WELL PRESENTED BUT FEELS SHALLOW
This film tries to stand out by moving the classic gangster story from Korea to 1990s Colombia. It looks different, it feels bold, but in the end, it doesn’t bring much that’s new.
The best thing about the film is Song Joong Ki. His role as Kook hee, a poor immigrant who rises in the smuggling world, is strong and convincing. He gives the film its heart, even when the story itself feels weak.
The setting in another plus. A korean movie shot in Colombia is rare, and the streets, markets, and alleys give the film a gritty and dangerous vibe. It feels fresh, but the story itself is too familiar. It follows the usual crime movie path -rise-betrayal-donwfall- without much depth. Side characters don’t get enough time to grow. The result is a movie that looks well presented but feels shallow.
The tone is uneven too. At time it tries to be dark and realistic, other times it leans toward black comedy. These shifts don't blend well, leaving the film without a clear voice. Still, the film deserves credit for ambition. Even if it’s not perfect, it shows that Korean cinema is ready to take bigger risks.
Plot 5/10
Acting and Characters 6/10
Cinematography 8/10
Writing 4/10
Pacing 7/10
OST/Score 7/10
Overall 6/10
The best thing about the film is Song Joong Ki. His role as Kook hee, a poor immigrant who rises in the smuggling world, is strong and convincing. He gives the film its heart, even when the story itself feels weak.
The setting in another plus. A korean movie shot in Colombia is rare, and the streets, markets, and alleys give the film a gritty and dangerous vibe. It feels fresh, but the story itself is too familiar. It follows the usual crime movie path -rise-betrayal-donwfall- without much depth. Side characters don’t get enough time to grow. The result is a movie that looks well presented but feels shallow.
The tone is uneven too. At time it tries to be dark and realistic, other times it leans toward black comedy. These shifts don't blend well, leaving the film without a clear voice. Still, the film deserves credit for ambition. Even if it’s not perfect, it shows that Korean cinema is ready to take bigger risks.
Plot 5/10
Acting and Characters 6/10
Cinematography 8/10
Writing 4/10
Pacing 7/10
OST/Score 7/10
Overall 6/10
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