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A Company Man Blu-ray Review



  • Actors: Ji-seob So, Mi-yeon Lee, Do Won Kwak, Dong-jun Kim, Kyeong-yeong Lee
  • Director: Sang-yoon Lim
  • Format: Blu-ray, Dolby, NTSC, THX, Widescreen
  • Language: Korean
  • Subtitles: English
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
  • Number of discs: 1
  • Rated: Unrated
  • Studio: Well Go USA
  • Release Date: August 27, 2013
  • Run Time: 96 minutes


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            Instead of the revenge narrative which has seemed most common in Korean crime films in the past decade or so, A Company Man takes another approach with this thriller about a professional hit man. This doesn’t necessarily ensure that the storyline is original, often resembling numerous other box office hits. With a silently morally superior protagonist, A Company Man often resembles The Man From Nowhere in style and tone.

     

            The boldest choices that A Company Man makes in its narrative occur within the first ten minutes, when we are exposed to the cold-hearted ruthlessness our protagonist Hyeong-do (SO Ji-sub) is capable of. Unfortunately, the remainder of the film shows the redeeming choices that this character makes, hardly appearing to be the same man. Unable to continue the lifestyle of working as a hired killer, Hyeong-do attempts to plan a way out of his employment with the ruthless corporation dealing in death.

     

            The storyline advances toward familiar territory as our antihero becomes a hero, not only longing to get out of the business but also providing help for the family members of victims. His kind nature is what is meant to draw the audience into caring about him as the corporations assassins are also drawn in to eliminate him and provide some of the films most visceral thrills.

     

            The Blu-ray includes a making-of featurette and a trailer, though the high definition presentation of the film is more impressive than any extras. This is an entertaining action thriller, albeit one which is easily forgettable among many other Korean films.

           

    Entertainment Value: 8/10

    Quality of Filmmaking: 7/10

    Historical Significance: 6/10

    Disc Features: 5/10

     

     

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