Public Enemy Reviews

Fantastic!

Firstly, and most importantly, this film is fantastic. A straightforward, brilliantly crafted, cop versus killer thriller that is as funny as it is vicious. There’s no whodunit set-up, no big twists at the end and no script tricks to keep you guessing, because what you have, and all you need, in Public Enemy is a dynamic story filled with powerful performances that charge the story recklessly towards a crunching kick-ass finale.

Bottom of the shop cop, Kang, is on the wrong side of an internal affairs enquiry that does little to help him with his explosive temper and lack of success on the job. Successful businessman Kyu-hwan has an even deadlier temperament, despite an outward appearance that suggests the opposite, and when he becomes Kang’s chief suspect in a double murder they go head to head in a battle of wills that only two stubborn angry men would have the passion for.

Hilarious in parts, very gory in others, there is little to doubt about this piece of film-making that goes a long way to proving that a straight forward, well acted cinematic journey doesn’t have to be full of concepts bigger than the story itself in order to be intelligent and entertaining.

Very very long Korean thriller

This was one movie that never seemed to end. It lasts well over two and a quarter hours, and it is not really worth staying the distance. This Korean film was fairly violent, but also tried to be humourous, much of which was very juvenile and at odds with the subject matter. If you have a long evening in front of you, rent this one, but you will be missing very little if you give it a miss.

This is an absolutely rivetting Korean film. Here is another example as to why Korean cinema has become very popular recently. I had no problems with the subtitles. I am used to watching Asian films so reading subtitles and watching the film at the same time comes second nature to me. They did not detract from my enjoyment of the film; they merely increased it. As with most Asian films, Public Enemy does not compare with action/gangster/criminal films people see in the West. A murder has been committed and the viewer knows what's happened and who did it. So now it's up to the police officer to find him. But it's not as straight-forward as that. Oh, no sireee. But, I'm not going to give you a synopsis. You have to see it for yourself. Lee Song-jae plays the police officer and his performance is simply tour de force. He is a mixture of Columbo meets Charles Bronson meets South Korea. Brilliant stuff. And for those people out there who like to look at Asian men, well, there's an interesting shower scene for you. The DVD also comes with Deleted Scenes and Making of. All the extras come with subtitles so you don't miss out.

Brilliant....

Kang Woo-Seo , serves up a great feast of suspense, shock, comedy and bravado.

Its well known about the rise of eastern cinema, and we don't mean bollywood, but Korea is a shade different from the frenetic Japanese films and the hard edged Chinese cinema. Korean productions are often a shade more subtle and deep.

This film offers much to those who want to watch and think, theres lots there to enjoy and plenty of pace.

Highly recommended, alternates from Korea are Shiri and Friends.

too slow for me,reading the subtitles sent me to sleep.i didn't really get to grips with what the storyline was about

Avoid at all costs!!!

If you want to enjoy Korean film, I advise you to try the sublime 'Nowhere to Hide' - it is a masterpiece!!!

[Highly rated reviewer]

Public Enemy

Its always nice to see a well trodden genre given some fresh vigour. Here we have the age old archetype of the loose cannon cop given a nice twist by Kyung-gu Sol as Detective Kang. He is certainly an enjoyable character to watch. Barely tolerated by his superiors, unable to control his rage, his behaviour is so extreme at times its hard to differentiate him from the gangsters he's suppose to be taking down. His wild impulsive nature is neatly counterbalance by the films villain, a ruthless and calculating serial killer, played to icy perfection by Sung-jae Lee.

Many stand out scenes involve the two protagonists getting in to brutally violent confrontations as their paths circle one another and eventually collide. Its a well crafted cat and mouse game, although the tone does shift erratically at times.

From cop drama, to stalker slasher, to bizarre slapstick comedy, it starts to become tricky to know where the film will go next, which is part of the fun of course, but it doesn't quite pull off the eclectic style. The inconsistency is a shame because the two main characters are really well developed. In the end it just never quite manages to ratchet up the stakes enough to generate serious tension. It is a good film though and worthy of your attention, especially if you enjoyed the likes of Infernal Affairs or City On Fire.

[Highly rated reviewer]

A Must See

If you like foreign films and have no problems with subtitles you will love this. I fully appreciate how impressive the Korean Wave of films is sweeping gradually around the world as they have some of the most talented directors and actors on the planet. This film is a perfect example of a deliciously entertaining film (both gory and funny in parts which works a treat) and with one of the finest actors alive today. Sol Kyung-Gu is my favourite actor, compelling in 'Oasis' and 'Peppermint Candy' and in this particular vehicle engagingly charismatic. Highly recommended as a damn good watch and well worth spending 2 hours of your day on.

PUBLIC ENEMY

Not a Bad film, worth seeing. The best bit is at the very beginning where the Narator describes the Role of a police Officer, it makes Japanese policing sound Brilliant & straight. Then at the very end of this Monologue the Narator says that He too is a police Officer & he is none of the things he has mentioned!

Throughout the film you find that although this initially true and he is corrupt as they come he changes & becomes one of the straightest police officers imaginable. Humerous film, some sickly parts. Good viewing.

Plodding

Don't waste your time with this movie there are loads of better Asian cop movies out there. I turned off after an hour because the film was just not going anywhere and it was quite hard to follow what little there was going on. I think this is partially down to the fact that the subtitles didn't really convey the Korean dialogue well. I love Asian and other foreign films so I have no problem at all with subtitles but these were just flat and displayed no emotion.