Detective K: Secret of Virtuous Widow (2011)

Here comes the Korean Sherlock Holmes, with plenty of fast paced plot and slapstick humor. Sure few parts don't make much sense and may even seem pointless, but the movie as a whole. It's actually a pretty good adventure. I enjoyed it from the start to finish even if like I said some parts were just pointless and ridiculous even for a comedy such as this. So the plot is about a really smart detective who is actually a bit a awkward goofball that goes around solving cases during the Joseon Dynasty. I thought it did a good job of blending the case revolving a conspiracy involving murders, politics, embezzlement and the rich oppressing the poor and Christianity all into one. Even if it may seem like it's all over the place at first. It gets interwoven pretty well at the end. Anyways his sidekick who is actually really likable is played really well by Dal-su Oh. The duo actually really does a great job of brining out that awkward but comedic feel. Overall this is a fun slapstick mystery adventure movie that I actually enjoyed more than the 2009 "Sherlock Holmes" movie. Korean comedic adventure movies are usually misses over hits, so it's pleasant to actually find a good one.7.9/10

Second round behind the camera for Kim Seok-yun after the film version of the TV series Old Miss Diary (2006), Detective K is a thrilling adventure in costume, split evenly between its atmosphere, awesome comic instincts and exciting action scenes. While not skimping some contortions of the script, it is able to give an evening of pure entertainment.The story starts with an investigation as the title suggests, an infallible and bizarre investigator on a series of bizarre murders that could lead to a big conspiracy against the king. During its mission, the man comes across the mysterious disappearance of the widow of a wealthy family. With the help of a cute little thief, the detective discovers a branched network of intrigue that sometimes put his life to risk. And in all this,. There is beautiful Han, a merchant, seemingly cynical but with a mysterious past? The first few minutes, where the laughter and action scenes are fabulous. In fact in its development, the film opens in several points for reflection, inserting deep issues such as those of religion, and the struggle between social classes. Although never arriving to introspective essence of the drama, there are tense moments and deep, able to remove the apparent veneer of superficiality initially feared. Without detracting from the component it is naturally more playful and spectacular, that boasts a simple but successful compendium of special effects. The direction is impeccable and the cinematographer does his duty by offering magnificent views of places where reign of nature is supreme. Equal quality of the costumes, the colors are often bright transforming into the ancient world in a colorful reality.A noteworthy performance by Kim Myung-min, with a sober mustache, is totally unrecognizable from the time of Into the Mirror (2003) or even the recent Man of Vendetta (2010), the character is nuanced and full of melancholic irony. Dal-su Oh is an absolute comic relief.Recommended to action & comedy genre lovers.