Eun-mil-ha-gae eui-dae-ha-gae (2013) Reviews

• It had it all!

  Soccermama1072013-07-27

  I laughed, I cried.... This movie had it all. The first half was actually comical and light, where the second have grew darker, more violent, and so sad. I'm not a fan of violence in films (it's just hard for me to watch), but it was integral to the story so it was inevitably used here. The strangely interesting thing is that as the movie got darker and more intense, it also got more personal. I went last night to see this movie with a Korean friend. I don't speak any Korean myself, so used the subtitles. They were written obviously by someone who spoke English as a second language, as some of the phrasing and word choice was odd, but I kind of liked that. It made it feel like the story was being told by an actual Korean (rather than an American interpreter) like my friend, who has slightly "broken" English as well. I am sure that if this movie were made in America, it would win many Oscars. Of course then it wouldn't be the same movie. I hope it at least comes up as a best foreign film nominee. I highly recommend this wonderful movie!

• A profoundly powerful film with comedy and action

  Gordon-112013-07-19

  "Secretly, Greatly" tells a captivating story of three young man, trained to be killing machines, sent to South Korea as spies and assimilate into the local society. While they await further instruction from the party, they forge a friendship with the local community. The first half of the film is comedic, with the lead character acting foolish and funny. However, right from the start, the viewers know he is just pretending to be stupid, as he makes many mental calculations on all possible permutations of events in his head. Such a double life requires a lot of dedication and perseverance. The second half of the film turns into a adrenaline fuelled action film, with much brutal fist fights and valiant defiance of orders. It is presented so well, that it keeps people captivated with the three men's psychological struggle and physical struggle. They manage to take down tens of tough guys in fist fights normally is unrealistic and even annoyingly silly, but in "Secretly, Greatly" their seemingly omnipotent fists provide something for viewers to marvel at. Maybe it is because they are not just fighting for the sake of fighting, but fighting for survival, both physically and ideologically against a tyrannical regime. The interspersed subplot about the idiot's longing for his mother is very touching. In the three men's native country, people are brainwashed to believe that the party is way more important than their blood family. Hence there is a constant deep seated struggle; and their longings could never be fulfilled. The plot is profoundly powerful towards the end of the film, when everything culminates to an emotional and action climax. "Secretly, Greatly" is a great gem that deserves to be seen. I enjoyed watching it tremendously.

• Still crying

  mini-cheer-soso2013-12-22

  to be honest I never cried that much for a movie. this movie is outstanding. At the beginning the movie could appear long but when you get to the middle, you are just in it. All the action is really good. A lot of people said it was long, but not for me. I strongly recommend it. seriously. really inspiring. I cry every time I think of the movie. Watch the movie till the End! Kim Soo Hyun was srly the best. He has really good acting skills. It gave me goosebumps. The story line is a bit complicate at the beginning but at the End you understand everything. If you are very emotional, this movie is for you (might need tissu boxes)! Well watch the movie till the End. seriously it's really good:)

• Power of Actor, Power of Webtoon.

  soosoo2162013-06-26

  This movie is based on a famous Korean web-toon, "Secretly, Greatly". Directing skill is not so impressive. Storyline is little different from the original web-toon. But talent of the leading-role actor, Soo-Hyun Kim, supports the whole movie. His eyes are shining. A north Korean secret spy disguises as a fool in South Korea. Such a plot makes the movie unique from other north Korean spy movies. Soo-Hyun Kim's acting range from a ridiculous fool to a chic elite spy is wonderful. Strongly recommended.

• Valiant try, but imbalanced and overlong

  hipcheck2014-05-08

  There are some great parts to this film, and there is some strong craft at work, but as a whole, the film suffers from imbalance and then struggles to maintain pace. What starts off as ostensibly a comedy changes its genre completely by the middle. Whereas there are attempts at silly humor for the early going, they are dropped completely in favor of the action/intrigue aspect before too long. It's very strange to be halfway through and remember the early tones of the story, now all but forgotten. There are strong points: the photography is great; the fight scenes are good (too many cuts, but still good); the philosophical struggle the characters face is well-drawn. There are also some low points, but overall the film I'd say is worth watching - just be ready for two different halves.