This review may contain spoilers
needs warnings but loved it
First I want to talk about how this movie needs a few warnings, because there are things in here such as sexual assault that can affect people. Maybe you're casually looking for something to see, find this movie and think it'll be fun but it's not like that 100%. It has such laughable scenes, but it has triggering scenes too. This is not to criticize the movie, I loved it. Just would love to see more movies writing warnings so people don't get triggered while trying to see something new and fun.Now, the movie. I laughed, got emotional and fristrated. It makes you feel like you're in a rollercoaster of emotions.
Really liked that the main character knew what he wanted for himself since the very beginning, that helped to know who he was without further introduction to his life and gave the main focus to the general plot of the film. Sometimes they focus too much on the main character own story and the focus of the real plot is missed.
He just wanted to have fun at the very beginning and I was worried because of that. It's not a job to just have fun, you're watching over serial killers or assaulters. But then he started to like it and ended doing it for the wellbeing of others.
I could relate to that a bit. Liking your job and doing it for others is what I feel as a nurse.
Thank you to every character in this movie, specially to Jungdo. Thanks Woobin for bringing him alive. He's my one and only actor and I would love to spend hours just watching or listening to him. Really liked how he did every fight, he's such a talented actor (and person) that I admire. Can't wait to see more of him.
Was this review helpful to you?
EASY 10!
Jason Kim, you have done it again.I knew from the moment this movie’s description said “Jason Kim director of Bloodhounds” that this must be just as good. AND DAMN I WAS RIGHT!!!
Kim Woobin fits these type of roles so well, from Black Knight to Officer Black Belt, truly an amazing performance.
Now the thing that roped me in was the plot, and I genuinely have no complaints against this movie. It was entertaining, it was emotional, it had likeable characters (the good ones ofc lol), and above all, the friendships that bloomed and the character development was beautiful. Kim Woobin’s character went from being a little immature and seeking fun in everything and never being serious, to opening a whole new dark world and inevitably getting sucked into it. Its easy to immediately seek out justice once you see what horrible stuff goes on behind closed doors.
Now that everything is coming out in Korea about CP distribution, SA’s and offenders not being properly prosecuted, I feel like this was a perfect movie to come out right now. Maybe it’ll make people of Korea watch this and realise how disgusting and very real these situations are.
Certain scenes were hard to watch since they didn’t censor how disgusting these cases can get, but thankfully it was never cruelly or gruesomely depicted as for example ‘Silenced’ movie did.
So, it’s own level of graphic will make you cry or atleast make you sick to your stomach.
I haven’t watched a movie in one sitting in a while, this was an amazing watch. I truly recommend it! But as always with these type of movies, be careful watching it and make sure you’re in the right headspace to do so.
Amazing movie!
Was this review helpful to you?
simple but works
i am so glad that kim woobin is healthy,, and starred in this film about catching predators. he filled the role of righteous cop, perfectly. for a second, i forgot that i was watching a character. the biggest complaint i have about this film is that it is maybe too long. it takes some time to warm up to the characters since it's so action packed.if you're triggered by SA, including every mention of SA then this film isn't for you.
Was this review helpful to you?
it's really worth of watching. Awesome movie
I really loved the movie so much. it's been long time I gets excited. it's really cool movie ?. ?Was this review helpful to you?
I knew nothing about the probationary periods and ankle tags and now I know some information, something we should all learn about. The action was great.
We learn a little of what the job entails then moves to a bigger case that is challenging
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
A solid watch
Officer Black Belt, billed as an action comedy, is the latest in Netflix catalogue of movies from South Korea. It follows the 'adventures' of a martial arts - sports enthusiast as he volunteers for a position on the parole officers team.Clocking in just under two hours, the movie aims to be a coming-of-age story covering a fair bit of ground as the protagonist matures over the course of a few weeks on the job. It is medium paced with very few boring or dragging sequences and the earnest performances by the cast - including the bad guys - hold the viewers attention admirably.
I'll start with the bad with is not too many
1. The screenplay is a little immature. The bad guys are purely evil and the good guys are completely good. There are no grey characters.
2. Our hero is an epitome of all values - best friend, honest worker, upright citizen, filial son, never doubts himself or others, eminently likable etc etc. The only slight 'flaw' - if you can even call it that - is that he wants his job to 'fun' but this quirk is written out very quickly.
3. Lee Jung Do looks a little old for the part - keeping the ages of his friends in mind he should probably be in early-mid twenties but he looks older. And you start to question why this older dude is living with his dad and having his dad prepare meals for him.
4. The tone of the movie shifts from goofy, cute, buddy cop story to dark quite suddenly. In the second half the movie is darker and then abruptly there's a goofy sequence where the hero's friends buy equipment.
5. The bad guy is 'boss - like' invincible. He just doesnt die or even break after a savage beating. After a point, it gets annoying to see the protagonist unable to prevail during the fights.
6. Some might find the action sequences to be a little longer than necessary - I did. There are four major fight sequences. At least 5-6 mins could have been cut down to reduce viewer fatigue.
7. Keeping the subject in mind, I would not classify it as a comedy though there are a few light-hearted scenes. Dont go in expecting to laugh.
The good
1. The movie has its heart in the right place. it tackles the very serious issue of law enforcement unable to 'act' against paedophiles, quite hampered by the laws. This is probably the same situation in most countries around the world and you can feel the frustration of the characters when they are helpless.
2. It never gets into 'exploitation' by having gratuitous scenes of sexual assault. There is one sequence but it is filmed well, so the character was never even in the same frame as the other guys. The movie makes you uncomfortable but to provoke righteous anger not titillate.
3. There is no romance forced in. It would have been completely out of place given the story.
4. For an action movie the action takes a while to start. On the bright side, when it does, it is brutal. The scenes are shot well.
5. Everyone has performed acted very well. Lee Jung Do could have been corny but he comes across as likable and reliable, the sort of guy you'd want to be best friends with. Lee Hyun Kul is one of the scariest characters on-screen at the moment, a proper evil character. He did so well, that I felt bad for him to have to play the villain.
In all it is a solid watch and will stay with you for some time.
Was this review helpful to you?
Black belt officer
First of the storyline is amazing. Its deals with the situation our world is suffering from. The actor’s acting skills are on the top. The martial art skills used in this movie are amazing. If u like thriller crime and action you would surely love this movie. I’m inlove with this movie. ???✨Was this review helpful to you?
"I want to do everything in my power. No regrets."
I am one of those people who thought this was a kdrama, and when I finished this movie, I STILL think it should've been a kdrama.I was so intrigued by Kim Woobin's character, his friends, his boss and the people that surround him at work---I wanted to know their stories, their families, motivations and how they, too, might continue to inspire others. This is one of the major themes of the movie, which inspires us to find intention in what we do as a living beyond the simple happiness we might find from it. Because the one thing that transcends happiness is the ability to share the pouring passion from your heart and watch as this passion transfers and glows in someone else. Thanks to Officer Jeongdo's dad for that, by the way. Their scenes together as father and son made me cry.
As a sucker for action films, this definitely reached my expectations and I was excited to see how he combined moves from his holy trinity black belts in taekwondo, judo, and kendo. The action scenes were well-orchestrated and made it believable enough that he could take down tens of men at a time.
Now, the surface issue is presented as monitoring ex-convicts with ankle monitors for any suspicious activity, and to especially be on high alert for those with a high chance of committing the same crime. The deeper issue tackles at Korea's criminal justice system, which gives out way too generous sentences for serial rapists and rapists, period. 20 years for permanently damaging 15 children's lives really made me scoff.
But it's true, this is happening as we speak and it's important movies and dramas like this have been bringing light to the issue----recently No Way Out has done it as well. That's why I thought the movie deserved more storytelling that could possibly dive not just into our beloved main characters' lives, but also the journey to combating the system.
That's enough of my spiel though, and my real review is that this was a fast-paced, heavy-themed, but motivational movie. It makes room for you to ponder these issues like I did, appreciate the amazing action performances, and grieve after being emotionally wrecked. The lighthearted comedic moments give you a little bandaid in-between. I love Kim Woobin's simple-minded character so much, even his life motto is so simple, which is to "have fun" at everything he does. And it's crazy how much character development we got from him in less than 2 hours, because beyond this "fun" bloomed his purpose to continue serving, saving, and inspiring.
Hats off to this amazing cast for bringing this movie to life.
Was this review helpful to you?
Kim Woo Bin is back!
I’m glad I finally decided to watch this, it’s good to see KWB back on screen, I prayed that he gets better & makes a comeback. This movie aside from his upcoming series with Suzy are my much awaited projects.This could easily be turned into a series meaning it’s that good in my opinion. Emotions are all there happiness, laughter, sorrow, anger, love for family & friends, and so forth.
All cast did magnificent, it may be too gory for some but I’ve always enjoyed anything crime related, and this is quite a sensitive issue that involves minors, and has been really a problem not just in Korea. It was intense, but at the same time I felt every emotion in this movie.
if you have the time I hope you give it a try and watch it for yourselves. Good job KWB!
Was this review helpful to you?
Esta wena pero no taanto
PARA EMPEZAR: Vi esta película con mi mamá y me pareció entretenida para tomar tecito en la tarde, pero a los días se me olvido que existía hasta que la vi acá asi que toco darle una review. >>•1.Este drama es la típica peli que está en Netflix sobre gente peleando con personas malas y pues senti que era una más del montón, lo que me llego a atrapar en algunos momentos fue el tema que aborda la película pero más de eso no me llamo la atención.
•2.La actuación del policía estubo buenisima (el poli tmb aajekek) y pues estuvo muy wuapo asi que le doy mas estrellas, agregaré que me encanto el cambio de look que le dieron al protagonista porque el pelo que llevaba antes no me gustaba nada la verdad (ahora si esta bien wapote).
•3.Respecto a la trama, no me pareció nada mal y me hizo encariñarme con algunos personajes, me gusto que el protagonista cuando veía a alguien en problemas no dudaba en ayudarlo. No me arrepiento de verla, byebye.
...
La recomiendo? Maso (recomendaria otras)
La volvería a ver? Nop
7-8/10
Was this review helpful to you?
Passion is what we need.
It is definitely 8.5 .It starts with a very fun premise with a lot of trigger warnings that I can digest.For a person who seeks for crime solving dramas and a lot of action,I think you will definitely suck up this one.It has lot of emotions and a lot of dark theme despite being a light hearted base to the characters.I loved it,in such kind of movies-i prefer to ignore plotholes even though there is a lot because I got the main idea iterated by the movie.-1.5 is because of a weak wrap.Like,sure it is good but it would have been better if the plot extended or added an element that would have completed the story.I know every single life is important but to save a single little girl child there was only one policeman fighting for life.While two other lives was hanging by thread because thugs created a diversion.I know it might happen in real life and it does but then no normal citizens throw their life to save lives and in this movie there are four.So yes ,it wants to take a realistic approach but failed because of the famous “ragtag group takes down the criminals” troupe.So,setting aside all these plotholes ,this was definetely a must watch for me.Was this review helpful to you?
