Watch Heart Blackened

Heart Blackened is a 2017 South Korean crime thriller directed by Jung Ji-woo, starring Choi Min-sik, Park Shin-Hye, and Ryu Jun-Yeol in lead roles. The plot follows a wealthy businessman who is devastated by the unexpected and suspicious death of his daughter's fiancé. As he tries to uncover the truth about what happened, he discovers a web of lies and deceit that threaten not only his reputation but the lives of his loved ones.

The movie opens with a cheerful scene where the protagonist, Im Tae-san (Choi Min-sik), is spending time with his daughter Yoon-hee (Lee Soo-kyung) and her fiancé, Gi-joon (Lee Han-Wi). Gi-joon is a successful businessman and seems to be the perfect match for Yoon-hee. However, things take a dark turn when Gi-joon is found dead, and all the evidence points towards Yoon-hee as the murderer.

Im Tae-san refuses to believe that his daughter could be capable of such a heinous crime and starts an investigation to clear her name. He hires a renowned lawyer, Choi Hee-jeong (Park Shin-Hye), to defend Yoon-hee in court. However, as the investigation progresses, Im Tae-san discovers that the case is not as straightforward as it seems. He uncovers crucial evidence that implicates some of the most powerful people in the country, including a media conglomerate, a corrupt prosecutor, and even his own son.

As the plot thickens, the story takes some jarring turns and keeps the audience on its toes. The director keeps the pace taut and the storyline gripping, leaving no room for dull moments. The performances of the lead actors are also noteworthy. Choi Min-sik delivers a nuanced performance as the anguished father trying to protect his daughter. Park Shin-Hye brings a compelling element to her role as the tenacious lawyer, exuding a palpable sense of empathy for her client. Ryu Jun-Yeol is also commendable in his portrayal of the prosecutor who is caught between his conscience and his duty.

What sets Heart Blackened apart from other crime thrillers is the exploration of the power dynamics at play. The story delves into the corrupt system and the lengths to which the powerful will go to protect their interests. Through its portrayal of the media, judiciary, and police, the movie highlights the challenges faced by ordinary citizens who seek justice in a world that is rigged against them. It also brings to light the devastating consequences of greed and ambition and how they can lead to the destruction of innocent lives.

The movie also benefits from its technical aspects. The cinematography is stylish and immersive, and the backdrop is utilized effectively to create a sense of tension and foreboding. The music score is minimalist but impactful, adding to the overall noirish atmosphere of the movie.

In conclusion, Heart Blackened is a well-crafted crime thriller that does justice to its genre. The movie's provocative storyline, gripping performances, and astute direction create a cinematic experience that appeals to both fans of the genre and casual movie-goers. It is a must-watch for those who enjoy thought-provoking movies that leave a lasting impact.

Heart Blackened is a 2017 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.