Inside Men: The Original (2015)

Lee Byung-hun impressed me when I last time watched his action-thriller I SAW THE DEVIL, which happened to be one of the best South Korean films I had seen. Now he comes with NAEBUJADEUL, or better termed INSIDE MEN, a political crime drama/thriller which has plenty of material to keep you engrossed.

Not going into too much depth, I would just like to say that INSIDE MEN is really entertaining. For the first time I watched a 3 hours long movie with so much interest. Yes, it's the director's cut I watched. Long, but no dull moments. The performances of all actors, including my favourite Lee Byung-hun are excellent. He rightly won the best actor award for this movie.

The film's visuals need a special appreciation as we hardly come across political thrillers with good visuals. Surprisingly, INSIDE MEN has terrific visuals that keep you engaged. The story and screenplay are excellent, the dialogues are too good. The action scenes are well filmed and executed. Cinematography is top notch and many beautifully filmed shots will be in your mind forever.

Overall, INSIDE MEN is a political thriller which is highly recommended. Needless to say, South Korean filmmakers prove themselves great yet again.

Read More

A total first rate movie

I discovered this movie after I read a very comprehensive article on MDL from a fellow user.

I have always been very much interested in pieces that depict corruption and upper class ills that result in social tragedies. I find them intriguing and when they are done well, they usually become my favourite pieces of television and film in the end. I like them because these types usually present humans in their most empathetic that is :liable to make mistakes ,prone to corruptible personality elements and people that tragically get caught up or even worse ; giving into the throes of villainy. If you are like me and enjoy these aspects - then one can watch and perhaps endure this 3hr first rate movie called Inside Men.

Its title is practically the movie and its heroes are your anti heroes . No one is really good in this movie or pure as snow. The villains are particularly socially nasty and the protagonists are just looking to survive in the cut throat world that they find themselves in . Its got political aspects to it as well.

The acting was amazing especially from Lee Byung Hun whom I have just discovered and I am pleased to know that he made award history with his role scooping up three prestigious film awards in one season!Jo Seung Woo who was co lead came in with some slow burning pathos that blows you away in the end . Baek Yoon Shik also came in slow burning though that quickly turns to something seething. The crowning moment was definitely the acting.

Though the movie is quite nearly perfect- I do wish its dialogue was more quick , pregnant and pronounced to match with the overall quality of the movie. One does not go away with the idea that they have watched something profoundly dynamic but rather something flawless albeit with no charm.

Therefore - I would not be surprised if one may find this a watch like Argo also known as "this is a good movie that is also boring".Its the only film that comes to mind to explain this vibe. Some loooooooove Argo and others have misgivings . I hope you like Inside Men when you watch!

Read More