Officer Black Belt (Korean) Review {3/5}
Officer Black Belt (Korean) Movie Review: Kim Woo Bin and Kim Sung Kyun ditch fun for justice to navigate morality and duty in compelling crime drama
Star Cast: Kim Woo Bin, Kim Sung Kyun
Officer Black Belt Movie Review Synopsis:
OFFICER BLACK BELT tells the story of Lee Jeong Do (Kim Woo Bin), a young fellow who seeks fun in anything he does. He knows all types of martial arts, plays e-sports, and helps his father at the restaurant, only because he thinks it brings him fun. He is reliable and honest in his approach. One day on his way back to e-sports from his father’s restaurant, he sees a former now-released criminal physically injuring his parole officer. Jeong Do rushes to help and is rewarded. He is offered a job as a martial arts officer to keep tabs on recently released criminals. He takes a trial run and finds that the job gives him satisfaction like never before. He diligently works towards keeping the criminals in check. Along with his boss Kim Seon Min (Kim Sung Kyun) and his team, he fights against a serial offender and succeeds in saving young girls.
Officer Black Belt Movie Story Review:
OFFICER BLACK BELT is a decent watch to kick off the weekend. The movie is an action comedy that moves into a much more serious territory as the story progresses. The once-laid-back Lee Jeong Do (Kim Woo Bin) matures and leaves his pursuit for ‘fun’ behind when he sees wrong happening in front of his eyes. The movie shows what happens within the legal system once any criminal completes their sentence. What makes the movie further great is that it gives an unbiased view of both sides. We see criminals who want to restart their life and we also see criminals who do not learn their lesson at all.
Officer Black Belt Movie Performances:
Seeing Kim Woo Bin return to the screen is indeed a cinematic pleasure. His portrayal of Lee Jeong Do is a testament to his skill, bringing depth and nuance to the role. At first glance, Jeong-do might evoke memories of Kim Woo Bin’s earlier character in Twenty, who was marked by a carefree attitude and a penchant for seeking fun. However, Jeong Do’s evolution showcases a broader range, revealing a more complex and introspective side.
Kim Sung Kyun, known for his roles as a paternal figure or senior office worker, steps into the shoes of Kim Seon Min with a compelling sense of justice and dedication to securing safety for future generations. His portrayal enriches the narrative by infusing it with a strong moral compass and a genuine concern for societal well-being. Despite the brevity of the character’s arc, Kim Seon Min’s development is marked by a credible and heartfelt commitment to his principles.
The supporting cast complements the leads with solid performances, steering clear of cliché or stereotype. Their portrayals add authenticity and depth to the narrative, contributing to a well-rounded ensemble.
Officer Black Belt Movie music and other technical aspects:
Director Jason Kim’s storytelling, while predictable in parts, effectively highlights the protagonist’s gradual moral awakening, aligning with his previous works in creating a relatable hero’s journey. Most of the movie gets its music from the sounds we hear in daily life. Some soundtracks are attached to the scenes that have more of non-verbal cues. Movies like OFFICER BLACK BELT relies on minimal sound score to elevate the intensity of any scene. The editing and transition between the scenes is crisp and clean, and keeps the viewer engaged throughout. Jason Kim, who gave us hits like MIDNIGHT RUNNERS, THE DIVINE FURY, BLOODHOUNDS, gives another jolting story with OFFICER BLACK BELT. The cinematography is done well and leaves ample space for the landscape and the actors to breathe life into the story.
Officer Black Belt Movie Review Conclusion:
OFFICER BLACK BELT serves as a thrilling watch for those who like to go beyond regular crime procedural dramas. This movie sits in line with the likes of D.P. starring Jung Hae In and Koo Kyo Hwan where we see a side to the law and justice system that is rarely spoken about in the masses. The movie’s runtime is just about 110 minutes, making it a good fit for an OTT viewing experience. Kim Woo Bin and Kim Sung Kyun’s performances take the story a notch higher. While the film’s latter half may rely on conventional action beats, its earlier exploration of ethical dilemmas and personal growth ensures it remains thought-provoking and enjoyable. For those seeking a blend of action and meaningful character development, OFFICER BLACK BELT delivers a satisfying experience; offers both an entertaining and thought-provoking watch.
Watch the trailer for OFFICER BLACK BELT here:
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