The Age of Shadows

Korea resistance against Japanese occupation. Ok, a good historical action movie. But what stands out it the quality of the direction, the attention to detail in almost every scene, humanity that transpires in the way the actors play their roles. Despite being spectacular and entertaining that's not the main quality of this movie. There is like an added value, sometimes aesthetic, sometimes simply human values and attitudes. Probably what stands out is the ability of trying and depicting the personalities of those who are supposed to be the heroes of the movie. Especially the main character (let's call it like that, as it will become clear at the end of the film) floats between trying to survive working for the occupants and in the end helping the resistance, helping his people and fighting for them. You are never sure what he is going to do, fight for his country or save his own ass, but everything is depicted (it seems to me) without rhetoric, so that in the end we see a man trying to do what he thinks it's right and not a hero who doesn't know what fear is and never has doubts. This kind of adherence to reality, so to say, is something I found more than a single Korean film, and one of qualities that makes me look for more of them.

A lavishly presented film about resistance fighters in Japanese occupied Korea during the 1920s. Very well made and acted with a good period feel ,the narrative pace was maintained but never frantic and although it was a long film it held my attention throughout. There were some action/fight scenes which were good and didn`t stretch credibility too far which can be a minor flaw in some Korean cinema. I enjoyed this film and would recommend it.

I love Kim Jee-woon as he directed The Good, The Bad and The Weird, one of my first and favourite Korean movies, and A Bitter Sweet Life which is just brilliant. I found A Tale of Two Sisters interesting, and I Saw the Devil profoundly disturbing. This one The Age of Shadows is a tremendously well produced, acted, and directed piece of film making, but I really struggled to get into it. The story at first appears complex but actually turns out to be pretty straightforward, there are some impressive set pieces, but the film as a whole just failed to engage me and although nominated for various awards I would venture is not one of Mr Kim's stand-outs in the way the other aforementioned films were. Worth a watch to appreciate a craftsman at work, but ultimately not completely satisfying.

Really enjoyed this film. It was captivating to me from start until the end. It is very well directed and the acting is very good. If you haven't seen Korean movies, should really give them a try, recommend it.

This is by far one of the best korean films ive ever seen. I know its a long movie but its one of those films that you really have to appreciate it. Its very well written and very well acted. A must watch

This film will stir a spirit within you, to hold fast to who you are and what you believe in, whatever the price. I loved every second of it.

Very good movie. Sometimes a little confusing as to who is a bad guy. Regardless, a worthwhile watch.

Excellent film

Well written and interesting film on a little known (to the West) era of Korean history.

Very interesting and compelling drama .

Ce film est passionnant et l'intrigue est palpitante. Un film très bien fait et très intelligent. La beauté des images et la scène d'attentat avec la musique du boléro de Ravel a hérissé chacun de mes poils. Ne serait-ce que pour cette scène, je ne regrette pas d'avoir acheté le film. Un film unique.

Llego en tiempo y forma, sonido muy bueno e imagen de buena calidad y el empaque muy adecuado muchas gracias

Running at two hours an twenty minutes I enjoyed every last ounce of this movie..absolutely bloody well. this is like the old 1920s spy drama that I love..you don’t know who you can trust until the final minute. this movie deserve more than the three stars that the one reviewer give it..are you kidding me man. there is no big Kun-Fu fighting so get that out of your bloody head if that’s what you’re expecting, its not here okay. with the invasion of China by the Japanese the freedom fighters try to devise a plan to do damage to there outfit. it has a feel like “Inglorious Bastards” just the last part in that theater when all the Germans got killed. this is a Warner Bros. production and its in English, which is The BEST I’ve ever heard. ever, trust me on that one. but there they are some very gruesome parts to this movie which is not good to look at.. Every Frame Is Executed Masterfully..Love It. Widescreen 2.35:1 5.1 DTS-HD Master.