Ri-eol

I saw a scene from this movie while surfing on instagram, I was intrigued. Doing research beforehand I was informed what this movie was made of and was excited to see a mpvie where I, the viewer would have to dissect this story and put the pieces together. Watching the movie I was thoroughly impressed by the beautiful design of this futuristic world, and the performances given by this incredibly talented cast. I also appreciated that this film has its own genre and cannot simply classified as Action, Noir, etc. The plot was very interesting and perfect for the psychological roller coaster that this movie went for. However there were things I did not appreciate. Again, I loved dissecting this film and analyzing this plot, however it comes to the point where the director, a young director, was simply making certain aspects complex, for the sake of being complex. Much like a young musican may write highly complex and dazzling compositions to impress a crowd. The movie lacked substance, or that which makes the beautiful art of film thrive. Leaving out certain key bits of information are great for leaving the audience in limbo until it is revealed which will relieve them. However i disagree with the directors choice to hold everything back. Some of the characters have unknown origins or motives, which causes the audience to have a lack of connection to said character. Why havent we addressed clearly who are the rivaling parties? To simply address them briefly in conversation takes away from the effect of the film and added suspense and tension that could have been utilized. Hopefully this young hotshot director will grow and use his talent to write complex, unique stories to write with much more substance.

The plot is confusing and a mess however, every single action sequence in this movie is fast-paced, fluid, intense, and beautifully shot. It kind of has a John Wick-esque to it. It is visually stunning. But the one who carries the film is definitely the main character, actor Kim Soo Hyun. His performance is nuanced enough to elevate the film, and he is able to eliminate the image of an innocent good guy from his previous works such as My Love from Another Star. Kim Soo Hyun does not deserve the critique he gets, he should instead be applauded for his performance.

Despite the cinematography is quite amazing, aesthetically-pleasing, catchy, kinda full of fun service, while it winks to Matrix's Neo, clothes and environments, to Polar and to John Wick or to the Pulp-genre, the movie doesn't deliver.

What's the first purpose of a film?

Telling a story, IMHO.

This movie failed completely as i still don't get a heck of the full plot an narrative. Literally, i didn't understand what's happened in the film.

So, if u wanna impress the audience, just by doing splendid frames and images, maybe a videoclip is more suitable.

To me, this film resulted only as a demonstration of technical ability, without a solid story, a smart editing, a clear core. Screenplay and storyboard are definitely too lacking to the point of no return, till the viewer is lost cos he doesn't get the story and the characters, not even in the end obviously. Narratively speaking it is a total mess, confused and bad developed. Also some non-sense planted randomly.

And it almost feels like this confusion and lacking in the storytelling are wanted: wanted to create sophistications, some sort of elegance and unpredictability.

Well, sorry, but no, it doesn't work this way. Trying to be vague, misterious, skipping to different times, with flashbacks, dreams and oneiric moments is not enough to deliver style and refinement.

U gotta have soul in what you are telling, you gotta win the heart of the audience and in order to do so, u gotta let them to identify, to be moved, to empathize with what you are presenting to them.

There can't be empathy, where comprehension can't lean and root.

Not even when your goal is to create something intimate, private or totally open to free interpretations. When u wish that, u still need to give a "key" of understanding for audience to interpret your creation by its own way.

Otherwise, it is just a showoff of cameras, shots and CG.

Not impressed by the acting also: it is okay, not great. Mainly cos the roles lack in deep characterization and motives and... again... it is a failure in the script.

Good soundtrack and sound editing, very bad volume mixing though.

A great pity, it could have been a big deal... it is not.

So, why two out of ten stars for this movie? Because the performances were really good so I had to give them that.

However, the story was ... hmm ... complicated. It didn't make sense most of the time and when it finally did, it just wasn't worth the two hours plus that were wasted watching it. Some of the mature scenes were, I guess, there to make it more edgy, but, for real, there were just unnecessary. The action scenes were okay and the visuals really nice, but they seemed to focus more on them than the story, which was just thinly spread through this lengthy film.

So, overall, two out of ten.

Movie's story line is complicated and tough. But kim soo hyun greatly acted two different role in this movie which was impressive! I become a fan after watching this.. But the movie is lacking in many ways. So if you want to watch Kim Soo Hyun's different side as a fan you can watch it. Not bad though!