Gang-jeok (2006) User Reviews

Stylish buddy cop action movie

[chemical404 · 7/10 · 17 August 2006]

This one really cant be called 'another Korean drama'. First of all its action movie, then a bit of comedy and drama. Basically its a buddy cop movie. Just in this case there is good guy - yakuza type criminal, and the bad ass cop. Maybe this movie is a bit too cynical, like most critics say, but i think its a good thing (at least no unnecessary tears like in most over-melodramatic Korean movies). Anyway, first of all, and above of all in this movie is style. You gonna love that bad guy with a coat;) Stylish editing, stylish camera work.

So if you want something entertaining and fun to watch don't miss this one.

Starts out with a bang but then stalls

[dmuel · 6/10 · 7 September 2006]

Les Formidables tells the story of a man trying to start a life independent of the Korean mob, who is accused of a murder he didn't commit. He pairs up with a guilt-ridden, divorced cop who has a son in need of a liver transplant the cop cannot afford. The cop wants the man, who the cop believes is truly a killer, to murder him so his family will collect money from his death--solving all his problems. The film starts with considerable energy and verve, but stalls about midway through and later seems sorely in need of extensive editing. The film is too long, with the camera lingering too much on our hapless duo, who are dodging both the mob and other cops as they try to sort out their respective difficulties. Also, one wonders why the film's "English" title is actually French.