Jo Pil-ho: Der Anbruch der Rache

And vice versa of course. Korean action cinema has brought us quite a few really great movies and even if you feel this is not as top notch as some of the other outputs, this is still above average to say the least. Walking on a thin line morally speaking and the main actor does a great job keeping us engaged.

The story holds up and you will like where this is going if you are invested as much as most viewers. It's more of a thriller, but the interesting characters and story development makes it feel more "action" based than it probably is. If you like good thrillers, you will like this

Movie buffs, all around the world will agree unconditionally to the fact that for the past two decades, the hardworking Korean cinema has carved a special respect in their hearts. Their unique treatment to their movies, literally stands apart among movies from lesser know countries on the world cinema map. In addition to their long list of impressive movies on the world stage, Akjilkyungchal is a new addition to the long list, that deserves all the attention. The movie may have a clichéd story and ordinary characters on the surface, but through the course of the film the very same characters laced with some hilarious black comical dialogues, pack a big punch to make the movie an enjoyable affair.

Cinematography is a hallmark for any Korean film and Akjilkyungchal is no exception. Screenplay and storyline is definitely inspired from movies all over the world but thanks to the director Jeong-beom Lee's vision, Akjilkyungchal becomes a different beast altogether and is quite different. Production design, music, costumes and makeup are very good. Editing might be a small letdown, as 126 minutes felt too long in my opinion. On the acting front, Sun-kyun Lee as the corrupt cop delivers a fine performance that is both entertaining and enjoyable, ably supported by other actors.

Overall, If you are a fan of Korean cinema or like cop dramas, Akjilkyungchal is a tailor made film for you. The movie is high on entertainment and is very enjoyable as the characters are extremely delightful, that you will love to see as a viewer. Akjilkyungchal on the whole is much more than a cop drama and a commercial cinema, that will stay inside the mind of the viewer for a long time. 7.1 stars out of 10 for refining a regular cliched story and selling the same to even the most seasoned movie buffs around the world.

Everyone is on the take in this Korea from the Chaebol, to government officials, cops and doctors. The 2014 MV Sewol ferry sinking serves as a backdrop for what the youth see as adult failure. Grab what you can and force deals as needed, nice guys are losers. The cop is caught in the middle as his own small scam intersects with a really big one. Some inventive fight scenes, the lead henchman is a terrific menace. The protagonist gets his redemption arc but all in all a grim story.

This movie definetly deserves more than 6.2 (at he the time of this review). It's an ok movie up to a certain point. Probably the first 2/3 of the movie. Then it gets better. The last scene "made me" rate this movie with an 8. The acting is great (this is obviously just my opinion)

The original title was Bad Police, but then changed to Jo Pil Ho: The Dawning Rage. I think this is a clever idea. It changes something that sounds generic into something more personal and intriguing.

Jo Pil Ho is a fascinating character. And Lee Sun Kyun did an amazing job portraying it. A dirty cop who is rude and always up to no good.

The writer also did an excellent job in building up Jo Pil Ho character. At first it was so easy to dislike him (which was intended to be) and as the story unfolded you will likely begin to root for him.

Nothing new with the story it self. But what makes this movie pops is you get the sense how realistic it is. It has realistic characters where they all are no saints. And realistic fight scenes where our protagonist were beaten countless times. This made me even more invested in the story.

One of minus point that i have to mention here is the unnecessary backstory of Sewol incident. It was a shame the writer seemed reluctant to dig deeper into this, using this tragic incident only for a decoration.