I recall enjoying ‘Jeon Woo-Chi’ from this director some years back; it was fantastic, the blend of modern elements and ancient mythology combined with the typical Korean presentation felt distinct from similar Western films because of cultural differences. This is only the second film I've seen from him, and my impressions shifted considerably between the first and second halves. At first, I questioned whether I’d picked the right movie. Part of this was due to difficulty understanding the characters given their complex introductions. There were too many key players to easily recognize, especially if you aren't Korean or familiar with Korean actors; I felt somewhat lost, at least during the initial portion. However, once the story shifted and moved more firmly into a Korean setting, I adjusted and found it flowed much better afterward. The length of the movie was another factor in my initial hesitation, primarily because of that disorienting beginning. Later, the story’s development became so engaging that I settled into the narration and no longer noticed how long it ran. I don't know if it’s based on actual events or purely a work of cinematic imagination, but it was very interesting as it unfolded. So, don't feel obligated to watch it, but if you do, give it some time at the start and pay attention; later, you should be able to get through it without much trouble, just like I did. > "Damn, we could all die tomorrow. Let's dance." The story actually starts in 1911 and jumps forward twenty years to Japan’s occupation of Korea. Freedom fighters plan assassinations of Japanese leaders across the country, including a powerful Korean businessman. When things go wrong, the plot takes an unexpected turn, further complicated by the revelation of some old secrets. The impact of these revelations and who they affect are explored, leading up to the final battle sequence. It’s clear many people were drawn to this film because of Jeon Ji-Hyun's appearance. She was impressive as always, but her co-star, Ha Jung-Woo with his unusual screen name 'Hawaii Pistol,' was equally good. When I heard about “Hawaii Pistol,” I initially thought it referred to weapons being supplied from Hawaii. Regardless, his introduction was striking, and after he appeared, the movie began exploring the rest of the story in a particular style. The other actors, including his amusing partner and the main antagonist, helped establish the film’s tone. This is certainly a good choice if you're looking for a historical subject beyond typical Korean themes. It was skillfully written for the screen, though as I mentioned, the editing felt confusing due to the lack of a proper setup. Don't assume it’s simply about courageous freedom fighters; it also deals with betrayal, revenge, family struggles, and innocent people caught in the crossfire. It’s unusual to see a female fighter among them. All the action sequences were exceptionally well-made, as you might expect from the title. The depiction of the 1930s was beautifully realized. I can't definitively say it’s a must-see, but it’s certainly a worthwhile historical film that I am happy to have seen. 8/10
On September 24, 2026
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