Watch Poongsan
- NR
- 2011
- 2 hr 1 min
-
6.4 (933)
Poongsan is a 2011 South Korean action drama film directed by Juhn Jai-hong. The film stars Yoon Kyesang, Gyu-ri Kim, Jong-soo Kim, and Kim Jong-ho in the lead roles. The movie revolves around the character of Poongsan, played by Yoon Kyesang, who is a mysterious messenger between North and South Korea. The film begins with the scene where a young man crosses the border illegally from North Korea to South Korea. He is later revealed to be Poongsan, an expert in smuggling, who makes his living by helping people cross the border. He is approached by a South Korean spy, who requests him to transport a North Korean defector to South Korea. Poongsan agrees to do the job, but things do not go as planned, and he has to cross back to North Korea with the defector on his back. The movie follows their journey back to North Korea and the challenges they face along the way.
Poongsan is a fascinating character, and Yoon Kyesang's portrayal adds depth to his personality. He is a man of few words and has a cold, stoic personality. He has a tortured past, which is only revealed in bits and pieces throughout the movie. He is also a skilled fighter and has an almost superhero-like ability to take on multiple enemies at once. Yoon Kyesang's physicality perfectly matches the character of Poongsan, and his performance is impressive.
Poongsan's journey takes him to the heart of North Korea, and the movie provides a rare glimpse into the lives of ordinary North Koreans. The film portrays the harsh living conditions in North Korea, and the strict regime that controls every aspect of people's lives. Jong-soo Kim gives a convincing performance as the head of North Korean intelligence, who relentlessly pursues Poongsan and the defector.
Gyu-ri Kim plays the character of a South Korean woman who is in love with the defector. Her character adds a romantic angle to the movie, and her chemistry with Yoon Kyesang is palpable. However, the movie does not dwell too much on the romantic angle, and it remains a subplot throughout.
The movie has several action scenes, which are well choreographed and intense. The fight scenes are brutal and realistic, and Yoon Kyesang's natural athleticism adds to the authenticity of the scenes. The action scenes are not overdone, and they are well integrated into the narrative.
The movie's cinematography is stunning, and the locations used in the movie add to the authenticity of the story. The film makes excellent use of the barren landscapes of North Korea, and the scenes shot at the DMZ are especially breathtaking.
The movie's soundtrack is minimalistic, but it works well with the movie. The music adds to the tension in the scenes and helps build the atmosphere.
Overall, Poongsan is a thrilling action drama that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats. The movie's strong narrative, excellent performances, and stunning cinematography make it a must-watch for anyone interested in Korean cinema. However, the movie's portrayal of North Korea may not sit well with some viewers, and its depiction of the regime can be controversial. But the movie still manages to present a human side of North Korea, which is rarely seen in mainstream media.