Although the story of the movie is exciting and a good watch, it's nothing new. I've seen movies previously with similar story lines, and have all been a good watch. However, what made The Con Artists so good was that it didn't have a single boring moment. Every scene had a reason behind it, and if any of it was cut out, some parts of the story would have been left unexplained. If you need a good action movie to watch, this movie is just perfect for you!
When it comes to actors, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. Kim Woo Bin isn't just popular for his good looks and stunning personality, he is, of course, a brilliant actor as well. His perception of Ji Hyuk was awesome, and his scenes in particular were my favourite. As for every other actor (Go Chang Seok, Lee Hyun Woo, Jo Yoon Hee, etc), their scenes were greatly acted out and I couldn't find a single flaw.
As I am writing this review, it's only been about an hour since I watched the movie. I know that in the movie, the soundtrack was superb, however, I don't really remember any of the tracks. The music is great, but none of the tracks are particularly memorable.
There is no way I would pass up a chance to watch this again. It's been a great film to watch, and I would so gladly go watch it again right now.
Overall, besides the soundtrack not being all that memorable and the story line not being very original, it's a splendid movie to watch, and I can guarantee that any fangirls who love heartthrob actors will enjoy this very much as Kim Woo Bin takes your heart away in a mere few seconds.
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This review may contain spoilers
Personally, I really like watching the kind of movies that are on the point of view of the bad guys, in this movie, Lee Jihyuk's. These kinds of movies lets us see a new version of the world in the fucked up misconceptions of a criminals mind. Sadly, though, The Con Artists wasn't that deep. Although the schemes were amazingly elaborate and well-thought of, it only surrounded on Lee Jihyuk's plan for revenge, and not much about his understanding of the world and why and how it affected his actions. Despite that, this movie is still a great watch. My expectations about these kinds of movies weren't met, but overall, it's still quite refreshing to watch. And here's why:STORY:
Well, it's pretty obvious that the storyline wasn't the most original. It has a pattern that is easily spotted in every crime movies(even books and series) like this. Backstabbing and double crossing is like a requirement in these kinds of movies that I was already expecting someone's was eventually going to double cross someone at the end. If you've watched the movie, it would already be obvious who's going to double cross who. There were also a lot of scenes that would give you hints about double crossing as well. BUT, what makes this still interesting is finding out the answers to the questions "How did he/she double cross him/her?" "How did he/she device and succeed such a master plan?" "Why would he/she double cross him/her?" "How did he/she deviate attention from him so he could commence his/her plan?" and other questions that would delve into the details of the movie. Of course every crime movie would have different details and answers to those questions. The timing as to when these questions were answered and the suspense you feel before they are answered is what kept me and will keep you gripping till the end (in terms only of the story line of course[other factors will be evident later in this review]). In short, the story was predictable but not at the same time.
ACTING/CAST:
To be honest, I'm only familiar with main cast and their works, so I'd only get to focus on them. First is Kim Woobin. whooo! what a breather from all those rebel/delinquent roles he had before, don't you think? It was so refreshing to see him act a role that is at least close to his age range. He portrayed Lee Jihyuk, rather quite convincing. Maybe the character was supposed to be intelligent and confident, but not condescending, then he portrayed it quite well. Or maybe I'm just biased because he's so attractive and hot and his legs go on forever(oh those full body scenes!! and that short shower scene!!), then he acted really really good! As for Go Changseok, he looks adorable as always! haha idk, he just looks like a stuffed toy to me, so it is quite pleasing for me to look at him. His character also adds a bit of light comedy and just good vibes for the movie. Also, he portrayed the 'doubting' character really well that as a viewer, you'd also doubt the decisions the characters are making. As for Lee Hyunwoo, hmm, maybe it's the face but he looked like a flowerboy hacker in the movie. Maybe he was meant to look like that in the first place, but most of the hacker characters I know don't really look as fresh as he is. But his acting was quite good, I guess. Maybe lacked that 'smug look' for a 'traitor hacker' character, but he can pass.
MUSIC:
I actually don't remember any of the songs that played in the movie. Although I don't think this only constitutes OSTs but also the BGMs for each scenes. I watched this movie yesterday, so I don't really remember exact OSTs. But what I do remember are the feelings I get whenever the BGMs of each scenes come to play wherein they just heightened the suspense/excitement/sadness/happiness/relief that I felt all throughout the movie. But, I also remember that I had thought once during the movie that I'd listen to one of those OSTs later on, so maybe that song was good. lol I'm not really good with capturing music into my head unless I've listened to them a number of times. I only remember the feeling and ideas I have while listening to it.
REWATCH VALUE:
I'd say I'd rewatch this movie, but only for the sake of looking the Kim Woobin's scenes. He is a great incentive to watch and rewatch, to be honest. But ignoring that I'd rewatch it for Woobin alone, maybe just to understand some concepts, maybe I'd rewatch this. On the one hand, it is quite interesting to rewatch a movie and get to watch it at a whole new perspective since you already know the story. But on the other hand, if you already know the story and you feel no admiration for the characters or the storyline itself, then maybe you'd be quite bored if you rewatch it three more times.
Overall, it's an eight, simply because I don't feel like it's at the level of a seven. Seven is already a low score for me, so...
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Let's start with the positives:
Acting: The acting in this film is great. Kim Woo Bin never disappoints me, his portrayal of Jihyuk was fitting and I seriously hope he gets similar roles in the future. I also liked the performances of Go Chang Seok and Kim Yeong Chul. The rest of the cast were good/average, I have nothing to complain about.
Cinematography: The way the movie was shot was also great, I loved almost every scene in terms of how it looked. The lighting, the angles, composition, etc. The action was shot realistically, as with the explosions and crashes.
And the negatives:
Characters: Most were predictable, without much or any development. Granted character development isn't as easy to do in an action movie as it is with say, an action drama, but I believe that it's needed in order for main characters to be realistic and detailed.
I was a little disappointed when there was hardly any information within the movie on Im Joo Hwans character, he appeared often but nothing about him was explained.
Story/Pacing: At the beginning of the movie everything went so fast I wasn't really sure what was happening and couldn't keep up. The plot wasn't largely detailed, they kept it simple. I think the writers could have gone more in depth with it.
What I did like though was the ending, even though it may of been a little predictable I still found it entertaining to watch.
Since the pacing was fast, they didn't get a chance to get into the story in more detail so I still had lingering questions as the ending credits appeared. This is the reason why I made the re-watch value a 9, I feel the need to watch it again to see if I missed anything, which I probably did.
With that considered, I definitely don't think this film was bad, nor fantastic. It was a fun action movie with some eye candy, great cinematography, and an interesting enough story.
I do recommend to anyone who likes Kim Woo Bin, action movies, or just something that's fun to watch.
7/10
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The story itself is very common and nothing new, I liked the characters but I also think that there could have been more of a deeper story in here. It is just missing something and I can't lay my finger on it. I do think there was loads of action and the acting was really good. But somewhere in the story I lost my intrest and felt like I missed background information about some characters.
The music fitted every scene, I would rewatch this movie, simply because it is an easy watch.
Watch this if you like Woo Bin, action and gangsters.
Skip this if you want a good deep story and good developed characters.
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I had so much fun watching this trio pull trick after trick - they were amazing! Kim Woo Bin was as sexy as ever in this movie <3 *I love it when guys have their hair silky smooth ^^ The acting by everyone in this was outstanding! I didn't see a single flaw. When you watch movies like these where it's about the so called "bad" people and you find yourself rooting for them - it tends to make you question your morals lol but I couldn't help but not root for them - especially since there was a pretty decent reason behind *part* of it lol
Music was good - Mainly remember the background music instrumentals and this song: "I'll Give You My Life" by Yoo Seung Woo (I've heard this song before - so I remembered it more clearly). The other song: "Can't Stop Me" was good but not as memorable lol :P Anyways the music fit the movie ^^
I would definitely re-watch this as I had a lot of fun watching it this time - I know I'll enjoy it again! I'd even try to get someone to watch it with me sometime :P
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This review may contain spoilers
As an episode of the television show Leverage, The Con Artists would have been an average episode without any character development. As a stand alone movie, it failed to deliver the fun adrenaline rush a heist movie should give. Full disclosure I like Kim Woo Bin. Sadly, his performance, for me, lacked the sex appeal and energy required for the leader of the con artists. This movie almost solely focused on his character, Ji Hyuk, putting a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. The other two members of the team were relegated to comic relief and subterfuge. Ko Chang Seok made the most of his role, but it felt like he was there simply to give credibility to Ji Hyuk. Lee Hyun Wu as the hacker didn't have enough to do to make me care about his character. Kim Yeong Cheol as the villain lacked the menacing presence to be threatening. All of the police were cardboard bland and lent little to the story. The characters overall were thinly drawn, even Ji Hyuk which left me unable to connect with or invest in any of them. The FL Jo Yoon Hee was thrown into the mix as an ill conceived love interest. The romance had no development and just felt thrust into the story like, "wouldn't any woman instantly fall in love with KWB?"
The plot twists could be seen from a mile/km away, it wanted to be more clever than it was. The OST felt generic and uninspired. Basic is the word that comes to mind when I try to describe the plot. It's a heist movie, there should be biting humor, a certain cool factor, and a sense of urgency to the unfolding plot. Instead of a rollercoaster ride I got a merry-go-round.
There was never any sense of danger or excitement, the Con Artists was a perfectly fine tv episode, but could not measure up to the plethora of heist movies on the market. Sorry, KWB, I'm still rooting for you.
7/22/22
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I think it says something about the quality of the show when a reviewer has little to say about the show. All I can say is it was pretty forgettable.
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First of all, the storyline is typical, not going to lie to you, you can easily find a similar one in another action movie. Despite that it still is an interesting movie. There is no romance overflow thankfully, as those kind of action movies tend to be a little bit too much "I love you, oh wait I don't, you're a criminal". Although there was a little bit of it, it was tasteful enough not to ruin the actual focus of the film : the action.
Where it is different from other films is the actual characters, their personality and their goals : all of this is more or less hidden from you until the end of the film, which is an aspect - albeit a little predictable for some - I appreciate. You kind of know where the story is going, but you don't (at least I didn't) see up to what extent it went.
Now I'll agree there is no character development, I don't think that was the point of the movie. What I think it wanted to show you was what they are, not what they have become, which is a nice change from other films where the protagonists go through their "Becoming a better person" phase.
So although the story is kinda classic, it is different enough to be set apart from the other, a tleast from my point of view.
For the cast, I probably wouldn't change anything. They all acted their roles out well, I really have nothing to pick at, it was pretty well acted out.
The music ... I don't know actually, I don't remember being that invested in the music, but more into the action. Is that a good thing? Perhaps it meant the story was so interesting you don't notice the music. Up to you, but I don't have anything to say about the music.
Overall, the movie is pretty good, I really liked how the story was told, how every single scene meant something in the end, they all have some sort of clue, hidden in the background. Not one scene is meaningless.
One thing I could pick at is the emotional depth of the movie. There wasn't really a moment where the movie grabbed you and really made you feel anything - except maybe awkwardness. And also, I find that Eun Ha's character wasn't really researched, nor was her backstory. I wish they had explained, or elaborated a bit more on her role in the story, but oh well. To me it seemed kind of ... shallow, not enough depth to the character or that aspect of the story. I suppose had they elaborated, the pang of emotion I was looking for could have been there, especially since it is intricately linked with the main story. A detail I regret.
As for rewatching it, I'm not too sure. Maybe, but I don't have the urge to rewatch and replay key scenes, or maybe just the scenes, but not the film itself. It was good, I really like it, but I don't love it.
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This review may contain spoilers
Predictable but enjoyable watch
A somewhat predictable plot but it is executed well enough that it was a decent watch. The crime process was definitely intriguing and thrilling to watch. It was fun seeing the unique ways the characters planned their crimes. The chemistry between the three men is very good and they have a good banter amongst them. Despite the predictability of the film, it is an easy and enjoyable watch. Just don't expect to be wowed with a groundbreaking psychological crime thriller.Was this review helpful to you?
Anyway, in terms of cinematography this was great. Plot twists were delivered pretty well. The storytelling aspect, perhaps could've used a little improvement instead of just trying to be pretentious and excessively "cool". Characterizations, more like Kim Woo Bin pedestals, I mean most of them were there just to make him look better.
The casting was done in a way that no one could be allowed even near match the shine of the lead, lol. But oh well, it's made to appeal to K-fangirls.
I'm not saying it's all bad though, I mean it was done relatively well but it just focused on visuals a little too much and that's what anyone and everyone cares about apparently. Since I rate based on the material, I can't go any higher than 6.5.
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Both the story and the acting in the movie is perfect. You will be on edge the whole time, and the plot twist is very well done.
I think the soundtrack to the movie could have been better, though it didn't bother me as much, since I was more interested in the story and acting.
While watching it you will differently be fangirling over Woo Bin and Hyun Woo ;)
I recommend it to everyone! So much worth the time! <3
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This review may contain spoilers
The Con Artists is a great movie. I mostly watched for Woo Bin but surprisingly I got myself immersed. The chemistry between the actors is great and the way they act is amazing. I've always liked Go Chang Seok. He's one of my favorite actors and I like most of his movies. I like his characters because he can act funny and serious scenes perfectly. Lee Hyun Woo, watch the movie and you'll see how much potential he has. He's cute, by the way. Woo Bin, Woo Bin... So perfect. I wished the movie's rate who'd be higher because I really liked and when Woo Bin is going to [SPOILERS]. To conclude, if you have some time to spend and you're looking for a great thriller, with action, comedy, suspense, and you've like The Thieves by director Choi Dong-Hoon, it's definitely for you. Was this review helpful to you?
