Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Artful gore
Today's film is a horror/thriller by the Korean film maker Ji-woon Kim.
I have seen several of Kim's films. It would appear that he is working the rounds between one genre and another.
It is a long film so I only saw the first half in which a sadistic rapist killer leaves a bloody trail which includes the daughter of the police chief and the fiancé of one of his best detectives (Lee Byung-hun). In other words, a revenge thriller on top of the gore which accompanies every killing and/or wounding that occurs.
It is a very long film, almost three hours, so I am watching it on two days.
I paused as the killer was brought to some rough justice by the cop but since there is not enough evidence to convict him, he is left to suffer some rather ugly mutilations. I think the idea is that death is too good for him.
But this partial solution obviously allows him to gather what wits he has left and get some healing done before the film carries on with the bloody proceedings.
The villain (Choi Min-sik) is a major player in this film. He is seen in depth. Very nice work for actor and director here. We do not feel sorry for him at all but we do feel about him. At least that whatever happens to him is well deserved. He has a heavy load to keep the action believable while he goes over the top with his evil deeds. He glowers and scowls, grins and savors with wonderful grace and aplomb. If he had a mustache he would twirl it but he never quite overdoes. Edgy. Scarily so.
The film is beautiful. A lot of night shots. Very close close-ups.
Very tense. Close calls. The cop actually had the killer at the mid-point but let him go after really kicking his ass. Not enough hard evidence and also the film is only half over! You can see the producers tapping their watches to show more is needed.
So. It is a definite 4 out of 5 so far. Tune in tomorrow.
Labels: films
