The Spy Gone North (2018)
(Gongjak)
Country: KOR
Technical: col/2.35:1 137m
Director: Jong-bin Yoon
Cast: Hwang Jung-min, Sung-min Lee, Cho Jin-woong
Synopsis:
A South-Korean ex-soldier becomes a spy so that his country can find out more about the North's nuclear capabilities. He finds that there are politicians on both sides of the 38th Parallel who want the best for their people, and others that simply want to stay in power.
Review:
A film which rests on a paradox: spying, the most deceitful of occupations, nevertheless exposes greater deceits on the part of politicians, and allows a lasting friendship to be forged. In the best scene, the 'salesman' Black Venus exploits the venality of the North Korean leader, an instinct even more powerful than intimidation. Other moments are effective for their deployment of suspense, and there are disturbing glimpses of the fate of the North Korean peasantry. A compelling tale, brilliantly acted by Hwang, with a lot of detail to absorb early on. Though based on real events, it yields to sentimentality just a little at the end.
(Gongjak)
Country: KOR
Technical: col/2.35:1 137m
Director: Jong-bin Yoon
Cast: Hwang Jung-min, Sung-min Lee, Cho Jin-woong
Synopsis:
A South-Korean ex-soldier becomes a spy so that his country can find out more about the North's nuclear capabilities. He finds that there are politicians on both sides of the 38th Parallel who want the best for their people, and others that simply want to stay in power.
Review:
A film which rests on a paradox: spying, the most deceitful of occupations, nevertheless exposes greater deceits on the part of politicians, and allows a lasting friendship to be forged. In the best scene, the 'salesman' Black Venus exploits the venality of the North Korean leader, an instinct even more powerful than intimidation. Other moments are effective for their deployment of suspense, and there are disturbing glimpses of the fate of the North Korean peasantry. A compelling tale, brilliantly acted by Hwang, with a lot of detail to absorb early on. Though based on real events, it yields to sentimentality just a little at the end.
(Gongjak)
Country: KOR
Technical: col/2.35:1 137m
Director: Jong-bin Yoon
Cast: Hwang Jung-min, Sung-min Lee, Cho Jin-woong
Synopsis:
A South-Korean ex-soldier becomes a spy so that his country can find out more about the North's nuclear capabilities. He finds that there are politicians on both sides of the 38th Parallel who want the best for their people, and others that simply want to stay in power.
Review:
A film which rests on a paradox: spying, the most deceitful of occupations, nevertheless exposes greater deceits on the part of politicians, and allows a lasting friendship to be forged. In the best scene, the 'salesman' Black Venus exploits the venality of the North Korean leader, an instinct even more powerful than intimidation. Other moments are effective for their deployment of suspense, and there are disturbing glimpses of the fate of the North Korean peasantry. A compelling tale, brilliantly acted by Hwang, with a lot of detail to absorb early on. Though based on real events, it yields to sentimentality just a little at the end.