something is messed up with this posting. Asian Wiki shows filming ended 2013, there is a note and page for the 2013 Busan International Film Festival showing it played there, but this is showing not released until 2016???
Well, one of them did it and that is all this movie tells us. And subsequent events notwithstanding, that's all anyone can probably really say even now that the verdicts were reversed. This movie does nothing as far as telling us who really did it. I would love to read about the actual forensic science used to rework this case. And what kind of DNA evidence was used to reverse the verdict? I've searched on the internet and can't find any really detailed analysis of what the smoking gun DNA evidence was that caused his conviction. It's a twisty tale and the best thing out of this movie was calling attention to the case to get it reinvestigated. But. The loss of one guilty party and having all your hard work overthrown must have been a real slap in the face. How much did that play into subsequent events? It had to be imperative to convict someone for this? Very interesting and a lot of questions remain for me. I hope the right guy is now in jail and that the evidence they had was irrefutable. Noteworthy that the subsequent Korean investigation verified what the original American investigation stated happened, despite the fact that the Korean authorities discounted it in the first trial. P.S.--absolutely stunning to me that there are people determining which guy was guilty based on which actor was more smarmy and smirked better at the end of the movie than the other. Really?
A very good older drama. Well written script and realistic acting. Don't worry about the politics issue being boring, it wasn't at all , at least IMO! I liked all of it but the overly dramatic background music. The violins and horns really ratcheted up every time there was a speech and the speechifying of Korean politicians is something impossible to get used to as a Westerner because it is so overly dramatic and staged looking. That was a small complaint though. I also wish they hadn't felt the need to throw in the murders. The drama was intelligent in showing the ins and outs of a campaign in a way that was dramatic and entertaining on its own. The killings were too makjang and jarring against the smart content of the rest of the drama. Very enjoyable.. Not as good as Assembly, but a fine precursor! 8/10
His father gave him the posthumous title Sado, meaning "Thinking of with great sorrow." - Wiki
Brilliant script and even more brilliant acting. Everything about this movie was ...brilliant (for lack of a better word). Historically it did gloss over Sado's mental illness. There seems to be ample historical documents to show he was guilty of heinous crimes of murder, rape and general viciousness. The progression of this behavior from a seemingly very intelligent child who, upon reaching his teen years, began exhibiting aberrant behaviors unusual to his normal self, today would be a huge flag for possible mental illness such as schizophrenia or severe manic depression. The terrible pressures put on a child who appears to have been gentle, artistic, loving, and more average than a future king was expected to be, would be the breaking point for such a fragile individual. And mental illness itself was practically a death sentence in those days anyway. No one could have done a better job portraying Sado than Yoo Ah In. His talent is God given and beyond comparison. There isn't a role he takes on that he doesn't pour his heart and soul into. I am in awe of the immense talent in that young man.
Back to the movie itself. There wasn't a moment of the movie that didn't feel ominous to me. Since everyone knows the story going in, you'd think you would go into it with a certain apathy, but this movie, the way they edited it, was exceptional. They did an excellent job of cramming in so much into such a short time, yet I cannot help but feel the lack of 'more'. My own desires I guess, though, honestly, I don't think my heart and mind could take more than this movie inflicted on me. This speaks to the director as well as the cast and crew. The sights and sounds, costuming and music all contributed to a movie so richly deserving of all the accolades and all the awards it earned.
What a lovely and heartbreaking movie. Jung Woo Sung makes this...in particular that ending close up of his face just tore my heart out. It may seem like the movie is meandering, but the pain and memories these 2 people share and the bond of love they have is what this story is all about. My heart aches for the painful journey they will continue to struggle through. Poor poor man. He is so loved though.
Gorgeous to look at, erotic, dark, fascinating. But soft porn is soft porn, no matter how pretty or beautifully…
Honestly, I have to agree. I have no problem with nude scenes, nor sex scenes as long as I feel some sense that they are truly a part of the story and move the story in one direction or another. Sex just because 'they can' does't do it for me. Hidden touches while passing in the hallway, stolen passionate kisses behind the curtain, the intensity of unrequited passions on the verge of being discovered are far more exciting than what I saw here. And yeah, Im Ji Won...a bit frozen as an actress. Not seeing the attraction. I'm kinda surprised she was able to move into kdrama with the prudishness of the the casting people, etc. I felt let down at the end of this. And, like you, I'm not quite sure why. I expected 'more'...though I'm not smart enough to figure out what that more is!! ;)
Disappointed. This could have been a wonderful heartfelt story about a father searching for closure in the loss of his beloved daughter, finding out all the things he didn't know about her, recovering the belief in the love they shared. And the part of the movie devoted to Lee Sung Min and Sori was just beautiful and very believable. But instead they had to cheapen it with a cornball and unbelievable conspiracy scenario with the cliche corrupt government officials, the token slam against the evil US military, and our one heroic female who helps him escape. Totally ruined the movie for me. What I would have given an 8 or 8.5 I forced myself to give a 6. Greatly disappointed. :(
I have to say I really liked this extremely odd and fractured movie. It's not my genre, mix of horror (sorta), romance (a bit twisted), mystery/murder, spirituality/voodoo type stuff. But the underlying story was so fascinating and engrossing that I just ignored the weirder parts of it. Yes they are half siblings, so that did make things more than odd, and a step off the edge for people who don't watch many Korean films (which will go anywhere and do anything!). Still, I enjoyed the movie for the journey it took me on. I wasn't bored, nor all that confused, and any confusion was pretty well cast aside by the end. For me, I think the guy playing the guitar will be someone for her, sent by Hwan (couldn't tell if he was a doppleganger or not since he kept his head down). But Hwan's goodbye later in the credits tells me he is gone now, moved on into the after life as he should. But I'm sure he had a hand in sending guitar guy to her. My thoughts anyway.
Lovely movie. Sweet and heartfelt with lovely music. It would have been nice if I could find ANYWHERE that the person who actually did Lee Je Hoon's singing was given credit. All the reviews and articles I found only said the songs were dubbed, but no credit given in any of them. The closest I could find was one review that said numerous auditions were held with professional opera singers until they could find one whose voice range closely mimicked Le Je Hoon's (he does actually sing, just not opera!). Not a new or innovative story, but one beautifully acted and well worth the time spent watching. 8.5/10
Perhaps one of the most exhausting 'revenge' type movies I have ever watched, I, at the same time have a bit of a problem with the designation and pigeon-holing by myself and others of categorizing this film as such. It is so much more. As about everyone who watched this film and commented or reviewed it, it really tears at your soul and, perhaps, challenges some beliefs along the way. The synopsis of the film and what we are facing is well publicized going in. We already know the film's trajectory, but don't think that will relieve you of any of the emotions this story evokes. There is so much heart break and food for thought and so much anger that builds inside of you. Chance phrases voiced by minor players will set your hackles bristling and the Broken legal system that protects the young beasts will make your head pound and your heart hurt at the injustice for the victims of this nightmare.
Perhaps the most anger inducing moments for me were watching the mothers, in particular, of these monsters as they defended or outright lied in protecting the animals they had raised. They are women! And as women you would expect at least some shame to know their sons had repeatedly raped and victimized dozens of young women! It reminds me of numerous real life cases like this here in the US...like the Steubenville High School rape case, where not only the parents, but numerous citizens of the town blamed an unconscious girl for her own rape!
I dare to say that 9 out of 10 police and 9 out of 10 citizens would find themselves not only sympathizing, but hoping the father achieves his goal in this movie, perhaps with some inner conflict. Knowing that after brutally raping, drugging, and murdering his young daughter, they would only be facing months in prison due to their age, knowing that these young men are very aware of this loophole, knowing that they live their lives raping and preying on young girls and laughing about it, who would not want them dead, and by the hand or hands of the living victims for whatever measure of peace it gives them. Movies like this evoke this kind of anger and need for vengeance. I felt it every minute while watching. And the end, while predictable, was no less unsatisfying or heartbreaking as a result. In a way it was a happy ending though. He had very little left to live for, and so he unloaded his gun and chose death by cop. So wrong in itself though. What now will that young policeman (or men) have to live with? None of them wanted to shoot the poor man either! I'm exhausted mentally.
Fantastic performances by everyone involved in this production. It was beautifully filmed and the scenes at the end of the father battling the bitter cold only added to the feelings of bitterness this movie leaves for all the unanswered cruelty. None of these young men felt a moment's remorse or guilt for what they did. All of them suffering from a disconnection of feeling that will only be answered when they die and really face the consequences of what they have done. For an eternity one hopes.
wonderful. unbelievably good script and acting for such an old and low budget show. loved it. But not for everyone...kinda like an indie. This drama is regarded by many reviewers and recappers as a classic and a must watch. I understand why now. Unforgettable for me. It's full of real emotions and relatable lives. The level of acting and writing in this is just ...
He blew me away with his performance in Promise. His character was very divisive to the audience and very misunderstood. It was a standout performance and I am hoping it means bigger and better roles for him in the future. He was brilliant in Sirius The drama had some hiccups, but I have watched it 3 times and will continue to go back to it. Like you, I would swear it was 2 different people playing the roles of the twins. He was that good.
Brilliant script and even more brilliant acting. Everything about this movie was ...brilliant (for lack of a better word). Historically it did gloss over Sado's mental illness. There seems to be ample historical documents to show he was guilty of heinous crimes of murder, rape and general viciousness. The progression of this behavior from a seemingly very intelligent child who, upon reaching his teen years, began exhibiting aberrant behaviors unusual to his normal self, today would be a huge flag for possible mental illness such as schizophrenia or severe manic depression. The terrible pressures put on a child who appears to have been gentle, artistic, loving, and more average than a future king was expected to be, would be the breaking point for such a fragile individual. And mental illness itself was practically a death sentence in those days anyway. No one could have done a better job portraying Sado than Yoo Ah In. His talent is God given and beyond comparison. There isn't a role he takes on that he doesn't pour his heart and soul into. I am in awe of the immense talent in that young man.
Back to the movie itself. There wasn't a moment of the movie that didn't feel ominous to me. Since everyone knows the story going in, you'd think you would go into it with a certain apathy, but this movie, the way they edited it, was exceptional. They did an excellent job of cramming in so much into such a short time, yet I cannot help but feel the lack of 'more'. My own desires I guess, though, honestly, I don't think my heart and mind could take more than this movie inflicted on me. This speaks to the director as well as the cast and crew. The sights and sounds, costuming and music all contributed to a movie so richly deserving of all the accolades and all the awards it earned.
Perhaps one of the most exhausting 'revenge' type movies I have ever watched, I, at the same time have a bit of a problem with the designation and pigeon-holing by myself and others of categorizing this film as such. It is so much more. As about everyone who watched this film and commented or reviewed it, it really tears at your soul and, perhaps, challenges some beliefs along the way. The synopsis of the film and what we are facing is well publicized going in. We already know the film's trajectory, but don't think that will relieve you of any of the emotions this story evokes. There is so much heart break and food for thought and so much anger that builds inside of you. Chance phrases voiced by minor players will set your hackles bristling and the Broken legal system that protects the young beasts will make your head pound and your heart hurt at the injustice for the victims of this nightmare.
Perhaps the most anger inducing moments for me were watching the mothers, in particular, of these monsters as they defended or outright lied in protecting the animals they had raised. They are women! And as women you would expect at least some shame to know their sons had repeatedly raped and victimized dozens of young women! It reminds me of numerous real life cases like this here in the US...like the Steubenville High School rape case, where not only the parents, but numerous citizens of the town blamed an unconscious girl for her own rape!
I dare to say that 9 out of 10 police and 9 out of 10 citizens would find themselves not only sympathizing, but hoping the father achieves his goal in this movie, perhaps with some inner conflict. Knowing that after brutally raping, drugging, and murdering his young daughter, they would only be facing months in prison due to their age, knowing that these young men are very aware of this loophole, knowing that they live their lives raping and preying on young girls and laughing about it, who would not want them dead, and by the hand or hands of the living victims for whatever measure of peace it gives them. Movies like this evoke this kind of anger and need for vengeance. I felt it every minute while watching. And the end, while predictable, was no less unsatisfying or heartbreaking as a result. In a way it was a happy ending though. He had very little left to live for, and so he unloaded his gun and chose death by cop. So wrong in itself though. What now will that young policeman (or men) have to live with? None of them wanted to shoot the poor man either! I'm exhausted mentally.
Fantastic performances by everyone involved in this production. It was beautifully filmed and the scenes at the end of the father battling the bitter cold only added to the feelings of bitterness this movie leaves for all the unanswered cruelty. None of these young men felt a moment's remorse or guilt for what they did. All of them suffering from a disconnection of feeling that will only be answered when they die and really face the consequences of what they have done. For an eternity one hopes.