The Moon

The story revolves around Korea's second attempt at reaching the moon (in 2029) after a previous failed attempt.

This time, things don't go well either.. and one (incompetent?) man is left stranded and has to survive using the Moon resources until he is rescued. Solar flares, sudden meteor showers and many more can be expected. This is what Jay from RedLetterMedia would probably call "disaster porn".

I expected more of this film due to the quality levels of production and visuals. And seeing SO many 9 and 10 score reviews from accounts that have not reviewed anything else says a lot about it.

Personally, I found it completely devoid of charm, personality and lacking in engagement. Sure, lots of "things" happen and tension is almost always high (as with all space missions), but the slow pacing and dull developments make the 2-hour runtime almost a chore. Barely anyone stands out and there's no one to latch on to. Doesn't help that there's a lot of "Government involvement" that interferes as an extra layer of tedium, and the interpersonal interactions are very generic.

It's okay if you like space movies, but I was really bored the entire time.

Positives:

This movie deserves credit for its technical approach to the space science fiction genre, reminiscent of films like Gravity. It explores the complexities of spacecraft launches and lunar landings, albeit in a simplified and audience-friendly manner. The VFX and CGI are top-notch, successfully creating a visually immersive experience. These high production values ensure the film connects with a broader audience, even those not deeply familiar with space technology.

The imaginative depiction of futuristic space advancements-such as drones, live video broadcasts, and lunar gateways-is both fascinating and ambitious. While the technology showcased is far from reality, the speculative vision is commendable and could inspire upcoming innovations in space exploration.

Negatives:

However, the movie stumbles due to its overly dramatic screenplay. The plot is predictable, offering hints early on that "everything is going to be fine in the end." This lack of suspense undermines the tension and emotional investment that are critical for a gripping sci-fi narrative.

The film's pacing is another drawback. It moves too quickly, without allowing for "plot breaks" or moments of reflection. The relentless storytelling leaves no room for viewers to immerse themselves in the narrative fully. The background score, while extraterrestrial and sonically pleasing, is overbearing and constant, leaving little breathing space for quieter, introspective scenes.

The emotional elements feel forced and formulaic, as the movie leans heavily on familiar tropes found in other space mission films. This approach detracts from the unique technical aspects and makes the story feel repetitive and uninspired.

Final Verdict:

This film stands out as a good space sci-fi movie from Korean cinema, showcasing impressive visuals and imaginative concepts. However, its predictable narrative, rushed pacing, and overemphasis on drama prevent it from reaching the heights of genre-defining classics.

While it is worth a watch for its technical brilliance and futuristic imagination, there is a longing for a more nuanced and original approach in future entries from this genre.

A captivating drama awaits you, where tears will be shed throughout the entire movie. The story revolves around personal struggles, with almost every character experiencing their own emotional turmoil. However, be prepared for some characters who indulge in "crocodile tears" to provoke the viewers' emotions. This movie is not merely a film, but rather resembles a Korean funeral, where sorrowful cries resonate. After an hour of intense emotional rollercoaster, it is advisable to shield impressionable children from the screens, as their faces might be stained with tears for the entire week. However, like everything in life, moderation is key. While the cinematography is praiseworthy with skilled cameramen expertly maneuvering the camera to capture essential and even unessential moments, there were instances where their efforts became rather irritating.

I want to comment on the character of the main role as an astronaut. I think he is an astronaut who is not very smart and intelligent, and I don't see any professionalism in him in dealing with any incidents that might occur. I saw him as an astronaut who had just been trained yesterday. In my view, an astronaut will be quick to make brilliant decisions when faced with a situation or incident that shows his professionalism, but in this film the astronaut is not alert and actually thinks too late. Yes, even though I know this is a fiction film, not everything that happens in the film should have no logic. Throughout the film, the astronaut is not shown eating or drinking anything while on the moon to maintain his consciousness and health.

High level special effects, cinematography, sound, editing, art design, all wasted on a very cheesy script. Heart breaking, but it's impossible to have a good movie with such a poor script, no matter how good the other elements are. I won't give more details to avoid spoilers. I cannot even talk much about the acting, since the characters are so much stereotyped. It would be unfair to blame the actors, they did what their roles required, which wasn't much.

Having said that, it has some entretainment value, but better seen in a theater because of the visuals.

I am sure Korean cinema could do better on the writing side, having so many good ones in the last years.