Phantom (Korean: 유령; Hanja: 幽靈; RR: Yuryeong) is a South Korean spy action film based on Mai Jia‘s 2007 novel, Feng Sheng. It was directed by Lee Hae-young, starring Sol Kyung-gu, Lee Hanee, Park So-dam, Park Hae-soo, and Seo Hyun-woo. It was released theatrically on January 18, 2023.

Synopsis

The year is 1933, more than two decades into Japan’s harsh colonization of Korea. A new Japanese resident-general arrives in Seoul, but is immediately targeted in an assassination attempt that only fails by the narrowest of margins. The police believe that a shadowy resistance group is being assisted by a spy, code-named “Phantom,” who has access to the internal communications of the colonial government. Newly-appointed security chief Kaito (Park Hae-soo, Squid Game) traces leaked information back to five potential suspects, and without delay he carts them off to a seaside hotel. There he sets about trying to determine which of the five is the Phantom.

Review

1. The intriguing plot builds up tension with multilayered characters, which are well portrayed by impressive acting, stylish costumes and dynamic action scenes. Director Lee, behind “Believer” (2018) and “The Silenced” (2015), creates the classic, elegant atmosphere in the beautiful hotel and the dynamic camera angle adds depth to the characters’ narratives. Sol portrays the complex emotion of Junji, who is fluent in both Japanese and Korean and appears as an enigmatic character hiding a tragic family story. Lee Ha-nee and Park So-dam play strong women characters, who are at first engaged in an emotional tug-of-war and later forge a bond under the extreme situation. They don’t hesitate to fight against armed soldiers and seem to be trained to use lethal weapons. The movie deals with Korean independence fighters in a harsh time but doesn’t delve deep into the recurring historic subject or try to give history lessons to the audience. It rather leaves questions of what a country and a family means to an individual in a critical juncture of life.
2. At the beginning I was reluctant to watch it. As I love Korean cinema I thought watching this won’t be the most enjoyable experience however you are enchanted by the unusual setting and likable characters very quickly. I thought that especially the main character was cast perfectly and planning to see other movies with him. His interaction with the 2 girls is perfectly played through and made me wait to see the final conclusion impatiently. The drama is synced very well with a constant action visually creating unforgettable experience.
3. “GOOD BUT OVERDONE”-A mixture of Sherlock Holmes and other revenge stories set in Korea. Interesting to watch, but, at times it feels too artificial and becomes like a graphical novel. Comedy was ok, but, mostly untimely and misplaced.
4. A detective looking for a kidnapped oldman and he takecare his grandaughters as well..whike he searching that oldman he knows many truths behind him and kidnappers… Must watch movie..!!