Politically, psychologically, and aesthetically schizophrenic.
Joint Security Area(공동경비구역 JSA)
✭ ✭ ✭ Read critic reviews
Korea · 2000
1h 50m
Director Park Chan-wook
Starring Lee Byung-hun, Song Kang-ho, Lee Young-ae, Kim Tae-woo
Genre Action, Drama, Thriller, War
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In the DMZ separating North and South Korea, two North Korean soldiers have been killed, supposedly by a South Korean soldier. But found on the scene are 16 bullets when the assassin’s gun should hold 15 bullets. A neutral party comes to investigate, suspecting that there has been a cover-up.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
The New York Times by Dana Stevens
This warm, sorrowful film plays like a downbeat variation on an old World War II picture from Hollywood.
Christian Science Monitor by David Sterritt
Suspenseful and psychologically rich.
Despite its merits, is neither an art movie nor an out-and-out, propulsive actioner like "Shiri."
TV Guide Magazine by Maitland McDonagh
A blockbuster hit in Korea, Park's feature debut is a beguiling mix of the generic and the unfamiliar, and it ends on a shot that's nothing short of heartbreaking.
The new English track is predictably clumsy, but the story and images overcome it.
Scenes of the probe are less successful. They feel contrived, and actress Lee Yeong-ae is not especially effective as Major Jang.
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