The Terror Live

"The Terror Live" is one prime example of how to make a riveting thrilling film seated in just one room. All the drama and action unfold inside one studio room where a news anchor is forced by a terrorist to fulfill his needs else he will blow up a bridge (which he actually does once to send his message out clear).

1.5 hrs and not a single dull moment. Performances by the lead is especially great. The ending kind of leaves you emotional. It leaves you thinking.

However, it is not perfect hence i reduced 2 stars. First, in the entire 1 hour there is no bomb squad which was talked about. Second, the entire story gets predictable very soon thanks to the terrorist revealing "why" he was doing such a thing. Third, never seen a police chief as dumb as the one shown in the film. A lot of events just happen without any reason which leaves several audience questions unanswered.

Nevertheless, this film is definitely for you if you love single room thrillers and if you can ignore the negatives.

The Terror Live is a very tight thriller in the best Korean tradition. It follows a former successful TV news anchor Yoon who has been demoted to a radio host. One day an upset caller threatens to blow up a bridge only to be dismissed, needless to say it was no mere idle threat and in a matter of seconds after the call is over a bridge does did explode.Thus begins a tense back and forth between Yoon and the terrorist while the nation watches in growing horror.

There are many good things going for this movie. The real time format never gives the viewer a break and the tension builds up to such a pitch as to be almost palpable. This comes across through the main's superb acting, the actor's voice and demeanor carry his distress as he scrambles for self-mastery in facing the cameras installed in his radio studio. What at first seemed like the chance of a lifetime as Yoon puts it, the perfect opportunity for going back to his television stardom, degenerates into a veritable nightmare on all fronts. Yoon pays greatly for his choice of exploiting the terrorist attack for his career.

It is interesting how The Terror Live focuses exclusively on domestic terror. The highly contentious neighbor country of North Korea is not even mentioned, the movie is firmly steeped in a South Korean reality through and through. The very premise of the media having such a swaying control fits well with South Korean society.

Strangely enough social media plays no part in this movie but it does feel very modern. The shooting style, with well thought out closeups to heighten intensity and almost exclusively centered on the studio, creates an atmosphere of claustrophobia.

This is a very Korean movie so one should expect a great blurring of the line between terrorism and highly corrupt authorities, there are no heroes here to speak of but the human element comes across through the haze of panic.

A few minor plot points keep this from reaching perfection but it is a remarkably well crafted movie and well worth watching. And it could happen in real life. Almost.

A pretty entertaining, tense thriller. My favorite thing about it was how the main character was sleazy and pretty unlikeable, though you still sympathized with his predicament. It started to get a bit silly and over-the-top by the end unfortunately. Korean films continue to be hard hitting and brutal in execution and style compared to American films, and this is most effective in movies like these.

The Terror Live is not a film Hollywood is capable of making these days. It is the type of introspective, awe inspiring work that was plentiful in the 70's, but with the control from corporate executives now, it no longer exists there. The movie doesn't follow a politically correct or stereotypical path that they find necessary for deep themes. And, it is a real shame that this class of film is absent in LA, because most Americans don't watch many foreign movies, plus the country has struggled with understanding certain important issues, like the one this film has.

The incredible picture will move an audience with the terror, but it is the dialogue that makes the insides jump. Quentin Tarantino would be envious of its quality. The terrorist, who begins by blowing up a bridge, speaks in short, simple bursts. His anger is palpable, as is his singular focus. The news personality, who tries to take advantage of the opportunity to speak to him, has ambitions that cloud his mind, but his strong will gains one's sympathies. Ha Jung-woo, known for his work in The Chaser and The Yellow Sea, as this radio talk show host, is able to show us the character's great difficulties in his bout to maintain his professionalism while he and his love are in danger. He provides a window into seeing that these media folk are real people whose emotions are forced to be controlled in the name of journalism or impartiality subtly with great skill. The terrorist desperately wants the former anchor to show that he doesn't share everyone else's apathy, as well as expose the corruption in the media and government. Their battle mainly takes place in words, which are the real ultimate weapon.

Kim Byeong-woo's direction is almost on par with his writing. That the cuts come quickly in some moments and don't make the viewer dizzy, is a testament to his discipline. He uses it to heighten the suspense, choosing precise times and interesting angles. His take with news footage and shots of TV's gives the spectator the feel of what this aspect of the world is really like; and, even more compellingly, his selection of the look behind cameras at a couple turning points is inspired.

The film starts out fast, making it captivating right away, but it is the second and ultimately the third act, that makes this movie so special. The places that it manages to go is amazing, and the ending will leave one breathless.

9.5/10

Well, this was fascinating! The film effectively demonstrates the power of the media - radio, in this instance. This was very realistic and suspenseful, and became more and more intriguing as it progressed. Some really good visuals as well, especially the awesome ending! Loved it!