An impressive modern Noir feel to this pacy and meticulous telling of what one learns to be, for South Koreans, the story of a major historical intrigue set within a miserable succession of military dictatorships in the latter part of the 20th century. I admit to becoming a bit confused during the picture as it's a complex story and it seemed to me that there were a number of individuals called Kim and Park for instance, either first or forname! I've seen a couple of Korean movies like Spy Gone North that I really enjoyed for their raciness and distinctiveness but I have really no background understanding at all of this story, but then I doubt many people do. But from what I have what I gleaned on Wikipedia it looks as if some care and attention was taken to depicting events as the historical facts allow, at the time of making. In the end there is clearly a directorial bias towards motive that in fact remains apparently debatable. Supremely ambiguous, however, is the depiction of the president himself, supported by some very deliberate and professional acting. There is a studied indifference to the portrayal of most of the characters actually which is quite remarkable and obviously intended to leave the viewer some degree of discretion in making their own moral judgement. Above all the movie stands ourt for me in its styling, with expert use of light & shade and another classic cinematic techniques. A trip in some blood at a critical moment is a masterpiece all of his own. There is also an impressive soundscape, which gives the feel of a mainstream cold war-style spy thriller. I guess what's best about it for me is that one doesn't even need to really understand entirely the details of the story as it is possible to pick up the gist of it and enjoy it at face value as just a pulsating and good-looking thriller.
Review of The Man Standing Next
