JOINT SECURITY AREA is pretty amazing, but the less said about the plot, the better to insure your full enjoyment, surprise and emotional connection. Another member puts the film down for its sentimentality. I don't know about that: When a country has been as divided as has Korea for the past half-century, a movie like this must have really knocked the socks off of a lot of South Koreans (I doubt it could be shown in the North). I'm trying to think of some equivalently themed American film, but nothing comes to mind. "A Midnight Clear"--or a film about comradeship on either side of, say, America's Civil War-- just couldn't provide the sense of long-term division/separation that Korea has experienced. Beautifully filmed, with flashbacks and varied points-of-view, this puzzle movie eventually comes together, offering some of its best moments toward the end. The last shot is astonishing: simple and reminiscent, but now seen with enough clarity and irony to open mouths and overflow tear ducts.
109 Reviews
Peace Is Preserved Hiding the Truth A Touching Antiwar Movie
claudio_carvalho24 December 2006
After a shootout at the common security area at the border of the two Koreas, when two soldiers were murdered, Maj. Sophie E. Jean (Yeong-ae Lee) is assigned by the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission to investigate the incident. The smart Major finds lack of consistency in the statements of the survivors, and in spite of being pressed by her superior, she interviews South Koreans Sgt. Lee Soo-hyeok (Byung-hun Lee) and private Nam Sung-shik (Tae-woo Kim), and the North Korean Sgt. Oh Kyeong-pil (Kang-ho Song), disclosing a tragic story of friendship. In the end, peace and Sgt. Oh are preserved hiding the truth in her report.
"Gongdong Gyeongbi Guyeok JSA" is a magnificent and touching antiwar movie. Directed by Chan-wook Park, the director of the cult "Oldboy", only now this film was released in Brazil, after the success of "Oldboy". This movie has a fantastic screenplay that keeps the interest in the impressive story until the very last scene. I was moved with the sad story of friendship between brothers in this polemic theme. The Common Security Area, created on 27 July 1953 with the armistice between the two Koreas after three years of war, and their reunification, seem to be a taboo for these peoples and I appreciate the courage of this group of excellent actors and actress in approaching such theme. In the Extras of the DVD, the cast and director give interviews about the story but never give their opinion about the reunification of these nations. The stunning cinematography and camera work are also very beautiful. My vote is nine.
Yitle (Brazil): "Zona de Risco" ("Zone of Risk")
"Gongdong Gyeongbi Guyeok JSA" is a magnificent and touching antiwar movie. Directed by Chan-wook Park, the director of the cult "Oldboy", only now this film was released in Brazil, after the success of "Oldboy". This movie has a fantastic screenplay that keeps the interest in the impressive story until the very last scene. I was moved with the sad story of friendship between brothers in this polemic theme. The Common Security Area, created on 27 July 1953 with the armistice between the two Koreas after three years of war, and their reunification, seem to be a taboo for these peoples and I appreciate the courage of this group of excellent actors and actress in approaching such theme. In the Extras of the DVD, the cast and director give interviews about the story but never give their opinion about the reunification of these nations. The stunning cinematography and camera work are also very beautiful. My vote is nine.
Yitle (Brazil): "Zona de Risco" ("Zone of Risk")
Excellent Korean drama from Old Boy director
FilmFlaneur30 July 2005
After a general moratorium on film exports, JSA was amongst the first few Korean films to appear in west, to be associated with the emerging Korean 'New Wave' cinema. It was also one of the most successful and expensive films made in the country at the time, and as such was director Chan-Wook Park's breakthrough film. Park has since gone on to direct such cult items as Oldboy, in which he combines a sure sense of staging with a visual, kinetic flamboyance all of his own. A compelling and moving work in its own right, JSA makes something haunting and memorable out of a situation which, in outline, could easily have proved propagandist and dull.
It takes place entirely at the Panmunjom, the Korea DMZ peace village where North and South Koreans face off under the terms of 50-year-old treaty, glaring at each other across a thin stretch of ground, huddled over spyglasses and rifle barrels, or staring each other down across a borderline. The bitter division of the country provides a frequent background to much of its cinema just as, in its way, the spectre of past nuclear destruction has haunted that of the Japanese. But there is a difference. Japanese cinema often shows the dangerous unity of clan, kin or country in the face of crisis. In Korean cinema, brothers are often divided whilst, around them, a fractured society threatens and fights itself. Sometimes the violent resolution of the country's famous stand off promises mutually assured destruction, as is presented symbolically at the climax of Attack The Gas Station! (1999). In other films it can appear as part of an action thriller (Shiri), or as the basis of a recent war film (Taegukgi, 2004), and so on. In the more profound JSA, national division provides a starting point for an examination of the human condition, as soldiers on either side of the line discover what it is to establish warm, normal interaction - even at terrible cost.
"There are two kinds of people in this world - Commie bastards and the Commie bastards' enemies" says a South Korean officer to the Swiss investigator Major Sophie Jean (Yeong-ae Lee) at the start of Park's film. Jean works for the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission. Previously her superior has warned her that her real job is not to investigate, "who, but why," and that "the outcome is less important than the procedure." But as Jean delves deeper into recent events with an insistence born of her own family history, revelations prove Rashmon-like, proving that the truth is by no means black and white. In fact the opening scenes, containing the harsh protocols for her work, are the least satisfying of the film. (A fact exacerbated by the poor spoken English of actress Lee and the woodenness of her Swedish companion). It is only once the viewer enters the experience of the soldiers - a process gradually revealed through a number of sometimes-gnomic flashbacks - that JSA becomes interesting.
JSA was a controversial success in Korea. The action is set very precisely, at the borderline between two societies and Park was concerned to make it as realistic as possible, spending $1 million on building his own Panmunjom. As a narrative his film is just as deliberately less exact, hovering between military thriller, patriotic tragedy, personal loyalty tale as we learn more about the soldiers, now tight-lipped under independent interrogation. Enemies, then friends, comrades and brothers, the men's deepening relationship also suggests a more taboo attraction, one which proved unsettling to home audiences. Ultimately the 'Joint Security Area' becomes less a site of military stalemate than a place where emotional ties ought to provide their own justification and balance.
The structure of Park's film is an intriguing one: a straightforward, and reasonably suspenseful investigation of an outrage frames a sequence of flashbacks and reminiscences, often presented in non-linear manner, fleshing out the main story. In between there is some newsreel footage as well as some exploration of Major Jean's motivations, while the feelings of the soldiers concerned are never elucidated, merely explored through past events. The director's achievement lies in tying all this into a reasonably convincing whole, moving the audience from the coldness of a military tribunal to the warm realm of human feeling.
There are several moments in JSA to savour, some of which occur within the no man's land between the two societies itself - a neutrality which seems to encourage a self reflection and recognition between main participants: the snowy, wordless encounter between two border patrols for instance, where tension is dissipated with a single cigarette; or the first encounter on a cold night between Sergeant Oh and Sergeant Lee, surrounded by mines, their breath freezing in an field. Elsewhere Park's camera records the absurdities of petty border etiquette, at one point shooting from overhead the dividing line where soldiers square off against one another, placing figures in some lunatic grid of their own devising. (At one point Park has two of the soldiers mock the solemnity and rigidity of the border by playing spitting games across the line.) There's a similar overhead shot later, this time looking down at a fallen soldier face up in the rain. The camera also plays a memorable part in the last scene of the film, as an ordinary snapshot is transversed by a slow pan, which pulls out of the composition a final, mute commentary of its own.
Asked earlier why one of the soldiers had deserted his post just to relieve himself, the blithe answer comes back as: "People with constipation should seize the chance when it comes." It's a philosophy that informs a good deal of JSA. Not to put too fine a point on it, the film suggests that, blocked by its own political impasse, Korea needs to loosen up and seek relief as it can. Park's film shows one way, perhaps not the best, but a memorable story all the same.
It takes place entirely at the Panmunjom, the Korea DMZ peace village where North and South Koreans face off under the terms of 50-year-old treaty, glaring at each other across a thin stretch of ground, huddled over spyglasses and rifle barrels, or staring each other down across a borderline. The bitter division of the country provides a frequent background to much of its cinema just as, in its way, the spectre of past nuclear destruction has haunted that of the Japanese. But there is a difference. Japanese cinema often shows the dangerous unity of clan, kin or country in the face of crisis. In Korean cinema, brothers are often divided whilst, around them, a fractured society threatens and fights itself. Sometimes the violent resolution of the country's famous stand off promises mutually assured destruction, as is presented symbolically at the climax of Attack The Gas Station! (1999). In other films it can appear as part of an action thriller (Shiri), or as the basis of a recent war film (Taegukgi, 2004), and so on. In the more profound JSA, national division provides a starting point for an examination of the human condition, as soldiers on either side of the line discover what it is to establish warm, normal interaction - even at terrible cost.
"There are two kinds of people in this world - Commie bastards and the Commie bastards' enemies" says a South Korean officer to the Swiss investigator Major Sophie Jean (Yeong-ae Lee) at the start of Park's film. Jean works for the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission. Previously her superior has warned her that her real job is not to investigate, "who, but why," and that "the outcome is less important than the procedure." But as Jean delves deeper into recent events with an insistence born of her own family history, revelations prove Rashmon-like, proving that the truth is by no means black and white. In fact the opening scenes, containing the harsh protocols for her work, are the least satisfying of the film. (A fact exacerbated by the poor spoken English of actress Lee and the woodenness of her Swedish companion). It is only once the viewer enters the experience of the soldiers - a process gradually revealed through a number of sometimes-gnomic flashbacks - that JSA becomes interesting.
JSA was a controversial success in Korea. The action is set very precisely, at the borderline between two societies and Park was concerned to make it as realistic as possible, spending $1 million on building his own Panmunjom. As a narrative his film is just as deliberately less exact, hovering between military thriller, patriotic tragedy, personal loyalty tale as we learn more about the soldiers, now tight-lipped under independent interrogation. Enemies, then friends, comrades and brothers, the men's deepening relationship also suggests a more taboo attraction, one which proved unsettling to home audiences. Ultimately the 'Joint Security Area' becomes less a site of military stalemate than a place where emotional ties ought to provide their own justification and balance.
The structure of Park's film is an intriguing one: a straightforward, and reasonably suspenseful investigation of an outrage frames a sequence of flashbacks and reminiscences, often presented in non-linear manner, fleshing out the main story. In between there is some newsreel footage as well as some exploration of Major Jean's motivations, while the feelings of the soldiers concerned are never elucidated, merely explored through past events. The director's achievement lies in tying all this into a reasonably convincing whole, moving the audience from the coldness of a military tribunal to the warm realm of human feeling.
There are several moments in JSA to savour, some of which occur within the no man's land between the two societies itself - a neutrality which seems to encourage a self reflection and recognition between main participants: the snowy, wordless encounter between two border patrols for instance, where tension is dissipated with a single cigarette; or the first encounter on a cold night between Sergeant Oh and Sergeant Lee, surrounded by mines, their breath freezing in an field. Elsewhere Park's camera records the absurdities of petty border etiquette, at one point shooting from overhead the dividing line where soldiers square off against one another, placing figures in some lunatic grid of their own devising. (At one point Park has two of the soldiers mock the solemnity and rigidity of the border by playing spitting games across the line.) There's a similar overhead shot later, this time looking down at a fallen soldier face up in the rain. The camera also plays a memorable part in the last scene of the film, as an ordinary snapshot is transversed by a slow pan, which pulls out of the composition a final, mute commentary of its own.
Asked earlier why one of the soldiers had deserted his post just to relieve himself, the blithe answer comes back as: "People with constipation should seize the chance when it comes." It's a philosophy that informs a good deal of JSA. Not to put too fine a point on it, the film suggests that, blocked by its own political impasse, Korea needs to loosen up and seek relief as it can. Park's film shows one way, perhaps not the best, but a memorable story all the same.
Surprisingly Moving Piece of Korean Cinema
Sinnerman11 October 2001
Fusing a Hollywood-style 'who-dunnit' with an intellectually poignant essay on Korean geopolitics, 'Joint Security Area' ('JSA') offered a surprisingly moving twist to an otherwise engaging film.
It raises questions on the incredulity of ideological differences. It showcased the ridiculous, yet tragic consequences such an imposed barrier can have on its people. People, whom if not separated by mere political allegiance, have more in common than they care to admit. 'JSA' perceptively explored a modern day Korean psyche - that heartfelt desire for kinship and unity between the people of both Koreas.
'Joint Security Area' is a timely film with a universal message - "Let not differences in race, religion or ideological allegiance blindside our judgement, especially in these violent and confusing times."
I instinctively respond to this message. I hope you do as well.
It raises questions on the incredulity of ideological differences. It showcased the ridiculous, yet tragic consequences such an imposed barrier can have on its people. People, whom if not separated by mere political allegiance, have more in common than they care to admit. 'JSA' perceptively explored a modern day Korean psyche - that heartfelt desire for kinship and unity between the people of both Koreas.
'Joint Security Area' is a timely film with a universal message - "Let not differences in race, religion or ideological allegiance blindside our judgement, especially in these violent and confusing times."
I instinctively respond to this message. I hope you do as well.
A truly inspiring movie that makes you ask "Why do we have wars?"
jinly_30 September 2005
I must admit when i first saw the cover of this movie my initial thoughts were "oh man another pointless testosterone military driven movie", how wrong i was.
This is a wonderfully crafted masterpiece that evokes the strongest emotions in a person's heart. The movie is set in Korea and portrays how different people can set asides their differences and be able to see each other in the purest form, that we are the same, brothers and sisters.
I found myself on a roller coaster ride of emotions, laughing one minute, in with tears in another. All the actors and actress have done a superb job in this one. The most emotionally powerful scene was the last scene. Only a photograph but conveys so much meaning and emotions.
Definitely a must watch movie, no matter what nationality you are, you will be enchanted and inspired by this movie's magic, and understand a bit more about what it means to be a person.
This is a wonderfully crafted masterpiece that evokes the strongest emotions in a person's heart. The movie is set in Korea and portrays how different people can set asides their differences and be able to see each other in the purest form, that we are the same, brothers and sisters.
I found myself on a roller coaster ride of emotions, laughing one minute, in with tears in another. All the actors and actress have done a superb job in this one. The most emotionally powerful scene was the last scene. Only a photograph but conveys so much meaning and emotions.
Definitely a must watch movie, no matter what nationality you are, you will be enchanted and inspired by this movie's magic, and understand a bit more about what it means to be a person.
Well done!
nr368530 June 2004
Warning: Spoilers
Expecting an Asian remake of A few good men, I was pleasantly surprised to find a well acted movie with a different storyline. It expressed the feeling of absurdity that exist in such places as a DMZ, with nice attention to details. Anyone who has been in places or situations like these will recognize the cigarette rituals and so on.
I think the movie excellently describes the stupidity and rigidity of war and the military life - just like in the movie, all it ultimately leads to is friends killing each other for no good reason.
The people who are complaining about the bad English in the movie obviously never heard Swiss and Swedish people speak English - none of the "foreigners" are supposed to be native English speakers, so it makes perfect sense for them to speak as they do!
All in all, a visually beautiful movie with a nice but slightly over-obvious script, nice acting from the four main Korean characters, some very funny scenes that gives comic relief to fend off the impending doom of the inevitable end, and actually quite realistic, in my opinion.
Now I am going to check out Sympathy for Mr Vengeance and Old Boy!
I think the movie excellently describes the stupidity and rigidity of war and the military life - just like in the movie, all it ultimately leads to is friends killing each other for no good reason.
The people who are complaining about the bad English in the movie obviously never heard Swiss and Swedish people speak English - none of the "foreigners" are supposed to be native English speakers, so it makes perfect sense for them to speak as they do!
All in all, a visually beautiful movie with a nice but slightly over-obvious script, nice acting from the four main Korean characters, some very funny scenes that gives comic relief to fend off the impending doom of the inevitable end, and actually quite realistic, in my opinion.
Now I am going to check out Sympathy for Mr Vengeance and Old Boy!
Film about the futility of enmity, and the gift of true friendship
joebloggscity21 August 2006
The Korean peninsula is divided like no other. The two countries are still fighting in a sense the cold war, divided by loyalty to different creeds. Not an easy subject to tackle, but this film takes the subject and smooths off the edges to show us that there is hope and beauty underneath.
The film centres round an investigation over a border-side killing. Unbeknown to the investigators, intertwined into their investigation is a friendship that had developed, behind the back of their superiors, of two sets of border guards on either side of a bridge dividing the countries. The secret friendship seems to concentrate the whole Korean divide issue simply, but minor hostility still pops its head up now and again, nevertheless without needing any kind of over-dramatics the men all respect and begin to ultimately care for each ahead of all else As expected, the whole situation comes to a head, and their is some strong emotional moments but the education to anyone who watches this more than makes up for all else.
I can't think of many more emotive subjects or films that I have seen this year. The acting and direction is perfect, whilst the script is funny and emotional. Korean films are just so far ahead of all else, it just defies belief. Highly recommended, you can't go wrong with this gem of a movie.
The film centres round an investigation over a border-side killing. Unbeknown to the investigators, intertwined into their investigation is a friendship that had developed, behind the back of their superiors, of two sets of border guards on either side of a bridge dividing the countries. The secret friendship seems to concentrate the whole Korean divide issue simply, but minor hostility still pops its head up now and again, nevertheless without needing any kind of over-dramatics the men all respect and begin to ultimately care for each ahead of all else As expected, the whole situation comes to a head, and their is some strong emotional moments but the education to anyone who watches this more than makes up for all else.
I can't think of many more emotive subjects or films that I have seen this year. The acting and direction is perfect, whilst the script is funny and emotional. Korean films are just so far ahead of all else, it just defies belief. Highly recommended, you can't go wrong with this gem of a movie.
Chan-wook Park's most politically-charged film tackles the very volatile tension that exists between the North and South Koreans.
Schwenkstar29 February 2008
Chan-wook Park's most politically-charged film tackles the very volatile tension that exists between the North and South Koreans. This could have easily been propagandistic in nature, with this South Korean film portraying the Northerners as mere caricatures of Communistic ideals, but instead the film happily sidesteps this and portrays both the North Koreans and South Koreans as kinsmen.
In the beginning of the picture, both sides have a skewed view of one another, seeing each through the lens of their political temperament - the border between the two thus is interpreted as a wall that filters and jades each one's perspective. However, once that that wall is finally crossed, the two sides realize that no wall really exists, and they begin to see each other as human beings - The soldiers first call one another "enemies", but soon they are calling one another "brothers".
The characters are richly drawn and dynamic to reflect this - each are humans, with their own unique demeanor, and that their national identity is nothing more than a facade. While the soldiers are alone, away from their government infrastructures, both sides cling to one another in fellowship as they find themselves all the same. Only when the absent governmental element is reintroduced are the soldiers forced to revert back behind their facades, and tragedy results.
A powerfully moving and keenly intelligent analysis of the confusing political situation between the two opposing governmental systems. Despite being slightly marred by a few lapses into melodrama and overstatement, that can not take away from its piercing effectiveness.
The highest recommendation possible.
In the beginning of the picture, both sides have a skewed view of one another, seeing each through the lens of their political temperament - the border between the two thus is interpreted as a wall that filters and jades each one's perspective. However, once that that wall is finally crossed, the two sides realize that no wall really exists, and they begin to see each other as human beings - The soldiers first call one another "enemies", but soon they are calling one another "brothers".
The characters are richly drawn and dynamic to reflect this - each are humans, with their own unique demeanor, and that their national identity is nothing more than a facade. While the soldiers are alone, away from their government infrastructures, both sides cling to one another in fellowship as they find themselves all the same. Only when the absent governmental element is reintroduced are the soldiers forced to revert back behind their facades, and tragedy results.
A powerfully moving and keenly intelligent analysis of the confusing political situation between the two opposing governmental systems. Despite being slightly marred by a few lapses into melodrama and overstatement, that can not take away from its piercing effectiveness.
The highest recommendation possible.
Brothers Disarmed...
Xstal22 January 2022
Hands across the void, separated by dogma, briefly reunited, candid, without melodrama. A gulf simply straddled, a divide quickly filled, no malice or distrust, as partnerships re-build.
Leaders seldom lead, people following the bread, on all sides there's mistrust, of what's been spoken and what's been read. Continually replayed, along friction points that burn, when constructs are embellished from pontificating churn.
If only others didn't get in the way, what a great place the world could be, every day, after day, after day.
Leaders seldom lead, people following the bread, on all sides there's mistrust, of what's been spoken and what's been read. Continually replayed, along friction points that burn, when constructs are embellished from pontificating churn.
If only others didn't get in the way, what a great place the world could be, every day, after day, after day.
Best Korean movie ever
Iljun20 October 2001
Although a native Korean, I've always been skeptical of Korean movies. They tend to overplay emotions and lack realism. Well, this movie changed my whole outlook - it is a grippingly realistic movie that rips through the storyline. I was spellbound. Set in the highly charged Korean demilitarized zone, it is the tale of a shootout gone wrong, but the movie is much more than just a whodunit. It illustrates quite subtly the delicate North-South emotions that transcends ideologies of the 2 regimes; it really is about characters and their situations, rather than actions. The film also features some beautiful cinematography - the scenes I remember are the tall grass (the minefield incident) and the muted cigarette exchange on top of a snow-covered hill. The latter, particularly, is extremely poignant in its silence. Why are they smoking together? And why do they not speak? The answers to these questions, I guess, are the subjects and emotions that the movie tries to convey. The only flaw I can offer is the clear mis-casting of Lee Young-Ae as the neutral major, but her role in the movie is not central enough (although she does take up quite an amount of air time) to drag down the whole movie. IMHO, I would have used a Korean-European new face in the role. I am sure that it appeals to Koreans more than foreigners, although i'm also sure you can enjoy it without prior knowledge. I recommend this very highly. It's a pity that it's still not out on DVD even after 1 year following its release, and I hope it is released soon so that movie lovers everywhere can appreciate it.
Very good, when the dialog is in Korean
mighty_pickman13 January 2004
I saw this as the second half of a double bill and after the first five minutes of truly horrible english dialog I thought I was in for a rather lame movie going experience, but i was too be proven wrong.
JSA is quite a good film, especially when it is looking back on the friendship of the North & South Korean border guards. Anytime the film went to english dialog, the film took a turn for the worse.
Violent in parts, funny in others, a great human story set in the DMZ, a place not renowned for it's humanity.
JSA is quite a good film, especially when it is looking back on the friendship of the North & South Korean border guards. Anytime the film went to english dialog, the film took a turn for the worse.
Violent in parts, funny in others, a great human story set in the DMZ, a place not renowned for it's humanity.
AWESOME PIECE OF WORK: Rent this today if you can!
Jamester23 September 2005
It's been a few years, but I saw this in a Singapore theatre a day or two after it opened there. A Korean friend had mentioned it was good, so I went to check it out assuming it would be good. OH MY GOSH! This was an excellent movie and it seems so unfortunate that it didn't get a wide-release in North American (or not that I know of) as I think it would have done really well! This was #1 in Korea beating out Spider Man!! In fact, the North Korean leader even requested a copy for his viewing pleasure -- perhaps to get his own look at what South Korea might be plotting, or maybe simply to be entertained with some great film-making.
The movie combines a very likable Hollywood touch with compelling plot action, in contrast to some very personal moments and an amazing sense of suspense in this movie. I was floored.
The whole location of where the movie takes place -- in the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea -- and the acute tension was certainly captured and sure made for great story-telling. I can't remember another movie where I saw and experienced more tension in a story than in this movie! It fit the story perfectly, and really got the movie off to a great start. Then, as the characters were introduced, piece by piece, we explored action, emotion, and thought. The movie examined, re-examined and really brought us close not only to the events, but to the people in the story. I felt a range of emotions in this story culminating in a really great movie!
This is a must-see!
The movie combines a very likable Hollywood touch with compelling plot action, in contrast to some very personal moments and an amazing sense of suspense in this movie. I was floored.
The whole location of where the movie takes place -- in the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea -- and the acute tension was certainly captured and sure made for great story-telling. I can't remember another movie where I saw and experienced more tension in a story than in this movie! It fit the story perfectly, and really got the movie off to a great start. Then, as the characters were introduced, piece by piece, we explored action, emotion, and thought. The movie examined, re-examined and really brought us close not only to the events, but to the people in the story. I felt a range of emotions in this story culminating in a really great movie!
This is a must-see!
A film every Korean has probably seen, and every other person should see to understand the country
smakawhat20 October 2002
Warning: Spoilers
Writing up this review has a little special meaning for myself since I lived in the country teaching English some time ago, and have been back many times since for vacations.
In a nutshell, this film is a masterpiece when it focuses on the Korean actors and how they live in this overcrowded no mans land. Inside this area of huge protocol we get to see how both sides are just ordinary people, and have the same desires and wishes as any Korean.
The basic plot involves a border incident that involves 2 North Korean soldiers allegedly murdered in a North border outpost by 2 South Korean military border guards. A mixed Korean woman of Swiss descent is sent in for her neutrality to investigate and find out the truth.
The masterpiece falls apart when the film has to focus on the setup with the foreign actors (WHO ARE HORRIBLE!!!). Luckily one of them, a Swedish soldier has very little presence so he's ok, but the investigators chief commander a Swiss general is not worthy of any screen time what so ever. Also the Korean actress's command of English for someone who is suppose to have learned Korean second hand in Switzerland, is awkward and fake. It's obvious she doesn't have command of the English language in this film and makes for some bad dialogue, and doesn't make her character believable. A particularly unnecessary scene comes toward the end of the film when the Swiss general explains why he chose her to lead the investigation. The acting and exchange is bad, and there should have been a better place used to describe the situation probably in Korean with one of the other Korean actors. Or it should have just been flat out cut from the film all-together.
Luckily though, 75% of the story is focused on the Korean border guards from both sides. What we soon discover is that 2 of the South Koreans have been secretly visiting 2 North Koreans and developing a close friendship. In flashbacks we find out that they share their ideas, do fun things, play cards, and even at a very poignant part of the film - exchange addresses in hopes that they can someday visit each other. The actors playing these roles are magnificent and flawless. This is where JSA becomes something more than just a kooky drama, and ends up reaching something special and poignant.
The film is also wonderfully directed, and shot. The cinematography at one point when two soldiers are standing in an open field (a South Korean trapped on a mine and a North Korean discovering him not knowing what to do) is breathtaking and ironic for its meaning. There are also many light hearted comedic moments, which I won't spoil, some neat directing tricks, and has one of the most lasting images in film I have ever seen.
In the end it points out mostly what most Koreans already know. The existence of a place like the DMZ and the failure of people on both sides has to do with the fact that the governments can't focus on what Koreans have in common, and can't drop the charade of 'Loosing Face' with each other over this issue. If they could just act and share their camaraderie as these soldiers do in this film things would be so much easier.
Alas politics are involved (also many things that happen in this film are just not realistic in the actual DMZ), and the situation continues. The film is sad, wonderful, enjoyable, uplifting, and tragic all at once. Just cut out the foreigners in the film and you have a masterpiece..
Rating 7.5 out of 10
In a nutshell, this film is a masterpiece when it focuses on the Korean actors and how they live in this overcrowded no mans land. Inside this area of huge protocol we get to see how both sides are just ordinary people, and have the same desires and wishes as any Korean.
The basic plot involves a border incident that involves 2 North Korean soldiers allegedly murdered in a North border outpost by 2 South Korean military border guards. A mixed Korean woman of Swiss descent is sent in for her neutrality to investigate and find out the truth.
The masterpiece falls apart when the film has to focus on the setup with the foreign actors (WHO ARE HORRIBLE!!!). Luckily one of them, a Swedish soldier has very little presence so he's ok, but the investigators chief commander a Swiss general is not worthy of any screen time what so ever. Also the Korean actress's command of English for someone who is suppose to have learned Korean second hand in Switzerland, is awkward and fake. It's obvious she doesn't have command of the English language in this film and makes for some bad dialogue, and doesn't make her character believable. A particularly unnecessary scene comes toward the end of the film when the Swiss general explains why he chose her to lead the investigation. The acting and exchange is bad, and there should have been a better place used to describe the situation probably in Korean with one of the other Korean actors. Or it should have just been flat out cut from the film all-together.
Luckily though, 75% of the story is focused on the Korean border guards from both sides. What we soon discover is that 2 of the South Koreans have been secretly visiting 2 North Koreans and developing a close friendship. In flashbacks we find out that they share their ideas, do fun things, play cards, and even at a very poignant part of the film - exchange addresses in hopes that they can someday visit each other. The actors playing these roles are magnificent and flawless. This is where JSA becomes something more than just a kooky drama, and ends up reaching something special and poignant.
The film is also wonderfully directed, and shot. The cinematography at one point when two soldiers are standing in an open field (a South Korean trapped on a mine and a North Korean discovering him not knowing what to do) is breathtaking and ironic for its meaning. There are also many light hearted comedic moments, which I won't spoil, some neat directing tricks, and has one of the most lasting images in film I have ever seen.
In the end it points out mostly what most Koreans already know. The existence of a place like the DMZ and the failure of people on both sides has to do with the fact that the governments can't focus on what Koreans have in common, and can't drop the charade of 'Loosing Face' with each other over this issue. If they could just act and share their camaraderie as these soldiers do in this film things would be so much easier.
Alas politics are involved (also many things that happen in this film are just not realistic in the actual DMZ), and the situation continues. The film is sad, wonderful, enjoyable, uplifting, and tragic all at once. Just cut out the foreigners in the film and you have a masterpiece..
Rating 7.5 out of 10
Not bad
moviezmaniamaster2 January 2006
Being a huge fan of Parks "Oldboy" i bought this movie and was quite disappointed (in comparison), but it is difficult to say where exactly the flaws were. The plot is not without interesting twists and the movie avoids most clichés that you await in your standard military-research movie. But especially the female-lead character is far too weak elaborated. I had difficulties to follow the motivation of all the characters (especially the soldiers), and the cast was permanently overacting. As Park mentioned in an interview "between the lines": this project was mainly intended to hit the box-office so that he could get his next work ("Oldboy") financed, and being the most successful south-Korean movie of all times we have to admit that this goal was achieved. But it is far from the emotional impact that a movie like "No man's land" had on me, who has a quite similar subject. (5/10)
One of the most touching movies I've seen
feel-113 August 2006
JSA is a masterpiece, no doubt about it. The story is really something to ponder in the modern day society. People that are forced to take sides because of national interests meet and find out that they are not that different at all.
The characters are clearly defined with great depth, the way it's filmed is just awesome and the story is an important lesson to us all.
If you walk out of the theater after watching this movie without being deeply moved, you probably don't have any feelings at all.
Chan-wook is a master and with this film he confirms his place on the throne.
The characters are clearly defined with great depth, the way it's filmed is just awesome and the story is an important lesson to us all.
If you walk out of the theater after watching this movie without being deeply moved, you probably don't have any feelings at all.
Chan-wook is a master and with this film he confirms his place on the throne.
JSA is a beautifully executed and highly intelligent piece of cinema
calspers5 February 2022
"Joint Security Area" (2000) is directed and co-written by Park Chan-wook and is plainly put, brilliant cinema.
The convoluted plot is intelligently edited and paced and as a result, the film is greatly entertaining. The way Park Chan-wook uses the camera is bar none amazing; he truly has a great director's eye for cinematography.
The production design of the border between the Koreas. The performances from leading roles. It all adds up to an emotional crescendo as a stroke of genius from a masterful director. Highly recommended!
The convoluted plot is intelligently edited and paced and as a result, the film is greatly entertaining. The way Park Chan-wook uses the camera is bar none amazing; he truly has a great director's eye for cinematography.
The production design of the border between the Koreas. The performances from leading roles. It all adds up to an emotional crescendo as a stroke of genius from a masterful director. Highly recommended!
JSAJust Simply Amazing!
BA_Harrison15 February 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Korea is a divided country and Panmunjom, where North meets South, is an area where tension inevitably runs high. When a shooting incident there leaves two Northern soldiers dead, Major. Sophie E. Jean, (the gorgeous Yeong-ae Lee) of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission, is called in to head the investigation. A South Korean soldier, Sgt. Lee Soo-hyeok (Byung-hun Lee), takes responsibility for the killings, claiming he was kidnapped by the North, and that he shot the men as he attempted to escape.
But as Sophie slowly unravels the truth, she learns that the reality is far more tragic and, in a series of flashbacks, we get to witness the events leading up to the shooting: Sgt. Lee straying into the Northern half of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and accidentally treading on a mine; his rescue by 'the enemy'two guards who work a stone's throw from Lee's own post, just on the other side of the border; and Lee's eventual friendship with his rescuers, which sees him crossing into the North at night to spend time with his new pals.
After a while, Lee introduces his trusted workmate to his new 'brothers'. The four become close friends, and spend time together drinking, gambling and playing gamesthat is until the night when their secret is discovered and things go remarkably pear-shaped!
I first experienced the work of director Chan-wook Park when I watched the brilliant Oldboy (2003)a gripping, violent and bloody tale of revenge. My next choice was Sympathy For Mr. Vengeance, which was made one year previous to Oldboy, but which failed to impress me as much.
JSA was made in 2000, and I feared that, possibly, I might like this even less, since the subject matter didn't particularly appeal to me. I needn't have worried: Joint Security Area is a magnificent film that tells a gripping story whilst also delivering a poignant message about the stupidity of war.
Beautifully shot and carefully pieced together, this amazing film builds slowly, but surely, until the compelling ending when tragedy inevitably strikes. Only the slightly confusing 'shootout scene' at the end of the film stops me from giving this film a perfect 10, although one does not need to fully understand the details of this moment to recognise the brilliance of JSA, nor feel its powerful message.
But as Sophie slowly unravels the truth, she learns that the reality is far more tragic and, in a series of flashbacks, we get to witness the events leading up to the shooting: Sgt. Lee straying into the Northern half of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and accidentally treading on a mine; his rescue by 'the enemy'two guards who work a stone's throw from Lee's own post, just on the other side of the border; and Lee's eventual friendship with his rescuers, which sees him crossing into the North at night to spend time with his new pals.
After a while, Lee introduces his trusted workmate to his new 'brothers'. The four become close friends, and spend time together drinking, gambling and playing gamesthat is until the night when their secret is discovered and things go remarkably pear-shaped!
I first experienced the work of director Chan-wook Park when I watched the brilliant Oldboy (2003)a gripping, violent and bloody tale of revenge. My next choice was Sympathy For Mr. Vengeance, which was made one year previous to Oldboy, but which failed to impress me as much.
JSA was made in 2000, and I feared that, possibly, I might like this even less, since the subject matter didn't particularly appeal to me. I needn't have worried: Joint Security Area is a magnificent film that tells a gripping story whilst also delivering a poignant message about the stupidity of war.
Beautifully shot and carefully pieced together, this amazing film builds slowly, but surely, until the compelling ending when tragedy inevitably strikes. Only the slightly confusing 'shootout scene' at the end of the film stops me from giving this film a perfect 10, although one does not need to fully understand the details of this moment to recognise the brilliance of JSA, nor feel its powerful message.
An Excellent Film
freemantle_uk25 September 2008
Warning: Spoilers
In recent years South Korea has produced some of the best cinema in the world in recent years and Park Chan-Wook is one of the best directors to come out of the nation. This was film that proved he was a skilled film-maker and broke a number of box-office records in South Korea. Because of this film that Park Chan-Wook was able to do his Vengeance trilogy.
In the Joint Security Area on the border of North and South Korea the rival states have a border dispute. A South Korean soldier had killed two North Korean soldiers and injured another. The South Korean army claimed that their man was kidnapped and he was acting in self-defence, whilst the North said it was an unprovoked attack. A team of Swiss and Swedish soldiers, led by Major Sophie Jean, a Swiss born woman from Korean ancestry. When she comes to Korea she discovered that this was not a clear cut case. It was discovered in a flashback that Sgt. Lee Soo-hyeok had befriended two North Korean soldiers who had saved his live after he stepped on a mine. He starts to write to the young private before crossing the border and getting very close to the soldiers. This is a big shock because of the difference between the North and South and both sides are taught that they are the supiour. It also becomes more dangerous with both sides suffering from increased hostilities.
Joint Security Area is a fantansic film. It is brilliant written and directed, which Park showing some of his trade make shots. The acting is excellent and the subject matter is very well handled. This is a story of friendship in impossible circumstances. The soldiers realise that they have a lot in common and that the North and South are not that different from each other. It is bittersweet, but at times humorous. There are debates about Korean politics, such as unification, and North Korea's nuclear ambitions, and the soldiers involved are patriotic to their countries. Their are aspects to the both sides military, and neither get off lightly in this film.
I highly recommend this film.
In the Joint Security Area on the border of North and South Korea the rival states have a border dispute. A South Korean soldier had killed two North Korean soldiers and injured another. The South Korean army claimed that their man was kidnapped and he was acting in self-defence, whilst the North said it was an unprovoked attack. A team of Swiss and Swedish soldiers, led by Major Sophie Jean, a Swiss born woman from Korean ancestry. When she comes to Korea she discovered that this was not a clear cut case. It was discovered in a flashback that Sgt. Lee Soo-hyeok had befriended two North Korean soldiers who had saved his live after he stepped on a mine. He starts to write to the young private before crossing the border and getting very close to the soldiers. This is a big shock because of the difference between the North and South and both sides are taught that they are the supiour. It also becomes more dangerous with both sides suffering from increased hostilities.
Joint Security Area is a fantansic film. It is brilliant written and directed, which Park showing some of his trade make shots. The acting is excellent and the subject matter is very well handled. This is a story of friendship in impossible circumstances. The soldiers realise that they have a lot in common and that the North and South are not that different from each other. It is bittersweet, but at times humorous. There are debates about Korean politics, such as unification, and North Korea's nuclear ambitions, and the soldiers involved are patriotic to their countries. Their are aspects to the both sides military, and neither get off lightly in this film.
I highly recommend this film.
first you hate it, then you love it, finally you understand it.
nnchung14 February 2002
This is one mysterious and yet beautiful movie! First, I hated watching the cruelty and the suffering content of this movie. However, in the end, I came out totally amazed. With my mouth open wide and my pupils grown! Everything made sense in the end. I wasn't disappointed at all. In fact, I'm thankful to have watched this film. I recommend this movie to anyone from mail-man to the soldiers. Get on with it! You will laugh, cry and shout! Just sit back and enjoy the movie. Good luck!
A linear tale failing to truly deliver its message
wiktorpeczalski15 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
While the scenario of the incident itself is pretty good, the introduction and embodiment of it into an investigation is a disaster. The acting of the so-called neutral investigators were miserable, Yeong ae Lee as the major was disappointing, and her Swedish colleague is not worth mentioning.
While lacking a bit of originality the movie still highlights the absurd border tension between the North and the South.
The major problem was the lack of character development leading to nonexistent affiliation to their feelings resulting in an emotionless conclusion.
Apart from this the direction was on point, as you would expect from Chan-wook Park, and the movie ends on a stunning note leaving you with a sweet aftertaste that the film doesn't truly deserves.
The movie isn't bad, but if you're looking for yet another of Park's masterpiece, sadly this isn't one.
Special mention for Song Kang-ho for his impeccable performance!
While lacking a bit of originality the movie still highlights the absurd border tension between the North and the South.
The major problem was the lack of character development leading to nonexistent affiliation to their feelings resulting in an emotionless conclusion.
Apart from this the direction was on point, as you would expect from Chan-wook Park, and the movie ends on a stunning note leaving you with a sweet aftertaste that the film doesn't truly deserves.
The movie isn't bad, but if you're looking for yet another of Park's masterpiece, sadly this isn't one.
Special mention for Song Kang-ho for his impeccable performance!
A film with surprising emotional impact
zetes13 December 2009
Chan-wook Park's third feature and first big hit. He's of course best known for his Vengeance Trilogy, and is seen something as a genre filmmaker, maybe most closely associated with horror (his most recent film is the vampire flick Thirst). I had always thought J.S.A. was some kind of espionage thriller. How wrong I was. Though definitely in his own recognizable style, J.S.A. is an extremely serious-minded movie about the relationship between the two Koreas. It is built as a mystery, where a Swiss woman of Korean origin (Yeong-ae Lee), a member of a neutral investigation committee, investigates a border incident where a South Korean guard has apparently escaped from the North Korean post across the border after having shot and killed two guards and injuring another. Lee is allowed to go between the two countries to interview the people involved, study the crime scene and study the bodies. The stories she gets from the two survivors are wildly inconsistent. As the film moves on, Park slowly reveals the truth behind the matter. What results is a touching and tragic incident involving a friendship forming between four border guards, two each from the respective countries. The story is hard to get a hold of at the beginning, but when all is said and done, it's an incredibly powerful piece of cinema. The final sequence, where we are asked to examine closely a photo we've seen taken earlier in the film, is absolutely devastating. It's the kind of film where you don't even realize how powerful it is until the right moment, when all the emotions come flooding in to overwhelm you.
Ending ruins everything
Misss2524 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The movie seems flawless from starting except the actress English accent (annoying). The friendship among those four soldiers captivates the main attraction. There is hardly anyone who ever think about friendship,chemistry,bonding between North Koreans and South Koreans, specially between soldiers. I was wondering and enjoying at the same time how beautifully the relationship is presented. I was thinking about how the soldiers going to unify their individual Korea into a single Korea by the bonding of friendship which would eventually overcome all obstacles coming in its way. But this ended up in a different way which was totally unexpected at the same time ruins every single thing.
Spoilers,
Ending was filled with several plot holes like, Why Lee Byung Hun (South Korean soldier) shots Shin Ha(North Korean Soldier) 8 times , really? He was his friend the whole time. He also killed the North Korean chief. But Oh Kyeong(North Korean soldier) told Lee Byung Hun and Kim Tae (South Korean soldier) to leave the place and advised them to tell the South Korean soldiers that they were kidnapped by North Koreans. Really is it supposed to make sense? Lee Byung Hun killed two of his companions but he is helping them out. Kim Tae killed himself, why? He even didn't kill someone.
At the end Lee Byung Hun killed himself out of guiltiness but why now?
Spoilers,
Ending was filled with several plot holes like, Why Lee Byung Hun (South Korean soldier) shots Shin Ha(North Korean Soldier) 8 times , really? He was his friend the whole time. He also killed the North Korean chief. But Oh Kyeong(North Korean soldier) told Lee Byung Hun and Kim Tae (South Korean soldier) to leave the place and advised them to tell the South Korean soldiers that they were kidnapped by North Koreans. Really is it supposed to make sense? Lee Byung Hun killed two of his companions but he is helping them out. Kim Tae killed himself, why? He even didn't kill someone.
At the end Lee Byung Hun killed himself out of guiltiness but why now?
The story of four "brothers"
RainDogJr27 January 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Major Sophie (Lee Young Ae), from Switzerland, is in charge of the investigation about a shooting in a North Korean border house. Lee Soo-hyeok (Lee Byung-Hun) is the main suspect of the dead of two North Korean soldiers after he escape from the soldiers according to his confession but Major Sophie will find some contradictions in Lee's confession, specially because of the number of bullets in the dead bodies. Soon the truth will be know.
The plot of this film, directed by Chan-wook Park before his great and famous "Vengeance trilogy", involve one of the most difficult themes for the two Koreas and a tragic and touching story about friendship set in an absurd thing called war. The storyline is perfect and very touching, first it seems to be a story about mystery involving a murderer but later with the flashbacks it turns into a story full of humanity in which the protagonists are afraid to tell the truth thanks to the assured reaction of their governments that will place them as treacherous. So the film is very antiwar and always have a great message that every person in the world must practice.
The cast is great and i think is not very easy to make a film about this difficult theme and all the actors and actresses are just perfect. And the cinematography is just amazing with some of the most memorable scenes that i have seen on a film, specially every time we can see how close is the border between this two countries. Also i think the very last photography is very beautiful showing the four "brothers" before the tragic story. And i read that it is impossible to film in the Joint Security Area so they create a perfect replica for the film so is also a very valuable thing.
Conclusion: watch this excellent film, it was the biggest success in the history of Korean cinema and is another great film by the great Chan-wook Park. 9.5 out of 10
DVD: the last year the company Quality Films released in Mexico the collection "Cinema Xtreme: Asian Series", with a lot of excellent films including this one. I own like 4 films of this collection and are just great, with few but good bonus material. The only bad thing is the package of this DVD that is not as good as the rest of the collection and i don't know why. Anyway is excellent that we can enjoy this films in Mexico.
The plot of this film, directed by Chan-wook Park before his great and famous "Vengeance trilogy", involve one of the most difficult themes for the two Koreas and a tragic and touching story about friendship set in an absurd thing called war. The storyline is perfect and very touching, first it seems to be a story about mystery involving a murderer but later with the flashbacks it turns into a story full of humanity in which the protagonists are afraid to tell the truth thanks to the assured reaction of their governments that will place them as treacherous. So the film is very antiwar and always have a great message that every person in the world must practice.
The cast is great and i think is not very easy to make a film about this difficult theme and all the actors and actresses are just perfect. And the cinematography is just amazing with some of the most memorable scenes that i have seen on a film, specially every time we can see how close is the border between this two countries. Also i think the very last photography is very beautiful showing the four "brothers" before the tragic story. And i read that it is impossible to film in the Joint Security Area so they create a perfect replica for the film so is also a very valuable thing.
Conclusion: watch this excellent film, it was the biggest success in the history of Korean cinema and is another great film by the great Chan-wook Park. 9.5 out of 10
DVD: the last year the company Quality Films released in Mexico the collection "Cinema Xtreme: Asian Series", with a lot of excellent films including this one. I own like 4 films of this collection and are just great, with few but good bonus material. The only bad thing is the package of this DVD that is not as good as the rest of the collection and i don't know why. Anyway is excellent that we can enjoy this films in Mexico.
Good movie, but no masterpiece here
sprayeddog25 October 2004
Warning: Spoilers
I'm not a Korean, but I do have a pretty good understanding of the historical background between the N and S Korea. That said, I didn't try to watch this movie as an historical evaluation piece. I went in with the mindset of watching an movie.
With that mindset, I'd say this is a pretty good movie. Is it a masterpiece though, well, unfortunately no.
This movie has a military investagation - i.e. one of those 'who did it?' or 'what really happened?' plot. I guess you could call it a 'military mystery' movie. This mystery started up pretty interesting with the the 'extra bullet' setup, but with all the buildup throughout the entire movie you kindda expect more. And when the cat's finally out of the bag you kindda go "Huh? That was it?!"
There's good acting from all 4 Korean soldiers, while I think the acting from the female investigator's not as strong in comparison. Which is not to say it's weak acting ... but relative to the 4 actors it was lacking. The role almost spells out "Demi Moore from A Few Good Men" and in this case, the performance's far inferior to Moore's ... which probably isn't a fair comparison though.
The performance by the 4 actors' so good it made you believe in the friendship between those 4 soldiers. And because of that **SPOILER AHEAD** it makes you question why did the S. Korean soldier shoot one of the N Korean soldiers. At least if the movie went in a little more depth on the psychological state of the soldier to explain why he took 8 shots at his 'friend' while just taking a single shot towards that N. Korean superior would help.
Furthermore, after his fellow N Korean comrade was killed by 8 shots, it becomes impossible to justify Sgt Oh's action of protecting his S.Korean new friends, instead finding justification for the death of his N Korean comrade. It just isn't human nature.
And I can never understand why the other S. Korean soldier (sorry but I'm poor with names) would commit suicide by jumping off the building, especially when it's later revealed he didn't kill anybody.
All plots have flaws. But when this is movie based upon conflict of loyalty towards your country and friendship, a flaw in that coarse of action leaves a big question mark on the main plot of this movie.
It's a beautifully filmed movie, and is an interesting mystery with a smart setup. It just fell short of a masterpiece with a few significant flaws that are simply anti-human nature. That said, it's still a movie I'd recommend to spend the time and money on.
3.5 stars / 5.
With that mindset, I'd say this is a pretty good movie. Is it a masterpiece though, well, unfortunately no.
This movie has a military investagation - i.e. one of those 'who did it?' or 'what really happened?' plot. I guess you could call it a 'military mystery' movie. This mystery started up pretty interesting with the the 'extra bullet' setup, but with all the buildup throughout the entire movie you kindda expect more. And when the cat's finally out of the bag you kindda go "Huh? That was it?!"
There's good acting from all 4 Korean soldiers, while I think the acting from the female investigator's not as strong in comparison. Which is not to say it's weak acting ... but relative to the 4 actors it was lacking. The role almost spells out "Demi Moore from A Few Good Men" and in this case, the performance's far inferior to Moore's ... which probably isn't a fair comparison though.
The performance by the 4 actors' so good it made you believe in the friendship between those 4 soldiers. And because of that **SPOILER AHEAD** it makes you question why did the S. Korean soldier shoot one of the N Korean soldiers. At least if the movie went in a little more depth on the psychological state of the soldier to explain why he took 8 shots at his 'friend' while just taking a single shot towards that N. Korean superior would help.
Furthermore, after his fellow N Korean comrade was killed by 8 shots, it becomes impossible to justify Sgt Oh's action of protecting his S.Korean new friends, instead finding justification for the death of his N Korean comrade. It just isn't human nature.
And I can never understand why the other S. Korean soldier (sorry but I'm poor with names) would commit suicide by jumping off the building, especially when it's later revealed he didn't kill anybody.
All plots have flaws. But when this is movie based upon conflict of loyalty towards your country and friendship, a flaw in that coarse of action leaves a big question mark on the main plot of this movie.
It's a beautifully filmed movie, and is an interesting mystery with a smart setup. It just fell short of a masterpiece with a few significant flaws that are simply anti-human nature. That said, it's still a movie I'd recommend to spend the time and money on.
3.5 stars / 5.
Disappointing
Wetbones1 December 2003
I watched SYMPATHY FOR MR. VENGEANCE a few months ago and absolutely loved it. Brilliant visuals, great acting and the story really moved me. So of course I was curious about what else director Chan-wook Park had done. I decided I would pick up his earlier film "JSA - Joint Security Area" at the first chance I'd get.
However, the film turned out to be a total disappointment. Yes, there were a few brilliant visuals but this time around I just didn't care for any of the characters. I get the impression that the film is supposed to be suspenseful but for me it was mostly boring. The film was a huge hit in Korea so I assume that if you are more familiar with the real life political issues addressed in JSA it plays better. SYMPATHY FOR MR. VENGEANCE certainly tells a much more universal story that could happen everywhere in the world...
JSA is not a terrible film but nowhere near the brilliance of SYMPATHY FOR MR. VENGEANCE.
However, the film turned out to be a total disappointment. Yes, there were a few brilliant visuals but this time around I just didn't care for any of the characters. I get the impression that the film is supposed to be suspenseful but for me it was mostly boring. The film was a huge hit in Korea so I assume that if you are more familiar with the real life political issues addressed in JSA it plays better. SYMPATHY FOR MR. VENGEANCE certainly tells a much more universal story that could happen everywhere in the world...
JSA is not a terrible film but nowhere near the brilliance of SYMPATHY FOR MR. VENGEANCE.
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