L'uomo accanto

I remember seeing another historical Korean movie on people's riot. Same as this time, some story lines are hard to understand. Luckily as long as there is LBH, I have nothing to lose.

The possession of power often leads people to lose their way and forget their initial intentions. In the movie, through Lee Byung-hun's internal struggle, it highlights how those in power can become wrapped up in their position, eventually feeling that they are the most important. They start expecting others not to betray them, displaying a certain level of selfishness. While there are quite a few movies about political maneuvering, this film also gives us insights into Korea's historical background. It really reminds me of China's ancient emperor system and the ongoing military conflicts in many countries. The truth is, people often don't ask for much, but someone always climbs up and becomes a leader, managing the masses. It's a reflection of both human nature and animalistic tendencies.

It wasn't boring for Koreans, the director approached the case with a neutral standard, and this film re-evaluated the character Kim Jae-gyu.

Its another political history drama, this one about the build up towards the assassination of president park in 1979. all this was uncharted teritory to me, knowing extremely little about south korean history, but interesting it was, and something new ive learned.

historical dramas do have frames to follow when the story shall be told, so you cant waver around the bush as in a non fictional drama. but the build up for me knowing less than nothing it was quite intense, the actors good, and as usual the score of south korean film making of high quality.

even though there was a bit too many Parks in the plot, the grumpy old man will recommend a watch, south korean politics and democracy were and maybe still are a wasps nest to rule.

You know when they say that good intentions can go wrong? What if you can't actually tell if they went wrong? Who is to say what right and wrong is anyway? I wouldn't dare say I understood every little bit of history that was presented here (this is one of those cases where it makes sense, at least afterwards) to get into what the movie was about. Yes this is based on real characters and events - and yes it can be confusing to a degree.

Especially because of all the grey areas this covers. And power grabs and jealousy, rivalry and pure horror/fear inside ones mind. To at least a certain degree, things displayed here, would be things you'd attest or expect from North Korea(n goverment), not from the one in South Korea. But when not all is developed yet, when people have to go to the streets to protest for certain things and rights ... well things get and are complicated.

So this is very well made and really amazingly acted. If political thriller/drama is in your "playlist"/something you enjoy watching, this is definitely worth watching. Otherwise you may have issues with it and it's pacing ...