It is clear in its choice and focus, simple in itself. With instinctive characters, raw narratives, and a forward-looking development, it rushes non-stop. If you lose focus, it could easily become unlikable, so it doesn’t allow for any gaps. It fully commits to the pleasure of its roots in the crime noir genre. This is the boldness of a new director. The wild 'pipe-wielding man' Ha Jung-woo skillfully accomplishes that mission. 'Broken' (directed by Kim Jin-hwang) is completed through the synergy of a passionate director and veteran actors.
'Bro, I think I really messed up.'
The younger brother, who left a desperate message, was found dead. And in a horrific state. Losing a single family member is unbearable, but seeing the condition of the body is alarming. It is definitely related to the organization.
Min-tae (Ha Jung-woo), who has washed his hands of it now, had significant influence when he was involved with the organization. Although his younger brother was lacking, he followed his brother like a child, and the brother brought him into his organization to take care of him. What he knows and what he is good at is only that. When Seok-tae gets into trouble, he cleans up afterward, and if anyone touches him, he retaliates without fail. Even in a life of violence and wrongdoing, their distorted brotherhood was deep. That twisted sincerity has never changed. Now that Seok-tae has been murdered by someone, it is only natural for him to lose his mind.
Frustrated police, with suspicions but no evidence, leave the organization behind as Min-tae sets out to track down his brother's cohabitant, Moon-young, who is closely connected to his brother's death. In the process, he gets entangled with novelist Ho-ryeong (Kim Nam-gil). It turns out that his novel contains the death of Seok-tae based on an interview with Moon-young. It’s a series of mysteries that seem obvious yet are not, and certain yet uncertain.
Min-tae navigates through that complicated journey without hesitation. He only thinks of his brother 'Seok-tae.' He throws himself back into his chaotic life for his brother's revenge. Like the father from 'Taken' who lost his kidnapped daughter, the 'sister' who explodes when searching for her missing brother, or the former bodyguard who seeks revenge for the death of his ballerina friend, or the 'uncle' who rushes to save the girl next door.
Ha Jung-woo brings back the rough face from 'The Chaser' and 'The Yellow Sea' after a long time. He instantly deletes the familiarity that made people laugh just by seeing his sly expressions or face. He delivers extreme thrills with charisma beyond rawness. It feels oddly familiar, refreshingly new, and as expected, he does well.
Kim Nam-gil, Jung Man-sik, Im Seong-jae, and Yoo Da-in all fulfill their roles admirably. They deliciously complete the 'mystery' with their supporting roles that feel like leads.
Of course, when considering elements beyond the genre's thrill, there are certainly uncomfortable aspects and points of doubt. Especially if one immerses in Moon-young's narrative, that discomfort could be maximized. However, all these disappointments and questions arise only after the work is finished, which shows the director's strategy was excellent.
It captures the endings of chaotic lives that began in the world of evil. It depicts this within the (male-centered) noir genre with a classic color. It possesses the virtues of a killing-time movie, evenly balancing the thrills of a chase drama, and above all, shows a solid identity.
There are no cringeworthy pretensions or hollow variations, nor any overly sentimental seasoning. It is simple, clear, and intense. If you are not a viewer who dislikes the genre from the start, you will likely enjoy its charm. It is a popcorn movie to the core. P.S. Finally, it has returned... the box office guarantee of Chungmuro!
Released on February 5. Rated for ages 15 and up. Running time 99 minutes.
