Public Enemy Movie Review:


"Korea's Police force is for the people," cries the narrator, Kang Chul - Joong, a jaded but long serving cop who is left distraught when his partner commits suicide whilst on the way back from an assignment. Problem being that the assignment involved procuring a large amount of drugs from some shady gangsters and now Internal Affairs are investigating.

Kang is the original good cop who got lost on the way, eccentric and unorthodox. He makes no excuses for his bad behaviour, but rather, makes up for it with some natty detective work.
He also has an extreme distaste for knives, after his wife was stabbed to death for refusing to comply with the instructions of an intruder in their house.
So when a sweet elderly couple are found butchered in their homes and bizarrely sprinkled with flour, he is determined to solve the case, having unwittingly stumbled across the assailant on the night of the murder, whilst trying to find a place to 'relieve himself' lavatorially speaking.

From the beginning, it is revealed that their smooth - talking son Mr Cho (Played by Keanu - a - like Lee) is the killer in question. This gives an interesting perspective, as we share with Kang his knowledge of Cho's guilt, and also his frustration at his 'by the book' peers, who write him off as an oddball. The movie centres on the battle between the two men, and the chase for evidence.

Kang is a dishevelled character, bumbling around on screen like a Korean Columbo. He stumbles across clues and, like film cops the world over, does things his own way, often enlisting the help of other criminals to help him solve cases.

Sol is remarkable as Kang, his emotional and extremely physical reactions contrast refreshingly with Mr Cho's arrogant, cool demeanour.
This film should not be pigeon - holed as an Asian 'Dirty Harry' though. It has far more to offer in the way of humour. This is a cop movie with some astonishingly realistic violence (in one scene you can actually see blood pouring out of an enormous head wound, and the stabbings will make you wince!)

However, the dialogue is sharp and sparkly too - the friction built up between characters is immense, resulting in some great fight scenes. The characters' way of slapping each other around the head constantly reminds you of the comedic roots should you get too engrossed in the heavy aspects.
The funniest moments come in scenes with the local culture, small time criminals who are pulled in to help crack the case. Fearsome gangsters like Mr Math ("I am Mr Math, but everyone who calls me Mr Math is dead") who become gurning blubbering fools in the hands of the bemused cops.
The acting is superb throughout - even the bit part players are perfect in their roles and gel together wonderfully.

There may be some points where you find yourself baffled by the pace and new clues. Don't worry, all will be revealed eventually!
The soundtrack is pleasingly bouncy and measured - not too overtly dramatic, and slotted in at appropriate times so you are barely aware of its effect.

The running time is fairly long, but this film is so jam- packed with sub - stories, jokes, fights, murders and camaraderie that you are unlikely to feel it. It's almost like munching 'pick and mix' in a darkened cinema - you just don't know what they are going to pull out next. Top marks for originality and style.

8.5/10

Terresa Gaffney

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