"Haemoo is a powerhouse debut from director Shim Sung-bo, who shows enormous potential for raising even further the profile of Asian and Pacific Rim cinema on the world stage. This is a visually arresting, riveting and compelling film, which displays both technical excellence, and a strong emotional core. The film simultaneously addresses universal questions of human nature and morality, and more specific issues, such as corruption, economic inequality and immigration. With its strong commercial appeal, Haemoo is in the position to raise consciousness about human trafficking, its causes and terrible consequences.
