Heart Blackened (2017)

The story unfolds itself nicely and successfully leads the audience as each layer of the mystery is presented. The film will take you through some twists and turns, and makes you wonder about what is really going on behind the scenes. While the movie is satisfying overall, the major flaw is the lack of depth in character development. With the exception of Choi Min Sik's character, the rest of the cast are underutilized as they play pivotal characters that have very little flavour to them. If I were to interpret this to be intentional, then the archetypal/standard personalities should complement overarching message, or plot (i.e. the trial) - but the plot is too weak to justify that. As for the acting, there is nothing to complain or awe about for that same reason, despite the casting. Choi Min Sik plays the financial overlord, whose character develops directly in parallel with the movie. Park Shin Hye plays an inexperienced lawyer, which serves as a refreshing break (and hopefully beginning) from the mould given to her by drama roles.

If I were to summarize this lightly, I would say that it is worth a relaxed watch, but there is really no need to put your detective hat on during the movie. Enjoy the ride, but know that while they intended to pull at heartstrings, they forgot to put them there in the first place.

Lees verder

Heart Blackened is one of those rare Korean movies out there with wonderful acting, the characters were well versed by the actors.
As the story starts, the plot seems to make sense but goes on to be more confusing. This movie might be a little hard for people who can't tolerate slow movies, but things speed up at the second half. The acting is super awesome.
Each character in the movie has a meaning which only some get, a rewatch is required to really understand the dark plot . The movie is not a hard brain exercise, because twists are to hard to predict, what at some point my feel like the end of the movie, is really isn't. What characters you make like will become what you hate at the end and also vice-versa.
Though the same message can be conveyed in a shorter time, the long ride isn't that much of a pain when you have lots off free time in your hand.
So, sit back and leave the rest to the Korea's top of the range actors.

Lees verder