This war drama excels in its tense spy narrative and expertly directed action sequences but suffers from one-dimensional characterizations. A film is only as strong as its weakest link, and in the case of Operation Chromite the weakest link by far is Liam Neeson’s cringe-worthy dialogue, and indeed tortured performance, as General Douglas MacArthur [Read More]
People: Lee Beom-soo
Death Bell (고死: 피의 중간고사, 2008) review: classroom carnage in mid-term exams
Death Bell is unlikely to cause viewers to alter their list of the best ever Korean horror films. But its old-school feel combined with nods to more recent horror fare, alongside references to the pressures that Korea’s school system places on pupils, parents and teachers alike, make it a welcome addition to the genre. [Read More]
Wet Dreams (몽정기, 2002) review: adolescent awkwardness with innocence and heart
A coming-of-age comedy that approaches adolescent desire with warmth, humour and surprising innocence. Wet dreams blends familiar genre elements with genuine charm, playful innuendo and nostalgic honesty, standing apart from cruder sex comedies through its good-natured tone and affectionate look at youthful confusion. [Read More]