Despite only a
few of the characters remaining from the previous installment in this
gangster-drama franchise, Friend II: The Legacy manages to maintain the
atmosphere from the original. It is with the narrative that this sequel gets a
bit tripped up, attempting to do too much in a result that feels more
convoluted than a sequel should. Rather than simply worrying about the
progression of the characters in the story following the first film’s events,
Friend II simultaneously adds unnecessary prequel segments from one of the
film’s minor characters. Despite action which exceeds the first film in
excitement, this follow-up feature is missing strength in characters and
relationships which made the original one the most successful films in South
Korean history.
Picking up the
story seventeen-years after the close of the first one, Friend II begins with
Joon-seok in prison, carrying out the last of his sentence. Just before
returning to the streets and his position in the gang, Joon-seok is joined in
prison by Choi Sung-hoon, the son of Lee Han Dong. Having been responsible for
Dong’s death despite their childhood friendship, Joon-seok feels an obligation
towards his son, taking him under his wing once released from prison. Back on
the street, Joon-seok discovers that his position of power has faltered in his
absence, replaced by a new leader and threatened by rival gangs. Paired with
the ambitious Sung-hoon and his gang of young thugs, Joon-seok makes a
strategic play for power. The only thing that seems to stand between him and
ultimate success is the truth about Sung-hoon’s father’s death.
As was the case
with the first film, the drama and relationships between the characters is of
more significance than any of the genre elements, which is particularly
noticeable in the unhurried pace of the film. With a running-time just over
two-hours, what violence the film does contain feels spread out. This is not a
problem as much as the convoluted narrative and disjointed editing, which makes
the film far more work to follow than is typically expected of a sequel.
The DVD special
features include featurettes about the characters, as well as interviews with
the actors who play them. There is also a generic making-of featurette and a trailer
gallery.
Entertainment Value:
7/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 6.5/10
Historical
Significance: 6/10
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