Shiri Details

Taking its title from a tropical fish whose survival depends on its ability to swim against the tide — a symbol of the reunification aspirations of Koreans on either side of the 38th Parallel — director Kang JeGyu's no-holds-barred blockbuster slickly combines political intrigue and explosive action. The identity of the terrorist co-ordinating an audacious bid to assassinate the leaders of North and South Korea at a football match is never in doubt. But what is impressive is the way that Kang finds time to explore security agent Han Suk-kyu's emotions during a breakneck race against the clock. Generic film-making perhaps, but executed with intelligence and panache.

"...Kang is a stylish director who is at ease as John Woo or Luc Besson when it comes to presenting surreal, stylized violence....He has created a rich feel that resonates with vibrancy..."