Day 143 - New World (South Korean)

"Undercover police officer Ja-sung (Lee Jung-jae) infiltrates Goldmoon, the biggest crime syndicate in Korea, to investigate them under the command of his handler Chief Kang (Choi Min-sik). After eight years, Ja-sung becomes the right-hand man to the ring's second-in-command Jung Chung (Hwang Jung-min), who holds the real power. But when its leader is killed in a mysterious car accident, Goldmoon is thrown into a succession struggle that threatens to tear it apart. With a baby on the way, Ja-sung is desperate to retire, however Kang keeps him on as rival factions quickly develop around two prospective leaders, the gang's number 2, Jung Chung and number 3, Lee Joong-gu (Park Sung-woong). Top-level police officials initiate "Operation New World" to intervene in Goldmoon's selection process for the next leader, and to use the leader's death to their advantage in controlling the crime organization. Caught between Jung Chung who trusts him with his life, and Kang who thinks of him only as bait, Ja-sung is cornered by both bosses on opposite sides and must make a final decision that rests on loyalty and betrayal"

One of the most thoughtful gangster film I have ever seen. By that I mean that the film has a wonderful script and well developed characters. It has less action than you would expect from a gangster film. Lee Jung-jae did a remarkable job playing an undercover cop and gangster at the same time. I enjoyed seeing his performance, it felt like he made the performance the best of his career. One of my favorite Korean actors Choi Min-Sik who played a bastard of a handler. He did a god job playing an almost lifeless and uncaring superior. Last but not least Hwang Jung-min who did a remarkable job playing a gangster. His acting was dead on and kept the movie interesting. His character was often the one who started the violence, which made his appearances even more enjoyable. Now when you watch this movie don't expect The Godfather. This film is a good gangster film but doesn't belong in the "one of the best" category. I suggest this film to gangster film lovers that don't mind reading subtitles.


3.4/5