On the international stage, South Korean cinema has earned something of a reputation for “extreme violence.” Whether or not that distinction is deserved, one often sees the prolific works of such directors as Park Chan Wook touted as supporting examples. So when one then stumbles across Breathless, they may wander past expecting: “This again?” But while it may be another unapologetically violent offering, this film promises a wealth more than transient punches and colorful swears. You see, Breathless sheds light on a societal issue forgotten and more often overlooked—that of domestic violence, and how the disenfranchised among us are often broken again and again on its vicious wheel. When we first meet Sang Hoon, he rescues a woman being beaten on the street—only to turn on her himself moments later. This is the stunning first in a series of reversals the viewer can expect of this man, our “hero”; he reveals himself to be every bit a hateful brute, the quintessential ruthless debt collector. What makes Breathless brilliant is the ability to portray such a vicious shell, even while opening it to reveal the victim hidden inside. This aspect is helped along by the inclusion of a second plot thread, that of a student Sang Hoon bonds with over the course of the film. They may never speak of their individual struggles, but their stories are a sad parallel of the other. Perhaps this is why they are able to find peace together, if even for a little while. All they have otherwise are little moments of release found in copious cursing…or in Sang Hoon’s case, a fight wherever and whenever. Would you believe me if I told you this was a debut film? Had I not known going in, I might not myself. This is a first effort by Yang Ik Joon, who wrote, directed, produced, and even starred in the film. What a massive undertaking for a new director this was; how many can boast their first shot at something was just about perfection? In his capacity as Sang Hoon, Yang Ik Joon maintains a powerful performance all across the board. I honestly couldn’t imagine a better fit for the part, as natural and believable as he is. Perhaps it helps that Yang wrote the character (and thus would be more deeply informed as to his “heart”), but that would be selling his obvious talent short. There’s something to be said about an actor who is as visceral, as real, as this one. Otherwise you’ve got Jung Man Shik doing his thing as one of the best supporting actors around, and talented Kim Kkobi in one of her first roles. Her scene chemistry with Yang Ik Joon is incredible, but even on her own she nearly had me crying more than once. An excellent, excellent cast. Please be warned that this film contains depictions of violence, including serious instances against women. Though much of the darker stuff happens off-screen, it’s enough that one will want to be careful. Those sensitive to swearing should also take notice, because pretty much every other sentence has…well, something.