The dialogues are powerful. Gong Yoo once again proves himself and I don't need to say why. Jung Yu-mi is not just pretty, but a talented actress too. You can see it from her performance. The child artists surprise you with their acts, since you don't expect kids normally to do such a dark film. They all give terrific performances, eventually making you feel their pain. The pain in the torturous violence can be felt, and is thus not meant to entertain you.The cinematography is excellent. Visuals are excellent. The music supports the film and the editing is great as the film doesn't bore you for even a second.

SILENCED is a very, very powerful film which deserves to be seen. Sadly I can't recommend it for kids, since they would be saddened but I recommend it to people around 15 and above to watch it. Such films don't intend to entertain you only, but also to make you aware and alert. It won't be right to call it an enjoyable film, but it's definitely thought-provoking, and at times, entertaining too.

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South Korean cinema is getting better day-by-day. The best example includes this stunning action thriller THE TERROR LIVE. With a watertight screenplay and top notch production values along with terrific action sequences and razor sharp editing, this is the South Korean cinema at its best. Ha Jung-woo, one of my favourite actors, too leaves no stone unturned to prove it as his best film till date.

THE TERROR LIVE is a very gripping film since the very beginning. There are a lot of unexpected surprises that come on the way. The editing is very tight as there's not even a single second wasted in introducing or developing the characters. It doesn't take much of a time to connect to the film and the lead characters. At some portions, the thrills are so amazing that one might just not be able to move!

The story and screenplay of THE TERROR LIVE seem to be something never attempted in the history of cinema before. The film is quite unpredictable and takes you by surprise every second it unfolds. The action sequences are executed brilliantly and realistically along with tension being well built.

Ha Jung-woo is really excellent in his performance. Other supporting actors deliver good performances. The film has nothing that would disappoint you. The technical aspects and production values are top notch. The visuals and cinematography are impressive, and climax of the film is excellent.

There's no doubt that THE TERROR LIVE is South Korean cinema at its best. Do nothing: just go and watch this amazing, gripping, engaging and mindblowing action thriller as soon as you can!

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Actor Lee Min Ho is quite popular in India. Many of his Indian fans might have seen this film as well. But I watched it because the title seemed attractive, and also because it's? an action film. But I must say that GANGNAM BLUES is one of those films which have the most of the game going in their favour but a few bad tricks spoil the game to quite a certain extent.

GANGNAM BLUES is a film definitely not for kids or family audiences. Mature audiences too might not like it if excessive violence and sex are not their taste. For me, the violent action sequences were fine but the film was reduced to a B-Grade entertainer due to the insertion of pornographic sequences which were totally unnecessary. The action indeed is the best thing about the film as every single action scene is beautifully shot and executed. Even the storyline is good but the screenplay disappoints at times, and it's something I don't expect from South Korean filmmakers.

But this film has great actors who carry the film on their shoulders. Lee Min Ho and Kim Rae Won are good enough in their roles. Other actors are fit for their roles. The film could? have been far better had the director trimmed the film well, particularly the sex sequences. Also, though I liked the end, the last shot seemed way too unnecessary as it didn't make a proper sense and wasn't relevant enough.

But GANGNAM BLUES is indeed a good film. There are a few more flaws but you won't realize them while watching. This is definitely not the best film ever but is a good film for those who love dark action movies, just like I do.

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Being a Song Kang-ho fan, I wanted to see this film but I was afraid I
won't get to see it because it's an old film. But surprisingly I found
the film in the highest quality and shifted the timing of subtitles to
match the dialogues. I watched it and I can say that THE SHOW MUST GO
ON is the best gangster film ever, largely because of its light-hearted
take on the genre.

Song Kang-ho is excellent as usual. His performance is an excellent
one, and the best of him comes out in the climax. Oh Dal-su provides
occasional comic relief, as does Song Kang-ho. Other actors are also
good, and deliver good performances.

The director and writer both deserve a great amount of praise for
mixing action, comedy and emotions very well. There's not a single
scene I didn't like. I loved every single scene of the film and found
it very refreshing, as not most of the films of this genre are as good
as this.

The comedy is natural and hilarious. The action sequences are good. The
emotions are very well portrayed and have a lot of depth. The entire
screenplay is excellent, as is the editing. The film doesn't bore for
even a single second, and I fully enjoyed it.

Many films will come and go, but this film will always remain great.
THE SHOW MUST GO ON IS the best gangster action drama which
entertains thoroughly and makes sure you leave the seat both with tears
and a smile, as the climax is wonderfully executed. It's an enjoyable
family entertainer that has a repeat value.

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Positives:


-All the three protagonists stand out in their respective performances, with Song Kang-ho performing the best.
-The film has many excellently choreographed, well shot and surprisingly executed action sequences which are bound to impress. Undoubtedly, they are the main highlight of the film.
-The film makes good usage of humour in certain places, particularly in the second half.
-The cinematography is really excellent and increases the visual grandeur of the film.
-The climax is thrilling and the ending is superb! The story, screenplay and editing are all excellent and top notch.
-The second half is full of endless entertainment and it keeps getting bigger and better in and with every frame.
-A lot more, can't just sum it up in words. Watch it to see yourself.


Negatives:

Well, not really any!


-Repeat value: Definitely, a big YES!

With THE GOOD THE BAD THE WEIRD, Kim Jee-woon once again proves why he's the master of genres and why his films are meant to be seen more than once. It's the best South Korean action film I've seen till date!

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Positives:


-The performances of the lead actors are quite effective.
-The background score is at times very impactful.
-The action sequences are very well choreographed and executed.
-The script is very unique: I have never seen anything like this before. The screenplay is very engaging, especially in the second hour.
-The humour in many scenes is very well used and will make sure you laugh out loud.
-The climax is quite effective and excellent.


Negatives:

-The film takes a lot of time to set up.
-The editing could've a bit better since the pace in the beginning is not very good.


Repeat value: Yes

Overall, THE UNJUST is an entertaining action film from South Korea which is bound to impress with its highly entertaining action scenes and unique script.

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Positives:


-The performances of Sol Kyung-gu and Ryoo Seung-bum are very realistic and impactful, while Han Hye-jin also performs extremely well apart from looking pretty.
-The screenplay is top notch. There are no deviations to the storytelling and it keeps you hooked to the edge of the seat.
-The action scenes have been neatly shot and executed.
-The twists and turns eventually turn out to be thought-provoking.
-The editing is excellent as the film rarely has any dull moments and grips the viewer completely.
-A lot of graphic scenes add a realistic touch to the film.
-The climax is very powerful and makes the film quite unforgettable.


Negatives:

-Well, nothing much.


Repeat value: Yes

NO MERCY is a very tightly scripted, well written and masterfully crafted action-crime thriller which stands at par with many classic South Korean revenge-themed movies.

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South Korean Cinema is continuously giving terrific movies be it any year. New or old, the action thrillers there are honestly engaging. Director Na Hong-jin's extremely well made, well scripted and we'll shot action thriller THE CHASER is yet another film from South Korea which is obviously excellent. For lovers of such films, there's nothing more you could wish for.

THE CHASER manages to break the boundaries which normally films don't. Be it the mind-boggling thrills or the highly octane action sequences, everything about this film is excellent from the start to end. Na Hong- jin is a great director, we all know, and he uses the two lead actors Kim Yoon-seok and Ha Jung-woo brilliantly. The film never gives you what we usually expect in movies of this genre. It delivers everything out of the box. In other words, the film is unpredictable and there's no chance of being disappointed with this film.

Kim Yoon-seok and Ha Jung-woo are amongst the most talented actors from South Korea. Their performances are extraordinarily excellent. Other actors deliver decent performances. Visually, this film is both stunning and appealing so try to catch it either on a Blu-ray or simply in high quality. The tension and atmosphere of the film are both built brilliantly and the solid action sequences hold your breath as they unfold. The humour present throughout the film is decent. Cinematography is also praiseworthy. The editing, however needed to be tighter in a few portions but that's absolutely fine and this minor flaw can be ignored.

With that, THE CHASER turns out to be another out-of-the-box, unpredictable and unexpectedly very gripping and amazing action thriller which deserves to be watched. Due to the overall product being excellent, it can be watched more than once.

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Positives:

- Kim Hye-soo steals the show with her stellar act and excels in some action scenes. Lee Sun-kyun impresses even more with his insanely terrific act.
- The action scenes are decently shot.
- The film is quite entertaining in its last 30 minutes. Some sequences at this time are really very well executed.
- The climax is quite good.

Negatives:

- The film is very slow and the story takes too long to pick up, almost when it's too late.
- Editing is decent at 90 minutes, but it could've been edited even more as the first 30 minutes are a complete washout. Character development takes too long and the slow beginning was a major reason towards putting this movie on hold for long.
- The film drags in many portions and the action takes too long to happen.

Repeat value: No

A SPECIAL LADY is all gloss but almost no substance. Watch it for some decent action scenes and performances, but don't expect anything special.

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This is a film action buffs (like me) should definitely watch, because it offers a lot of well choreographed and excellently shot action sequences. The last action block is extremely mind-blowing and the moves are classic & epic in themselves. There's hardly an action scene that fails to leave an impact. Indeed, every action scene had me dropping my jaw. If I see this film again, the action would be a reason enough.

But that's just what the film is about.

THE CITY OF VIOLENCE or JJAKPAE does have stylish and mesmerizing action scenes to leave enough of an impression on the viewer. But it suffers in the writing department. The story starts pretty slow with some uninteresting moments, which made me difficult to finish the film in once. I would've watched it quite earlier too but the beginning was way too boring to make me proceed with watching it in once.

But when I recalled the excellent action clip I had seen from the film on YouTube, I decided to give it a full watch today finally. And I did enjoy it, though not totally.

The film's writing is very uneven as the story starts slowly as I already said, and then suddenly the events are rushed one after another; rather so much that it's hard to relate to anyone. The last 30 minutes, however save the film as in this runtime itself the film ends up justifying its title.

Another thing that's praiseworthy is that Ryoo Seung-wan, who also stars in the lead role along with veteran action director Jung Doo- hong, has avoided unnecessary violence. Whatever we see is just integral to the story and not a single violent shot seems pointless. But both the actors are just fine when it comes to their performances; The latter excels in the fights and the energy of the duo is enough to make you enjoy this badly written action entertainer. Rest of the cast is just average in performances.

The cinematography styles in certain portions are quite innovative and have a classic feel.

This film could disappoint you if you like story-driven stuff.

But if you're an action lover and can ignore the uneven writing and some unimpressive performances, this film is made for you. THE CITY OF VIOLENCE is not the best action film, but it does have some of the best action scenes ever. (The 8 is for the action only!)

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Revenge movies have always been my taste. South Korean filmmakers have a great skill in churning out excellent revenge films, with OLDBOY and I SAW THE DEVIL being the best examples. While these films have grown into being classics ever since they released, Park Chan-wook, the director of the former film, gave another solid revenge film even before it came out. The film, SYMPATHY FOR MR VENGEANCE, is to say simply one of the best revenge films to come out from South Korea. Well-written and well- timed, there's a lot one can take home after watching this film.

SYMPATHY FOR MR VENGEANCE, as the title itself says, is a film about revenge and thus it's no spoiler. In its overall duration, there wasn't even a single dull moment and the film was livened up by a solid execution along with some top notch performances and the screenplay.

Song Kang-ho is one of my favourite South Korean actors, and he proves why. He portrays every emotion with perfection. He breathes and rather, lives the role of Park Dong-jin. Shin Ha-kyun is excellent as Ryu, and his performance will definitely have you rooting for him in certain scenes. Doona Bae as Cha Yeong-mi has a lot to do, but delivers only occasionally. Other actors, including Han Bo-bae and Lim Ji-Eun are excellent too.

The film's editing is commendable, along with the cinematography being another major plus. The action is brutally intense and well executed on screen. There are some gruesome scenes as well, but they aren't too extreme to be very difficult to watch. This must indicate that this film isn't for kids or even, the faint-hearted. The emotional scenes are quite effective and manage to make you feel for the characters. The screenplay is excellent with no major hindrances to storytelling, eventually leading to a powerful and effective climax.

The only flaw is that the story is a little convoluted in a few scenes due to which many might not be able to understand what happened.

Apart from it, there is no such flaws you'll find. Just start watching it. You won't even wish to find any.

To sum up, SYMPATHY FOR MR VENGEANCE is a powerful and intense action thriller which raises the bar for South Korean revenge movies, eventually finding its top position in the list of the best movies of the World Cinema. You may definitely watch it, and it would be better if you watch it as soon as possible. Better catch it on a Blu-ray, to experience the depth with which the cinematography captures the fine visuals in this dark yet entertaining film.

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Director Park Chan-wook's VENGEANCE TRILOGY has been acclaimed all over the world, especially OLDBOY. The first film in the trilogy was SYMPATHY FOR MR VENGEANCE and the second one was OLDBOY. Both were intense action thrillers with some heavy and impactful drama, and thus I decided to check out the final film in the trilogy, which is this film, LADY VENGEANCE.

This film stars Lee Yeong-ae in the lead role, who has given a stunning and highly impressive performance. Choi Min-sik too has impressed with his stellar act in a somewhat small role. The cameo of Song Kang-ho really proved to be a treat for me as I'm a big fan of him. Performance wise, this could be the best film of the trilogy. Execution wise, it is a good but comparatively the weakest film in the trilogy.

LADY VENGEANCE is neither action packed nor even thrilling. There are some violent sequences which have been neatly executed but aren't enough to guarantee a full-fledged, intense entertainment which the first two movies provided. SYMPATHY FOR MR VENGEANCE had me completely glued due to its dramatic yet thrilling narrative which was also supported by some well choreographed action scenes. Same applies to OLDBOY, which features the best action sequences and twists in the trilogy. LADY VENGEANCE doesn't really have anything else to boast except a decent screenplay and performances.

Technically, the film is alright. Editing is not that impressive because apart from the basic revenge plot, the subplots seem to hinder the film's pace and due to this, I couldn't finish the film in one viewing. The second half is good and goes on to entertain till the very end. The first half is also quite good but some flashbacks serve as speedbreakers.

Still as a whole, LADY VENGEANCE is a decent crime drama which can be watched if you have seen the first two movies and want to further explore Park's stylistic writing and direction. But if you haven't seen the first two films and are thinking which one to watch first, then choose any of the first two since this isn't the film to start the trilogy with.

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If you are an action lover and still haven't watched this film... I can't blame you. I myself watched it a few weeks ago only but all that I can say is that it's outstanding!

John Woo has crafted an action masterpiece that is undoubtedly one of the greatest gems of the genre. Chow Yun-Fat is impressive as Tequila and so are the other cast members. The pacing initially feels a little slow, but the film grips you with nonstop action sequences and tension-filled moments.

The story at first seemed like another cop vs criminals battle, but turned out to be a lot more than that as it unfolded. I was impressed, especially since it's a very old film but is still very fresh as per modern action filmmaking standards. Each and every action sequence is outstanding... I think even outstanding is a smaller term for that. I have really not seen action as exhilarating as this, ever before in a classic actioner.

And I can assure you that when the famous hospital action sequence will start unfolding, you'll be nothing but excited. It'd be like watching a completely different film as the action touches unprecedented heights from there. Hard Boiled is very easily a breathtaking, eye-popping and still fresh action film that needs to be seen as soon as possible. It's one of those films you must watch at least once in life!

10/10. (deserves even more!)

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Positives:

- Jang Dong-gun, Kim Myung-min, Park Hee-soon perform very well. Lee Jong-suk also does a fairly decent job. Jang excels in the action scenes and at times I got reminded of his movie "No Tears for the Dead" which was an excellent action movie.
- The action sequences are excellent and a treat to watch.
- The screenplay is excellent, though there are times when the film does slow down, but thankfully it regains its pace in no time, and goes on to entertain till the very end.
- Production values are decent.
- The BGM is in many sequences, outstanding.
- The format of narration is quite interesting.

Negatives:

- The film could've been edited a bit to be a little more captivating.

Repeat value: Yes

Overall, VIP comes out as a refreshing entertainer which blends action and thrill in a unique proportion, It's even good to see Park Hoon-jung write with his usual style, as he did in "The Unjust" and "I Saw the Devil". Just make sure kids don't get to watch the film (unless they become old enough). A definitely entertaining watch for genre fans, and much, much, much better than "New World".

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