Actors Kang Ha-neul, Yoo Hae-jin, and Park Hae-joon engage in a tense chase oscillating between legality and illegality through meticulous design. The interconnections of characters, entwined with betrayal, collaboration, and revenge, are expected to invigorate theaters this spring.
"Opposition" (Director Hwang Byeong-gook, produced by HYBE Media Corp, distributed by Plus M Entertainment) is a crime action film that unfolds through the interactions of a broker "Opposition," who designs the drug trafficking landscape in South Korea, a prosecutor "Geo" aiming for higher positions, and a detective "Hyung" dedicating everything to eradicate drug crimes, each with different objectives. It is also a work marking the return of Director Hwang Byeong-gook, who had been active as an actor since "Special Investigation Unit" (2011), after about 14 years.
The film begins with Lee Kang-soo (played by Kang Ha-neul), who leads covert investigations between drug offenders, colloquially referred to as "junkies," and the prosecution. Three years ago, Lee Kang-soo was unjustly imprisoned after being forcibly administered drugs, and he joins the world of opposition following an incident where he helped prosecutor Gu Kwan-hee (played by Yoo Hae-jin) with a drug investigation while aiming for a promotion. However, the friendship between Lee Kang-soo and Gu Kwan-hee, who called each other "Hyung" and "Dongsaeng" and made a pact, begins to waver when Jo Hoon (played by Ryu Kyung-soo), the son of a prominent presidential candidate Cho Hyun-taek, appears. Jo Hoon, arrested at a drug party, makes an irresistible proposal to Gu Kwan-hee, who is full of desires for power.
At the same time, detective Oh Sang-jae (played by Park Hae-joon) arrests actress Um Soo-jin (played by Chae Won-bin), who fell into drugs after being deceived by lies about diet pills. He uses Um Soo-jin as bait to raid the drug party, but is outmaneuvered by Gu Kwan-hee and Lee Kang-soo, and Um Soo-jin is also caught up in the incident and arrested by the prosecution. During this time, he unexpectedly faces a crisis in his career as a detective, notorious for his nickname "God of Heaven," after being falsely accused of bribery.
"Opposition" is a work that captures the special collaboration of individuals who gather for different purposes. Although it uses a fresh and unique theme with the title "Opposition," the content is not unfamiliar. Unlike the heavy and stiff title reminiscent of political films, it follows the structure of an exhilarating action crime film, allowing audiences to easily fall into the flow.
The narrative, flowing like a buddy film between Lee Kang-soo and Gu Kwan-hee, enters its true development in the second half. After reaching a turning point, "Opposition" portrays the process in which three individuals, each on the brink of losing everything before the immense power, unite for their respective revenges, making it even more thrilling.
Their revenge precariously oscillates between legality and illegality. There is absolute evil, but no absolute good. However, knowing this, the audience may find themselves rooting for the characters, likely due to the compelling performances of the actors. Kang Ha-neul as Lee Kang-soo, who returns from the depths of hell solely for revenge; Yoo Hae-jin as Gu Kwan-hee, who would easily cast aside friendship and loyalty for power; and Park Hae-joon as Oh Sang-jae, pursuing criminals with a sense of responsibility and justice as a family man. There are also Ryu Kyung-soo, portraying the "backstabber provocateur" Jo Hoon, and Chae Won-bin, who, having fallen due to drugs, strives to maintain her determination for life. Their passionate performances further heighten the immersion in the narrative.
The action, focused more on realism than flashiness, is also a distinctive feature. Action director Heo Myeong-hyeong ensured it felt real by referencing the processes of detectives in the drug investigation unit apprehending drug offenders. The intense and brutal hand-to-hand combat, rather than showcasing coolness, adds to the film's realism. In particular, scenes that pay homage to photos of former Blue House Chief of Staff Woo Byung-woo during prosecution investigations and various elements that seem to satirize the dark sides of modern society provide a heavy punch to the audience.
Scheduled for release on April 16. Not suitable for minors. Running time 123 minutes.
[Photo] Plus M Entertainment
[OSEN]