Commitment (2013)

Fans of well-written stories and interesting spy/espionage films (similar in nature to the Bourne Trilogy) coupled with competent, convincing acting, smart direction, and sharp (but not dizzying) action editing should really appreciate this film.The character development unfolds in a manner that draws the viewer close enough to care for the 19 year-old North Korean spy (brilliantly played by Seung Hyun Choi) as well as several other characters who convincingly convey deep emotions with economical use of dialogue, non-verbal expression, and relatively limited screen time.The action film includes a balancing dose of drama by placing an equal emphasis upon character development; and, the story also gives the talented actors an opportunity to emote some cultural insight related to the feelings and hardships associated with the political division of a culturally homogeneous North and South Korea. I look forward to future films written by Kim Soo-young, directed by Hong-soo Park as well as films that include the young, talented actor Seung Hyun Choi.

Cool is all this movie is, and I don't mean that in a completely positive way either. This movie suffers from what made "71: Into the Fire" lacking in substance. It has some action sequences with good enough choreography but underneath it all, there just isn't much. This movie tries to attract younger audiences with the main characters being in high school and with the main protagonist constantly trying to act cool. Which is fine, since it worked in "The Man From Nowhere" but just doesn't really work here. Sure there are parts with characters getting all emotional and all, but it doesn't pierce the audiences. The way it's developed I just couldn't care for the protagonist and his situation. The martial arts sequences are alright but that is all that is going for this movie, which is fine if it's main focus is the martial arts but that isn't the case either. It tries to integrate a thrilling and gripping story, but fails. I may get some heat from T.O.P fan girls but the guy can't act and I just couldn't believe that a scrawny skinny guy like him is able to beat the crap out of people by slapping the around. He does his trademark look of looking oblivious until another fight scene starts. I know this is to show the characters innocence which he tries to do with every show and movie he is in but it gets tiresome. His stage performance as a rapper is fierce and cool though. I am fine with him wearing make up on stage as a rapper, but he freaking wears eyeliner in some scenes where he plays the action hero in a movie. Which does not work for me, no matter how big the pretty boy trend is in Korea. I just couldn't take him seriously. Anyways when it comes to the action sequences, they are far between and when it tries to focus on the story without the action it gets boring real easily and seems to drag without much interest development. Even the climax wasn't much, it's a forgettable movie overall and I think it just stood out in Korea because T.O.P is a popular entertainer.5.5/10

Commitment is a tense thriller, mixed together with the young espionage and love story.Myung-hoon (Seung Hyun Choi) is the son of a North Korean spy who has been killed on the job in South Korea. Myung-hoon and his younger sister are trapped in the North Korean camp and will get the freedom only if he becomes a spy himself. He is now trained and has been sent to a South Korean school as a high school student. He befriends a girl in his class who is being bullied by a group of students. After all He understands that his own country is trying to eliminate him and now he has to save his sister and new friend as a commitment. He is committed to protect his sister and friend even at the cost of his life.Seung Hyun Choi delivers an exceptional performance with gritty facial expressions and body language. His character remains as powerful as it is writing for him.We see guns, explosions, martial arts and good action sequences laced with a fantastic espionage genre. However, the love story seems a bit clichéd but it has been managed with somewhat skill as it never goes over the top.The dirty political between North and South Korea, introduces the plot but has been left aside midway, you may feel the requirement of some more implications.In a nutshell, it is a real treat for Asian action thrillers, this is a definite must see film. You will enjoy the quick and perfect action sequences.My Vote 7.2/10

Commitment is a spy drama that takes place during the change of guard in North Korea where forces in the North are jockeying with forces in the South. Into this struggle, the son of a murdered spy is recruited to go to South Korea as an assassin, his reward being that upon the successful completion of his mission he will be reunited with his sister.The acting is uniformly good, especially from Seung Hyun Choi as the spy, Ye-ri Han as the girl he meets, and Park Ji-Il as the South Korean agent who hunts him down. Most of these actors will be unfamiliar to U.S. audiences.In recent years Korean films have been able to master the art of action sequences - "OldBoy" (2003), "The Chaser" (2008), "Bittersweet Life" (2005), "The Man from Nowhere" (2010). The current film does well, but at the heart of an action film one must believe that the hero is capable of performing the feats ascribed to him. In this case, it's only partially true. Neither by dint of his own physicality, nor the back story, are we able to believe that Seung Hyun Choi is capable of the martial arts skills he displays. In fairness to Choi , he does do OK, so it's not a question of disbelief, but neither is there an unquestioning acceptance.Apart from some good action sequences, the film is an interesting travelogue about life in South Korea, as well as a look at police work in that Country.