The Man Standing Next

A slow-burning political drama from South Korea, this one tells the true story of a military dictatorship of the 1970s and how it ended in an abrupt and bloody fashion. It's anchored by a wonderfully underplayed and sensitive turn from Lee Byung-hun, aided by a strong cast. It's a really slow moving piece that nonetheless captures you with its icy realism and attention to detail, the political backdrop carefully depicted. The last half an hour is as tense as they come.

As good as expected. Powerful performances, tense, good pace, very well shot, magnificent use of shadows and dark scenarios in line with the theme.

Koreans know how to tell the stories of their history. I would be so proud if Portugal was capable to do something similar with our rich history...

This movie is based on an original novel with the same name. It shows the emotions going through Kim Gyu-pyeong (Lee Byung-hun), the director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA).

Basically, Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA) was founded in 1961. To spy on North Korean conspiracy, prevent communist were as the primary objective but President Park also used KCIA as a shield to continue his long regime.

There was also intense power struggle between Kim and chief presidential bodyguard Kwak Sang-cheon (Lee Hee-joon). It became so serious during the last 40 days of the President's rule before the latter is assassinated by Kim in 1979.

On the other hand, these two were also fighting to prevent a former KCIA director (Kwak Do-won), who was exiled to the US where Koreagate investigations were under way and knew all about the government's operations, from publishing his memoir.

The chief of presidential bodyguard was becoming very close to the president, Kim was feeling left out or feared that he might lose his position. He was also in disagreement with the actions president took when there was riots against his government. With all that going on, Kim was going through a lot. Ultimately, he decided to assassinate the president along with his chief bodyguard. The shield President Park created for his protection became the reason for his death.

This movie tries to show all viewpoints of why the assassination happened. Though I personally think it takes slightly biased side towards Kim. He was the President of the most feared organization in South Korea, he was not innocent at all. But his intention was not throne instead he tried to do good for the country. Lee is an amazing actor, he portrayed Kim perfectly.

A great watch for thriller movie lovers also you get know about a bit of political history of South Korea.

Enjoy.

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 movie is based on a political history and its backstage dark site. It is sad, South Korea had dictators which weren't that long time ago. But,however it is free from its dictators now, however it gained its desirable democracy.

I don't know how the movie portraits Kim as a patriot or as a traitor. But,his acting was amazing and other cast did a great job.