phoenix 2
This movie was seriously good. Funny and sad at the same time, is a roller coaster of emotions with the enough dose of action in it. So, the story is about an undercover agent who lives as the fool of his neighbourhood in order not to get discovered. The performances were really good from every actor, and especially touching, as they portrayed brotherhood, friendship, loyalty but family dynamics as well. The first part of the movie is more comical, with the funny scenes replacing the action ones with ease. The second part is packed with action and drama, with the final tragic ending that concludes the movie, leaving the audience with a human, bittersweet message. I loved the fact that the ending wasn't predictable, or smoothed down so the final scene will have a happy ending. So, 8 out of 10.
KineticSeoul
I got a chanced to see this in theater for independent film showings and it's a thoroughly entertaining Korean film. That just about anyone can enjoy, even if you don't know Korean culture and may not be able to pick up on some jokes. I couldn't pick up on all of it either. Since this is based on a webtoon I could understand why the editing area is lacking. Especially when trying to cram everything in the webtoon which is probably better paced into one film. This movie is a win win for a date movie since it has Kim Soo-Hyun as the main protagonist for the female audiences. And decent amount of action and comedy for the male audiences. This had my attention most of the way through but thought the build up and interaction between the characters could have been better for the ending to leave more of a impact. And for there to be a bit more action between scenes but that is just my opinion. And even the ending which is probably the ending in the webtoon seems to be a bit abrupt and out of nowhere and maybe even a bit rushed. Like I said, I think there should have been elements which lead to more of a attachment to the lead characters. But it does have enough good elements to make it a entertaining summer film from Korea. It would have been better if they polished up on those good areas though. Hollywood has DC and Marvel, well this is another Korean movie based on a webtoon that rocks.7.5/10
Soccermama107
I laughed, I cried.... This movie had it all. The first half was actually comical and light, where the second have grew darker, more violent, and so sad. I'm not a fan of violence in films (it's just hard for me to watch), but it was integral to the story so it was inevitably used here. The strangely interesting thing is that as the movie got darker and more intense, it also got more personal. I went last night to see this movie with a Korean friend. I don't speak any Korean myself, so used the subtitles. They were written obviously by someone who spoke English as a second language, as some of the phrasing and word choice was odd, but I kind of liked that. It made it feel like the story was being told by an actual Korean (rather than an American interpreter) like my friend, who has slightly "broken" English as well. I am sure that if this movie were made in America, it would win many Oscars. Of course then it wouldn't be the same movie. I hope it at least comes up as a best foreign film nominee. I highly recommend this wonderful movie!
Gordon-11
"Secretly, Greatly" tells a captivating story of three young man, trained to be killing machines, sent to South Korea as spies and assimilate into the local society. While they await further instruction from the party, they forge a friendship with the local community.The first half of the film is comedic, with the lead character acting foolish and funny. However, right from the start, the viewers know he is just pretending to be stupid, as he makes many mental calculations on all possible permutations of events in his head. Such a double life requires a lot of dedication and perseverance.The second half of the film turns into a adrenaline fuelled action film, with much brutal fist fights and valiant defiance of orders. It is presented so well, that it keeps people captivated with the three men's psychological struggle and physical struggle. They manage to take down tens of tough guys in fist fights normally is unrealistic and even annoyingly silly, but in "Secretly, Greatly" their seemingly omnipotent fists provide something for viewers to marvel at. Maybe it is because they are not just fighting for the sake of fighting, but fighting for survival, both physically and ideologically against a tyrannical regime.The interspersed subplot about the idiot's longing for his mother is very touching. In the three men's native country, people are brainwashed to believe that the party is way more important than their blood family. Hence there is a constant deep seated struggle; and their longings could never be fulfilled. The plot is profoundly powerful towards the end of the film, when everything culminates to an emotional and action climax."Secretly, Greatly" is a great gem that deserves to be seen. I enjoyed watching it tremendously.
AD
