Spies, big bombs, secret weapons and fish. A break-away success in Korea, Swiri has many things going for it, and a couple of things that may disappoint some viewers. Most of these things have been covered in other reviews, so I'll try to find my own little niche.
One of the first big-budget films made in Korea, this movie set records at the Korean box office. Why? Some may argue that Koreans were proud of how well they could make Hollywood-type movies. Plenty of action, explosions, some snappy direction and a decent soundtrack don't attempt to hide the Hollywood aspirations of the movie-makers. And whether that benefits or detracts from the movie is arguable.
Having said this, the film is still Korean in many ways. At times the drama may seem somewhat overdrawn and the circling camera work may get to an easily-affected stomach. But mostly the direction is good. One of my favourite aspects of Korean cinema is the use of shading. I don't know whether it's the hair or not, but I think blacks are very well used in this and many other Korean movies.
To appreciate this movie, perhaps one has to have a little grounding in Korean movies up to this point. It was a break from tradition and that's partly what drew the crowds.
It's action all the way, from start to finish. And if you sit back and enjoy the ride (without analysing the storyline too much) it's more than likely that you'll enjoy this one.
One of the first big-budget films made in Korea, this movie set records at the Korean box office. Why? Some may argue that Koreans were proud of how well they could make Hollywood-type movies. Plenty of action, explosions, some snappy direction and a decent soundtrack don't attempt to hide the Hollywood aspirations of the movie-makers. And whether that benefits or detracts from the movie is arguable.
Having said this, the film is still Korean in many ways. At times the drama may seem somewhat overdrawn and the circling camera work may get to an easily-affected stomach. But mostly the direction is good. One of my favourite aspects of Korean cinema is the use of shading. I don't know whether it's the hair or not, but I think blacks are very well used in this and many other Korean movies.
To appreciate this movie, perhaps one has to have a little grounding in Korean movies up to this point. It was a break from tradition and that's partly what drew the crowds.
It's action all the way, from start to finish. And if you sit back and enjoy the ride (without analysing the storyline too much) it's more than likely that you'll enjoy this one.