Bene Cumb
This century, many Korean films have gained both reputation and good box office in the West as well - as providing another approach and arrangement than English-speaking films with often recurring/hackneyed elements. Bereullin is another fine example of this, with tensions between Koreas and with Arabs were brought into a German city (towards the ending - into Latvia, what was odd). Apart from usual intelligence issues, we see another dimension of betrayal concept, and how greed for money and hollow slogans can have the same origin (also visible in present Russia, for example). Although the plot has some flaws, especially explanation-related, the events alternate smoothly, there are some twists and skilfully accomplished action scenes. Performances are also good, particularly the leading antagonists (well, as for supporting actors, it was sometimes difficult to identify them, but it is common vis-a-vis non-Caucasians).Thus, a good action, rather different than usual US/British ones because of different action solutions and inclusion of Cold War breath into contemporary world. The big Iron Curtain is broken decades ago, but a small one still exists in North Korea.
AvdW
The story and setting is believable enough; the action scenes are also well enough to pass the test. Still, the able Korean cast is put against a 2nd rate European cast which pulls this movie down. The dialog in English and German is just sad; Not speaking Korean, I hope the Korean part was better. There was some nice location and camera work involved. So all in all: bad movie that is entertaining. Do see this movie, but do not expect a masterpiece; just relax and enjoy the action (and keep up with who is who, from where and where). If only they could have contracted a German or American top actor; if only they secured some Berlin money in exchange for some shots of that beautiful city. I smell a Hollywood remake (which will be better).
karluk99
After an arms smuggling deal goes bad, North Korean agent Pyo Jong Sung finds himself and his wife, translator Ryeon Jung-hee under a cloud of suspicion and tries to uncover the real culprit. North and South Korean, Russian, U.S., Israeli, and Arab agents are everywhere, to the point where it seems it's only slightly more likely to see a German citizen on the streets of Berlin than if the action took place in Seoul.Once all of these players are introduced, the movie does a good job of sorting them all out, as Jong Sung investigates who is responsible. There are a number of very effective action sequences throughout the film to keep things moving.The relationship between Jong Sung and Jung-hee is central to to plot. For an action movie, the characters are very well presented. But fans expecting a repeat of Jun Ji Hyun's delightfully over-the-top performance in The Thieves will be disappointed. Her role as Jung- hee in The Berlin File rarely goes beyond that of a typical damsel in distress.The movie is exceptionally well filmed to reflect a tense, somber mood. There were some shots that looked almost as if they were filmed in black and white to harmonize with the prevailing tone.The end of the movie strongly foreshadows that a sequel is in the works. Of course that typically depends on how well the movie performs at the box office. By all reports The Berlin File easily did well enough to justify a sequel. I'll be looking forward it.
Cat Budak
This spy movie had me on the edge of my seat many times. This is a good fast-paced action, thriller, and drama with subtitles. The fight scenes were excellent, the stunt driving was top-notch; there was so much that was great about this movie. What I found so refreshing in this Korean movie, was the lack of blood and gore that Hollywood uses by the truckload. The subtitles sometimes moved too fast though. Ten lines of text about a movie is too much to say about a movie especially since one will give spoilers away. I choose not say what is in the movie but to say it was good. If one knows ahead of time what one will see then it will no longer be a surprise. That is wrong with all of the movie trailers because they give the movie away before we even pay to see it.
AD
