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This movie feels like 2 movies. The first part is a comedy about N Korean spies in S Korea. The second part is a protracted martial arts fighting show. The second part felt over long. The movie would have been better if it was shorter and more focused. A Kim Soo Hyun vehicle and the contrast between the idiot and the spy is quite good. This movie doesn't have the broad appeal to go past Koreans and die hard fans of Korean movies.

Another great film from South Korea. I've said this so many times before and every film I watch, proves my point: the South Korean films are very unpredictable. Most Hollywood films follow a set recipe, but South Korea doesn't and that's why I love their films so much.

Once again - as with so many other Korean films - characters are introduced in a comedic fashion. Only, here it is understandable, as our hero Won Ryoo-hwan is a spy acting as an idiot, Gong-du. I thoroughly enjoyed this humor, but all along one senses there lies so much more beneath the humor. There's also sadness, as Won longs for his mother, and his comrade longs for his family - not knowing their fate.

Just over the halfway mark, the film drastically changes direction to become an action-packed thriller. There's quite a few twists as the film bulldozes its way to the climax that will leave you sitting pondering the ending. As I said, Korean films are very unpredictable...

My only complaint during the final scene was that some of the guards were just standing there with nothing to do whilst the main guys were fighting. These guys are also special forces, yet they have no weapons?? Their mission was to terminate the spies, so why didn't they bring along guns and just shot them? Why the hand to hand combat? I found this purely for the sake of the thrill and suspense of it, but was too Hollywood cliched. Apart from that, this is an awesome, beautifully made film. Oh, and Granny is such a sweet character! I absolutely loved her.

There are some great parts to this film, and there is some strong craft at work, but as a whole, the film suffers from imbalance and then struggles to maintain pace.

What starts off as ostensibly a comedy changes its genre completely by the middle. Whereas there are attempts at silly humor for the early going, they are dropped completely in favor of the action/intrigue aspect before too long. It's very strange to be halfway through and remember the early tones of the story, now all but forgotten.

There are strong points: the photography is great; the fight scenes are good (too many cuts, but still good); the philosophical struggle the characters face is well-drawn.

There are also some low points, but overall the film I'd say is worth watching - just be ready for two different halves.

to be honest I never cried that much for a movie. this movie is outstanding. At the beginning the movie could appear long but when you get to the middle, you are just in it. All the action is really good. A lot of people said it was long, but not for me. I strongly recommend it. seriously. really inspiring. I cry every time I think of the movie. Watch the movie till the End! Kim Soo Hyun was srly the best. He has really good acting skills. It gave me goosebumps. The story line is a bit complicate at the beginning but at the End you understand everything. If you are very emotional, this movie is for you (might need tissu boxes)! Well watch the movie till the End. seriously it's really good:)

I think this movie is great and well-balanced. The first halve is funny and entertaining while the second halve has more actions and tear breaking. At the beginning, the story is very entertaining with lots of funny parts and then gradually moved into a more heavy section in the middle of the movie. The turning point was written in a smooth way. It does not make you feel odd. All the action scenes are gorgeous and well-designed.

The scenes are really beautiful and the acting of the 3 main characters are awesome especially the main character played by Kim Soo Hyun. He needed to act as an idiot and also a very cool spy at the same time in this movie. It's not an easy task but this actor nails it. The audiences can see and feel that he had put tonnes of effort in preparing for this role, especially the way that he trained his body in such a perfect shape. The face and body of Mr. Kim Soo Hyun would remind you the image of Bruce Lee.

It's definitely worth to watch. I would recommend it to all my friends.