London Korean Links

Covering things Korean in London and beyond since 2006

Open City (무방비 도시, 2008) review: striking visuals, but predictable crime plot and thin characterisation

Despite its high-end cinematography and contemporary soundtrack, this crime thriller is undermined by an unimaginative plot and cartoon-like characterisations. While Son Ye-jin provides a nuanced performance as a sharp-witted gang leader, the film’s reliance on melodrama, unbelievable character motivations, and repetitive action tropes prevents it from achieving any genuine emotional or narrative depth. [Read More]