Shiri (1999) - More than a simple action blockbuster - 7/10 (25/08/13)

"Shiri" has been the biggest blockbuster in South Korea when it was released back in 1999 and is still regarded as one of the country's most popular movies ever. It even had some minor success abroad and opened the gates for many other great South Korean movies. The true success story of the unique high quality South Korean cinema owes a lot to this movie. 

The movie doesn't seem to be that original at first sight as it is clearly inspired by Hollywood and Hongkong action cinema and in particular by movies made by John Woo or John McTiernan. The movie features solid but not outstanding action scenes, a few crime investigation elements, a romantic love story and a tension filled showdown in the key of movies like "Sudden Death". The explosive and entertaining mixture works very well but there is more to this movie. 

While the story itself is fictional, it has a much more authentic touch than any American or Hongkong movie. This is due to the fact that Korea is still a separated country and that the tension is still high on the peninsula. The idea that a special elite force of North Korean soldiers could infiltrate South Korea and hijack a stadium or kill important politicians or scientists is quite realistic. This movie tells you a lot about the Korean psyche. People from both countries desire reunification and could be brothers, friends or lovers but political issues have shattered that dream. The fated main relationship in this movie underlines this dilemma. The final speech of the outstanding actor Choi Min-Sik who portrays one of the North Korean terrorists explains the situation very well and in a highly emotional way. As a viewer, you even develop sympathies for the villains who might be too radical in their actions but who are led by a strong dream just as in the similar "Typhoon" movie. That's where the movie gets very dramatic and philosophical and much more profound than a simple action film.  

The film does have a few lengths and in the beginning one gets a little bit confused about who is who but overall this is not only an entertaining action-thriller but also a philosophical drama that gives you some food for thoughts and ends as a true tearjerker. This is where successful South Korean mainstream cinema started and even though I have seen way better movies from that country, this quality film makes you understand why this country has made the best movies world wide of the last decade.