The Moon

Train to Busan, Flu are two very good Korean movies. There are plenty of good Korean movies out there. This one is not one. It can not be taken seriously. The story is highly flawed. The lead actor was simply not qualified for the role. He was suited for a romance melodrama. The lead Role also was highly flawed. An army Seal and Astronaut panicking crying losing control etc... No one in Korea Space agency seemed to have the right character to manage any emergency. To make it more embarrassing right at the beginning they are begging NASA for help. Have some self reliance national pride and dignity! Every major news event had to be repeated in English to be given credibility and importance. It seems unless the event is repeated in US news is not worthy.

The acting is bad plot is well unwatchable, special effect is good if you forget laws of physics.

As an American and a huge fan of Hollywood action films, it would take a lot for me to rate this a ten. Armageddon(1998) and Apollo 13 (1995), this is not. However, the potential is there but doesn't become realized until the 2nd third of the movie. It becomes more intense. You begin to care about the characters. The final 3rd hammers it home and you're not so concerned about its start anymore. The action, the acting, and the suspense are great. You're on the edge of your seat. You cry. You cheer. Once you finish the movie, however, you become upset about the weak use of dynamic Korean actors like Kim Rae-won, Lee Yi-kyung, and Lee Sung-min. Then you wonder why the beginning was just so so. Budget issues? Perhaps. Even though Do Kyungsoo is the star, making others have a stronger presence would not take away from the star. No one took from Bruce Willis' spotlight, but the entire cast of characters in Armageddon shone brightly because it was so well-written. Finally, the music score needed a little work. Ijs.

If you are looking for a a scientifically sound film based upon the principles of modern space travel and exploration this is not the film for you. If you are looking for a super fun, sci-fi adventure with dramatic undertones this is for you. The Korean space agency is looking to land a man on the moon, and redeem its prior lethal and failed mission in this futuristic adventure. Circumstances have a lone young astronaut stranded and the film involves the attempts to rescue him. The characters are engaging. The story is fun. The effects are visually exciting to behold. This is just a fun time from great Korean filmmakers.

Positives:

This movie deserves credit for its technical approach to the space science fiction genre, reminiscent of films like Gravity. It explores the complexities of spacecraft launches and lunar landings, albeit in a simplified and audience-friendly manner. The VFX and CGI are top-notch, successfully creating a visually immersive experience. These high production values ensure the film connects with a broader audience, even those not deeply familiar with space technology.

The imaginative depiction of futuristic space advancements-such as drones, live video broadcasts, and lunar gateways-is both fascinating and ambitious. While the technology showcased is far from reality, the speculative vision is commendable and could inspire upcoming innovations in space exploration.

Negatives:

However, the movie stumbles due to its overly dramatic screenplay. The plot is predictable, offering hints early on that "everything is going to be fine in the end." This lack of suspense undermines the tension and emotional investment that are critical for a gripping sci-fi narrative.

The film's pacing is another drawback. It moves too quickly, without allowing for "plot breaks" or moments of reflection. The relentless storytelling leaves no room for viewers to immerse themselves in the narrative fully. The background score, while extraterrestrial and sonically pleasing, is overbearing and constant, leaving little breathing space for quieter, introspective scenes.

The emotional elements feel forced and formulaic, as the movie leans heavily on familiar tropes found in other space mission films. This approach detracts from the unique technical aspects and makes the story feel repetitive and uninspired.

Final Verdict:

This film stands out as a good space sci-fi movie from Korean cinema, showcasing impressive visuals and imaginative concepts. However, its predictable narrative, rushed pacing, and overemphasis on drama prevent it from reaching the heights of genre-defining classics.

While it is worth a watch for its technical brilliance and futuristic imagination, there is a longing for a more nuanced and original approach in future entries from this genre.

First, I'm suspect of those abject stars on here. Both either didn't watch the movie or are bots.

The acting is a little above mediocre. The action manages to keep your attention. The effects are pretty decent. Not much to complain about besides the drama tacked on to stretch a runtime and give more screentime to a Korean idol. That created the occasional cringe moment. It doesn't ruin the plot or story though. Just something American audiences aren't familiar with so they don't understand this mugging they do in Korean AAA movies.

This really needed a big screen viewing to completely grasp the scope of the movie. I felt like I was loosing part of the visuals on television and this movie relies on them.

Overall, an average movie but above average fo Korean Cinema. It's a popcorn fodder sci-fi beast so that doesn't matter that much.