A company man (2012) - Review

A gritty movie with the always amazing So Ji Sub? Yes, this movie is as good as it sounds.

What is this about:

Directed by Im Sang Yoon. Written by Im Sang Yoon. Star So Ji Sub, Lee Mi Yeon, Kwak Do Won, Kim Dong Jun.
Hyeong Do (So Ji Sub) is an employer for a metal fabrication company, that is a hit man. He is regarded as one of the best and will be promoted, until he meet a single mother (Lee Mi Yeon) and starts to question many things about his life.

My review:

I love So Ji Sub. I first encountered him in the movie “Always” (I think I will rewatch this for the millionth time) and then in the drama “Master’s sun” (I want to rewatch this too), and it took me some time to realize it was the same actor. He really transforms into his role, and this movie is no exception.

Hyeong Do (So Ji Sub) sees like a typical employer of a big company, wearing impeccable suits and coming to his work every day. But he works as a hitman and “clears out” the competition. There is not much information about his character. We don’t learn about his past, his family, if he has anyone he cares about. The dialogs between him and the other characters don’t give much. But So Ji Sub did an amazing job crafting this character. He looks timid, not very social, he doesn’t talk much, like a sympathetic, even sensitive, guy who has a little difficulty expressing himself. But in reality he is like a time bomb, takes everything in, and eventually he will blow up.

There are many other characters that play important role, but if I were to talk about them, I would probably give a few plot twists. Let’s just say that most of them have a more important role than what they appear to be at first. That’s what is so nice about the movie.

The direction is sleek and meticulous. The fight scenes are very well choreographed, showing the brutality of this profession without getting too graphic. The non-fight scenes are accompanied with well chosen music score that gives an extra rhythm and the feeling that something more is coming – which it does. One thing that confused me was the transition between present and past. Up until a point in the movie I was really confused if the scene I was watching was happening now or it was a flashback and I had to wait for the next scene to understand what was going on. But that is a good thing, too. The director expects your attention and tells his story accordingly. Also, there is a little black humor here and there. Like stepping out bloodied and hit, but still correcting his tie.

Why you should watch:

• So Ji Sub in a gritty thriller.

• Excellent directing with sleek use of the camera.

• Nicely choreographed fight scenes.

• Clever scenario that wants your attention.

• Very good performances from all the actors and actresses.

Why not to watch:

• If action thrillers are not your style.

• There is a lot of violence.

• The transition between present and past might confuse you.

Final verdict:

9/10. A gritty action thriller with excellent performances and directing and many plot twists. Highly recommended.