The Berlin File

I was actually quite impressed by this film, probably since it caught me off guard. Because Korea comes out with some good and even great films but just not so much when it comes to action movies. Maybe just few. This is actually a really good action popcorn flick that is entertaining and enthralling most of the way through. It felt like it blends elements from the "Bourne" films but has enough of it's own elements to be it's own film. The actors in this is just fantastic with their roles. Ha Jung-Woo has really worked himself up to becomes one of the top stars of Korea. He may not be the best looking lead actor in movies but that is why his characters are more believable, plus he is a good actor and charismatic as well. Ryoo Seung-Bum is the show stealer in this film and just about every scene he is in is chilling and also entertaining to watch. Han Suk-Kyu is basically Han Suk-Kyu in just about every movie he is in. But he usually fits the role and he fits right in with this one as well. Gianna Jun is also in this but her role could have been played by almost anyone. This film is probably even good enough to go toe to toe with some Hollywood action movies. Even the fight sequences are second to none because it has that "Bourne" movie vibe going for it but it's not all choppy and crap. Even if few action parts doesn't make much sense. You can actually see everything that is going on. Overall if you like Korean films and also action movies than check this one out. If not, just check it out anyways.

7.8/10

This spy movie had me on the edge of my seat many times. This is a good fast-paced action, thriller, and drama with subtitles. The fight scenes were excellent, the stunt driving was top-notch; there was so much that was great about this movie. What I found so refreshing in this Korean movie, was the lack of blood and gore that Hollywood uses by the truckload. The subtitles sometimes moved too fast though.

Ten lines of text about a movie is too much to say about a movie especially since one will give spoilers away. I choose not say what is in the movie but to say it was good. If one knows ahead of time what one will see then it will no longer be a surprise. That is wrong with all of the movie trailers because they give the movie away before we even pay to see it.

What do you get when you mix the Bourne movies with a North/South Korean spy story? This film.

A North Korean spy in Berlin finds himself in a whole world of trouble, involving betrayal and lots of action. The complicated story is something that makes sense for a political based spy thriller, but can get pretty convoluted at times. I would say that I know more about North/South Korean relations than there average person, and i'm no expert, but I still found myself lost at times. Lot's of different characters interact and double cross and it can be hard figuring out who wants what and who did what. But I think at the end of the film I kind of got the main idea. I can certainly see this being a problem with some audiences.

The action is this is pretty great. The fights and shootouts are tightly shot and well directed, making it feel like a Hollywood film, in a good way. Nothing feels cheap or cheesy. It's gritty and hard hitting, just how I like my action.

I guess at the end of the day, there was just something missing for me. I can't quite pinpoint it, which is useless in terms of me giving a clear opinion in this review, but I can't help it. I enjoyed it, but I don't know if it's under rated and recommendable in the way that a film like The Man From Nowhere is. Perhaps the confusing plot just kind of took me out and had me less connected, leading to the big twists being less hard hitting. Either way, I would say watch this if you're up for the challenge or figuring out a highly political and twisting plot. It's entertaining and well made, which is great to see. It also sets itself up for a sequel, which would be interesting to see. Another example of good Korean film making.

The story and setting is believable enough; the action scenes are also well enough to pass the test. Still, the able Korean cast is put against a 2nd rate European cast which pulls this movie down. The dialog in English and German is just sad; Not speaking Korean, I hope the Korean part was better. There was some nice location and camera work involved. So all in all: bad movie that is entertaining. Do see this movie, but do not expect a masterpiece; just relax and enjoy the action (and keep up with who is who, from where and where). If only they could have contracted a German or American top actor; if only they secured some Berlin money in exchange for some shots of that beautiful city. I smell a Hollywood remake (which will be better).

I'm always surprised that other people are surprised that South Korea is capable of delivering good action movies. The action scenes/stunts from this movie alone put some American movies to shame! There is almost an insanity to some of them, but it comes across as really well executed (no pun intended).

Having said that, what I also like about movies from Korea, is their ability to make you invest into characters, while simultaneously keeping them mysterious or at least in grey areas as well. What is good and who is bad, could be a question, but what would be the answer? If you'd be able to answer that of course. Not all movies work with that formula, but this particular one does. You might have to wrap your head around this, so it might take a few minutes to get who is who and doing what, but once you are there (without the movie patronizing you), you will be able to really enjoy this