Ma Dong-seok, aka Don Lee, stars in this Korean action thriller about an ex-boxing Coach who takes a teaching job after his temper gets him in trouble in boxing world politics. He discovers that teaching at an affluent all girls school is, perhaps, harder than being a professional fighter. To compound matters, a young student goes missing and his pursuit of her disappearance takes him to some dark places.
Don Lee is a film sensation. He has starred in some of the best films in the world, including Train to Busan, The Gangster, The Cop & The Devil, and The Round Up series. His mix of machismo and humor make him a formidable screen presence. He is very good in this film. His ability to transform his character from a "fish out of water" to a paternalistic hero is one he plays very believably.
Kim Sae-ron's performance as a frustrated and untrusting student in search of her missing friend is very compelling. She plays the role effectively, with subtlety.
The two main leads go from adversaries to partners on a single quest and this is the heart of the film. It offers the humanity in this thriller.
The plot and Direction are very good and they embody some of the key elements of Korea's film success. Those elements are strong characters, a good plot, and fluid lines between the good guys and bad guys that keep you guessing, at times who can be trusted.
The action and fight scenes are good. No one handles "one v. Multiple attackers" better than Don Lee. His believable conquest of mere mortals is always fun to marvel at. This film's fights are no exception
The film is a worthwhile and I recommend it.
