The Match

I watched THE MATCH purely for the presence of Lee Byung-hun, one of my favourite Korean actors, although I'll admit to knowing (and caring) nothing for the board game Go which this is all about. However, I was well satisfied with Byung-hun's turn in this one, and he's ably supported by Yoo Ah-in (familiar from his turn in the lauded BURNING) as a former protege turned rival at the world championships. Early on, I wasn't sure I'd like this as I found the kid in it far too precocious, but it develops depth and character insight as it goes on and builds to a satisfying ending. Not as good as the Tobey Maguire chess film, but I can see why Netflix picked it up.

"The Match" is a masterpiece that transcends the game itself, exploring the devastating cost of obsession, the weight of ideology, and the fragile human psyche pushed to its absolute breaking point.

This is not merely a great film about GO; it's a timeless exploration of the human condition under extreme duress. An absolute masterpiece deserving of the highest acclaim. Don't just watch it; experience it. Essential viewing.

Every frame, every silence, every move crackles with suspense. It's a visually stunning, intellectually charged, and emotionally visceral exploration of obsession, genius, and the crushing weight of ideology. An absolute masterpiece.

In addition to the sports match, there is also a secondary match in the film - this is a test of talent, charisma and skill of the best of the best actors in Korea Lee Byung-hun and Yoo Ah-in. With the difficult task of transforming into their characters, who are at the peak of the emotional state of confrontation and internal struggle, and even taking into account the shooting, when the face occupies most of the frame and the audience focuses on the smallest details, both actors successfully coped.

Lee Byung-hong was luckier, he had something to play: disrespectful of opponents, energetic, aggressive, attacking, but adhering to a clear style of Cho Hoon-hyun. Yoo A In, on the other hand, clearly lacked script material to work with. Presumably, his hero did not have childhood and youth in the usual sense, is this why he turned from a daring choleric into a wise silent phlegmatic? In parentheses, the question is: is it even possible? The complete opposite of external balance, Lee Chang-ho's style of play remained rebellious: without rules and with irrational decisions. Fans of actors and those interested in Korean culture should definitely watch.

I certainly would've enjoyed this more if I liked or even been familiar with Go. Or baduk. But I'm not and as such I could only get excited with and about the characters. There are plenty of scenes where I liked these people but also some where I got pretty bored if I'm honest. Also, Lee Chang-ho as a kid seems to have a very different personality from his older self. I kind of missed his brashness and his cheekiness. He became an old man, much like his game.

Anyway, Yoo Ah-in constructs yet another unique character and he is basically a main character here so I am glad this movie could reach viewers without cutting him out, it was practically impossible. It was shameful he could not promote it really.

Lee Byung-hun does his thing too, but that is no surprise to anybody. His character was a bit eccentric so he had material to work with I guess.

Also, the 80s to 90s period was captured pretty convincingly I thought.

The Match worked well with the cards it was dealt with.

I'm sure many watched for Lee and Yoo who are top actors of their generations; stars align. Their acting, rooted on the known legendary character developments of the giants of the game of Go in Korea, is carried out as expected.

Sentimental viewers may add value to familiarity and the homage to the national pride it represented from the tiny peninsula. However, as the film stands by itself, I wish it did add more creative license to the conflict between the two.

It felt more a documentary lavished by top acting than a movie for the sake of a movie.