New World

Plot away, plot away, maybe the plot will work someday... The events occurring over just a few days before the vote for a successor to a deceased mafia boss, when everybody tried to gain the greatest possible influence. Interested parties include the police and various factions within the mafia. Although it heads inexorably toward the expected conclusion, it’s about the journey taken to get there. And here it luckily strides along a stylish and nicely twisted path that knows no compromises or pity. (01.03.2014)

The Koreans didn’t want to be second, so they came up with a film similar in tone to the Chinese movie Infernal Affairs. Sure, there are many differences, but the basic premise of an undercover cop infiltrating the core of the largest Korean mafia, known as Goldmoon, is present here.  New World boasts an impressive cast; you couldn’t find bigger stars in Korea. Some might be put off by the slower pace, especially noticeable in the first half, as it’s not one of their typical adrenaline-fueled action film with plenty of bloodshed. But every now and then, it’s nice to watch a film that focuses mainly on dialogue. The second half features a few more action-packed scenes (the elevator scene is amazing), and the ending presents an unexpected twist that left me shaking my head in disbelief. Yes, the Koreans navigate the crime genre like fearless predators, that’s undeniable. I give it 7.5/10. P.S. Jeong-min Hwang was quite entertaining as the villain with his unique performance :D (03.08.2022)