The Berlin File

I must admit I'm not a big crime movie fan, but I really did enjoy this, despite the fact that it did get over-complicated at one stage. A spy agency suspects a mole within their Korean embassy in Berlin. Agent Pyo Jong-sung (Jung-woo Ha) gets even more suspicious when his wife's name (who also works for the agency) is mentioned in a video confession and suspected of leaking information. He then starts watching and following her. It gets incredibly interesting from here as they realize both of them were double-crossed and set-up, and must run for their lives. The fight scenes are incredible and the action sequences awesome! One particular scene with his wife on a ledge outside a building, and Pyo and a baddie stumbling through an apartment window was insanely well done as they plummet to the ground!

Being Korean, the film doesn't quite have the ending you'd expect, but the ending was truly spectacular. Oh, and I loved the music, as well.

just saw it. speechless! Taking Korean action film to the next level. Must see!! I am a big fan of Bourn series and 007 films.but I am not joking. this one is way better the plot and the acting hell of a movie Hope you guys can see it also I wish someday the director guy takes the next 007 film its a hell of a film man seriously. just watch it. whoooo a wtf this review thing! over ten lines? seriously. man Iam not writing a college essay here. give me a break why do i have to fill up all ten lines!! wtf wtf wtf anyway the movie is a masterpiece. none like the other you will be amazed by the escalated level of korean movies. best korean movie since the bittersweet life. wow man korean directors should be in Hollywood.

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.

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

The Berlin File is a combination of the serious and glamorised spy film strands. While on the one hand, its plot deals with contemporary issues and politics in a serious way, it also has several explosive action scenes. It's a terrific combination to be perfectly honest, both strands blend seamlessly into one and other. The plot-line is in fact pretty complex and convoluted so it is necessary to pay attention. In very brief summary it's about a botched arms deal that leads to civil strife between North Korean secret agents and ends up involving the South Koreans, the CIA, Mossad and the Arabs. That is of course a ludicrously simplified plot summary but there are too many twists and turns in this one to adequately describe without recourse to too much synopsis.

The characters are well drawn, particularly the two North Korean agents and their South Korean equivalent. They are convincing and strong anchors to base this story on. In fact seeing as this is a South Korean film it's nice to note that the hero of the piece is a North Korean agent. This adds an unusual subversion of expectations. The location for the film too has been specifically chosen. Berlin is the one European city that historically most clearly mirrors Korea. It was divided East and West like Korea is North and South, with one half capitalist the other communist. The old East Germany was very similar to North Korea. But irrespective of the politics, it's just a good idea in general to use a modern European city as the setting for an Asian action flick. It gives the whole thing a more original feel. Seeing the German location used as the battleground for intense Korean action sequences works really well. Those scenes are well worth waiting for. They are a combination of martial arts, gun fights and chases. They are all extremely well controlled and exciting.

The Berlin File is an excellent action flick with a lot in it that makes it feel fresh and vibrant. Definitely recommended.