Mok-gyeok-ja

This is not the best thriller/suspense movie i have ever seen but it is pretty decent. The man playing the witness did an excellent job potraying the anxiety filled feelings and emotions of a witness. The movie had a few flaws here and there but overall it is a good movie to watch although it goes on a relatively slower pace.

It is easy to say what one would do. Like if you and Hitler were alone in a room and no repercussions to be followed no matter what you do. In this case, let's say you witness something (hence the title), what would you do? There is a right thing to do and I understand if some people may feel no sympathy for the main character. But if you indulge and accept that flaw, you will see quite a suspensful movie, that works on many levels.

Because apart from a thriller, it is also a social commentary. It is what most people are probably doing and what effect this can have on others. It's not easy doing the right thing, it takes courage. Of course as mentioned not just the main character is flawed, but also the movie itself. But while it is not perfect it is entertaining and might be able to give you food for thought too

If there was ever a character that I wished would be murdered it is the main protagonist of this movie. Along with many of the other tenants. Gutless, spineless simpering coward. OMG how I wanted him to die.

This movie really made me uncomfortable. How can people be like this? Sadly this actually probably reflects reality more than our average heroic Hollywood movie.

I'm not saying that "Mok-gyeok-ja" ("The Witness") is a must-see, but it does does tick off a few boxes that makes it worthwhile. Suspenseful? Check. Twists? Check? Deliciously violent? Check. Good acting and cinematography? Check. What are it's weak points? Mainly character development. The lead guy, the father, is the most spineless, ball-less coward under the sun, but at the end, suddenly grows a pair so large his gonads are the size of basketballs. Completely implausible. The filmmakers tried but the development was just uneven. Still, given the very nice ending, I do recommended this film.

The movie is well made technically but the characters are acting in unrealistic, unrelatable and implausible ways from beginning to end. Maybe if you can suspend disbelief you'll be able to enjoy it, but unfortunately I couldn't.