The Case of Itaewon Homicide (2009)

Based on a true tale, 'The Case of Itaewon Homicide' is a chilling movie. It is so realistic and well-made that you would want to believe that it's the real footage of the whole case that you're watching. Why the hell didn't I watch this sooner? It was so engrossing that I didn't even move for its entire duration. I was almost biting my nails all the way through the end.

This movie has no romance and happy moments in it. It is tense when it begins and remains that way till the end. The direction of this movie is absolutely brilliant and the writing is top notch. The supporting cast was probably not as good as the main leads but both Jang Geun Suk and Jeong Jin Yeong were terrific in their performances. Jang Geun Suk was creepy and hot at the same time in this movie. This has to be his best performance till date.

Overall, it delivered excellently. In spite of being tragic and having a dark theme, it made me smile several times. There were great arguments and defenses put forth while the oppositions accused each other. It was IMPOSSIBLE to figure out the answer. I admire the prosecutors and defendants. I think we almost always forget how difficult their profession is and this movie reminds you just that.

I googled and was surprised to find out that after this came out, the victim's families actually appealed for a re-trial of the case. I can see why. It does provoke that thought in you. Kudos to the director!

I will most definitely watch this movie again because it was so enjoyable. It also has great score in the background. It has never a dull moment and remains consistent. Give this a try if it sounds like it's the genre for you. I totally one hundred percent recommend it.

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Since this movie is based on a real life case, I had to gain some knowledge before watching this movie.
All in all, I think the writers, producers, directors, and actors did a wonderful job in the retelling of this story. As I am aware that all movie interpretations of real life stories tend to exaggerate the story for dramatic purposes but regardless I think this movie did justice for the case. The case was reopened since the release of this movie and new details has surfaced along with progress of a possible conviction.

I came for Jang Geun Suk but stayed for the suspense of the outcome. The main cast, which I am calling the Korean cast, did a wonderful job and the secondary cast, which I am calling the American cast, did a good job. If I had to grade the American cast, I would give them a B- because they did a better job then any other inexperienced American actor in a Korean film or drama. This is my opinion but I will go as far as saying "Trust me, you will feel the same way"

The directional pace of the movie was on point. It grabbed your attention from the very beginning and kept it to the very end. The cinematography was dark, creepy and emotional. I don't have anything bad to say about this movie. It's a must see especially if you want to see Jang Geun Suk play out of his usual character. It took me a moment to get use to seeing him in some cornrows (braids) and speaking English but he was HAWT nonetheless :)

Also if you are wondering why I scored a 7 on the music score and 6 on rewatch value, it's only because I don't remember the score because I was to involved with the movie and I rarely rewatch movies unless a few years go by.

The only complaint I do have is since there are new changes to the case there should be an addendum to the ending credits. If there is a re-release of a DVD version, then I stand corrected.

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