Eye for an Eye

High production values and good acting do some justice to a Korean film that is muddled by poor editing and an overall lack of coherency. The title is mis-translated to a cliché and generic action title with many a movie before it. The protagonist and antagonist do their jobs, and their is some creativity to the vs. aspect of the two, however, the other characters are easily lost and unrelated to. Only one other character is partially exposed by the camera. The movie goes for a bit of Oceans 11 heist-caper with some action elements. If you've ever watched popular Korean film, the reoccurring vengeance theme is present as well. I think somewhere in the development of this movie, someone was a little too overambitious. The plot drifts around. There's a definite effort to be unique but it end up being way too familiar. The classic scenario of the exchange of goods for the life of a friend is used. The editing at points is so jumpy and confusing it hurts. As I said though, it is not a terrible movie. The main characters are interesting and they have enough distinctness to make them real. If you are looking to watch a better Korean flick, you could watch Wild Card for a strictly cop action movie. For vengeance,director Park Chan Wook's vengeance trilogy would be best (Sympathy for Lady Vengeance, "....Mr. Vengeance", Oldboy. Or, for a slickly produced ,agrivating, get the bad guy movie, check out Chaser.