[Confession] Phantom Detective
You know you're in deep shit when the anti-hero Hong Gil-dong (Lee Je-hoon), a character rooted in 16th-century Korean folklore becomes Sherlock Holmes kind of detective in this 2016 South Korean film noir comedy action, 'Phantom Detective' written and directed by Jo Sung Hee.
Here is a brief synopsis of the movie:
Hong Gildong is an infallible private detective with an exceptional memory and quirky personality. While chasing the only target he failed to find, he gets entangled in a much bigger conspiracy than he bargained for.
Some of you may be familiar with the Director Jo Sung Hee because he directed Song Joong Ki's famous 'A Werewolf Boy' back in 2012 and you may have noticed the similar filtered effect the two films have - which I believe gives a distinct feeling of identity and otherworldly to his films. For a second there, I thought the film came out from a comic book! Lee Je Hoon didn't fail to live up to the character since there's something about Lee Je Hoon's acting that makes him credible, that you'll feel he's always in side of justice. His big break from the drama Signal made him the detective you'd want to solve crimes with - hmm maybe the walkie-talkie is his lucky charm? Hehe So from the film, we see a world that sets an unspecified setting and revolves around an immeasurable time.
An untraceable detective Hong Gil Dong's ensuing search for revenge of his mother introduced us to the perpetrator's granddaughters who became his sidekicks along the way. These adorable munchkins became Gil Dong's comic relief when he's seriously focused on his work and I think that's a good method to uplift this dark flick. You actually wouldn't understand thoroughly if you watch this half-mindedly as the scenes tends to confuse you a bit and Gil Dong likes to talk fast because he's that silver tongued and cool.
The villain Kang Seung Il which is played by Kim Sung Kyun is undeniably talented because he made me cringe at his corny jokes at Reply 1988 but made me scared shitless by his portrayal as a stoic supervillain. I wondered for a second how to defeat a villain like him? Good thing this film's upper hand isn't brawling but morally thought provoking tale.
This is why I commend the writer (and director). The real conspiracy hidden under the first thirty minutes comes with a bigger consequence in mind. There was me following the linear story when in fact a bigger picture was hiding under the cloak of subtle hints like secret organizations and power-seeking politicians scattered all throughout the film - and because of this, Hong Gil Dong doesn't go out without a plan in mind. Ever.
This is why I love detective films. I love thinking and I love being surprised. And Phantom Detective surprised me with its neat structure and resolution. Do watch and see for yourselves!
My Rating:
Plot: 9.4/10
Acting: 9.5/10
Cinematography: 9.1/10
Characters: 8.5/10
Uniqueness: 8.2/10
OVERALL RATING: 8.9