Brave Citizen

When it comes to Korean cinema, I am definitely an amateur viewer. But I don't think much was lost on me with this film as far as cultural context. Shin Hye-sun is a very versatile and expressive actress who carried the protagonist role with equal parts grace and humor.

For me, the film hearkened back to the classic Bruce Lee movies like The Big Boss in that we have a reluctant hero(ine) who spends the majority of their time trying to avoid conflict, only to take a stand when cruelty and injustice become intolerable.

This is an excellent watch by any measure, and I highly recommend it. You will hate the villains, love the heroes, and laugh at the antics of both. The climax delivers, and the ending is more than satisfying. I would love to see a sequel!

Side Note: I am curious if Shin Hye-sun did her own stunts and fight choreography, if so, she deserves a place amongst other queens of martial arts cinema like Michelle Yeoh and Cynthia Rothrock. The fights were fast paced, fierce, and brutal.