Korean Title: 아저씨 (which can mean “uncle” or “mister”)
English Title: “The Man from Nowhere”
Tommy Rating: 5-STARS
Neo-Noir Action-Thriller
Not a film to watch with your kids. Dark adult themes of abuse, exploitation, and violence. Strong violence.
Despite what your friends might say, not every Korean movie is a cinematic gem. Given the time, money, and effort that goes into filmmaking, I prefer to focus on the highlights rather than the disappointments. You like Korean BBQ, you’ve listened to K-POP, you are ready to watch a Korean movie but don’t know where to start. I’ve got you covered.
If you like action, The Man from Nowhere is a good start
I personally don’t like the Korean movies that try to follow Hollywood formulaic trends (e.g., CG-centric natural disaster, etc.). If you are unfamiliar with Korean action movies, The Man from Nowhere is an excellent choice.
Like other “home grown” films, the themes focus on Korean society, but still resonate with non-Koreans.
If you are a fan of Won Bin (the main character) this movie was his last appearance as an actor. Written and directed by Lee Jeong-beom this movie is set in what could be any neighborhood in Korea: at the market, upstairs at the comic book store, in the midst of everyday life – the film lifts a thin veil barely hiding hideous evil lurking all around us. Watch the movie and come back and let’s discuss.
Vice and Evil
I recently rewatched it with a friend, and I noticed each setting: bars, nightclubs, video game arcades, golf ranges. Places that Koreans regularly go to have fun.
There are subtle indictments of Korean society, how everyday people between working/studying and dealing with stress, create and live in a society blind to the weak and suffering.
Maybe there is a price for “blowing off steam” that goes beyond the personal choices of consenting adults. Is there a line separating pleasure and vice? When we submit to vice because we are weak, and as vice makes us weaker, we are innocuously destroying our health, neglecting our loved ones, and creating a society that accepts and thrives on evil. Like a frog in simmering water, we just don’t notice the water getting hotter. This movie throws a spotlight on the pot boiling over.
These themes subtle. This is not a Hollywood-style social engineering film so don’t worry too much about being preached to. The storyline has various layers that I didn’t even notice the first time.
In addition to the personal redemption arc of our protagonist 아저씨, the lengths he will go for the little girl invokes some primal response. Maybe we all wish we had an uncle like him. The cleansing. Bringing the hive back into alignment (see The Beekeeper starring Jason Statham).
Watching for the first time, I didn’t notice much beyond the action and violence. I normally don’t watch movies more than once, but I was able to rewatch and rewatch this movie several times. Each time, there is more to reflect on and found little details that are easy to miss.
Give it a shot and let’s discuss the subtle themes of personal responsibility and discernment. Or the over the top visuals. The impressive cinematography, action, and editing is super stylish. Keep in mind this movie was made in 2010. It is a raw and viscerally satisfying (if not shocking) watch. I wouldn’t be surprised if this movie directly influenced John Wick (or his cousin The Equalizer), not saying it was, just that I would not be surprised.
Watch it in the original Korean with subtitles.
Tommy Rec: FIVE STARS
You’re welcome.
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