Brave Citizen

The Korean entertainment industry produces some of the best rom-coms in the world. They did not invent the genre, but they darn well perfected it. They also produce some of the best horror in the world. But when it comes to these sorts of "social justice tales," things get complicated. The concept is brilliant. But, almost from the first scene, the story gets bogged down in Korean social structures. The bully is not merely a bully, he also has powerful parents. Seriously? The female teacher is not merely a teacher, she really really really needs the job. Complicating a simple story never works out. If you want to see this story done right, check out THE SUBSTITUTE 1996. If you want see a Korean "justice" story done right, check out THE MAN FROM NOWHERE, on my list of all-time best films. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

When it comes to Korean cinema, I am definitely an amateur viewer. But I don't think much was lost on me with this film as far as cultural context. Shin Hye-sun is a very versatile and expressive actress who carried the protagonist role with equal parts grace and humor.

For me, the film hearkened back to the classic Bruce Lee movies like The Big Boss in that we have a reluctant hero(ine) who spends the majority of their time trying to avoid conflict, only to take a stand when cruelty and injustice become intolerable.

This is an excellent watch by any measure, and I highly recommend it. You will hate the villains, love the heroes, and laugh at the antics of both. The climax delivers, and the ending is more than satisfying. I would love to see a sequel!

Side Note: I am curious if Shin Hye-sun did her own stunts and fight choreography, if so, she deserves a place amongst other queens of martial arts cinema like Michelle Yeoh and Cynthia Rothrock. The fights were fast paced, fierce, and brutal.

The production did not maximize the action scenes. Angles were so dissatisfying. The storyline provoked a vengeful emotions but the resolution did not provide satisfaction to the emotional remorse. The director has missed a lot. There should be a focus on the strong hero. But the movie made a weak lead role. It has a lot of repeated back stories which are not that very relevant. If the problem focused on school bullying, it should resolve it. It focused on a failed father-daughter relationship which also created a confusion on what we should focus our attention to. This movie is just a waste..

Okay so i finally watched #BraveCitizen what an outstanding, jaw-dropping and gripping piece of work. The cast did a commendable job, Especially #ShinHaeSun tbh i didn't expect this side of Hae-Sun when i watched brave citizen for the first time, It is a excellent attempt; inspirational movie for all women, Shin Hae-sun, is a powerhouse of talent. Her dedication towards the movie is much appreciated. It's the best Korean movie ever. Cried a lot at the end part and this movie really touched my heart. Hae-sun is just phenomenal in this movie, undoubtedly the best actress of Korea. Big fan of her, a true legend ❤😭 Best action movies of the year. I recommend you all to watch it! Need more movies like this.

All I can say is, I appreciate all the characters and the story. I know this is a huge topic and story, but they managed to end it well. I really love it when someone genuinely cares to help, especially when everyone else is blind to the injustice and unfairness. In reality, it's rare to find someone who will help despite the risks, which is why others hesitate to lend a hand. I am both amused and proud of someone who is brave enough to stand up, even when nobody else will help. At least she is not blind and indifferent.

I admire a girl who knows how to defend herself, has knowledge of martial arts, and uses it in a positive manner to protect others.

That's why I love this movie and she nail it!