Movie follows the activities of the Heroic Corps, an anti-Japanese independence organization that existed under the Japanese colonial period in South Korea. The group used violent means to achieve...
Many people accuse historical dramas of being 'boring.' In the past, they were one of the mightiest of genres, beginning with D.W. Griffiths controversial first films. Now, if to survive, a subversion is needed. Something that makes something old and musty instead feel fresh and contemporary. Think Yorgos Lanthimos' The Favourite or Tarantino's Inglorious Basterds (though I admit this may be a stretch.) While I tend to favor this tactic, I'm aware some history buffs have an itch for accuracy, much like comic fans who seem to be archaeologists for canon comic lore. The Age of Shadows manages to perfectly walk the line between historical accuracy and dramatized elements. By using elements of Korean cinema, Kim Jee Woon creates a film that is tense, hyper-violent, and tragic.
The wonderful Song Kang-ho plays Lee Jung-Chool, a high commanding officer in the Japanese police. However, he is deeply conflicted with his Korean heritage, making him a middle child between Korea and Japan-occupated Korea. It is when he infiltrates the Korean Resistance that he begins to question his trust, realising that no one can be trusted.
Much like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Age of Innocence is thrilling and a fascinating pastiche of an underground world in a dark reality. However, while Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy relished in its snappy dialogue, The Age of Shadows delivers some relievingly great action scenes. With the effective use of Steadicams and seamless choreography, Jee Woon's film is a heart-racing thriller from start to finish.
This film only proves the power of historical drama. While accuracy is important, we are watching for a story. If accuracy serves to inform the setting, dramatisation is the means in which we are entertained. Just look at the long, but brilliantly played, train sequence here. The action and espionage are clearly dramatised but due to the fantastic set design and real-life stakes, the audience are just nudged that little bit further into a sense of tension.
