The main problem with it is that two and a half hours it's much too overlong and could have done with some judicious cutting, but other than that this is a solid effort. Later, Kei reveals her role in the deception and suggests they leave together, but Fuse decides to stay. Netflix acquired the international distribution rights of the film. [24][12], A red carpet and showcase event for the film was held on July 18, 2018 at Times Square Mall in Yeongdeungpo-gu with the attendance of the director and cast. He uses mostly tracking shots, following each of the players involved, highlighting the fear and desperation in the eyes of the terrorists (though the film never makes it clear if we should feel bad for them or not), and the cold, heartless dedication behind the cyborg-like the Special Unit. Forget the special units you know - any of them. Contents 1 Summary 2 Plot 3 Cast and Characters 4 Awards [21], Illang: The Wolf Brigade was released in South Korea on July 25, 2018. This generates significant backlash from the region's powers (the U.S, Russia, China, and Japan) who oppose reunification. I give it a B-. [4] [5] I guess we can just say this movie stories is base in another world or dimension. [32] The number of South Korean film admissions in July 2018 dropped by 21.4% from 2017, to 5.39 million, due to the sluggishness of this film and the absence of intermediate films to replace it. Korean director Kim Jee-woon's latest offering is another anime adaptation, this time in the form of ILLANG: THE WOLF BRIGADE. Jin-Roh (, Jinr, lit. The goal of /r/Movies is to provide an inclusive place for discussions and news about films with major releases. Variety and the Flying V logos are trademarks of Variety Media, LLC. Actually, they come off like college art-house films, which is probably why these films aren't well regarded. However, he refuses, seeing no need for her death. I love every movie I've seen from director Jee-woon Kim and the fact that bring back the iconic action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger in his American debut The Last Stand (2013) so when I heard he about to direct the live action adaptation of Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade I can only imagine how awesome the famous incident in the sewers scene on the big scene or the special police unit armor would look like with real people but what I don't know is Jee-woon Kim also bring back home the Hollywood treatment for foreign movies for Illang.I don't mind the change in the story for it to fit the current state of North Korea and South Korea but what I do mind is how much different the two main characters in Illang to their Japanese counterpart in Jin Roh.There so much more action in Illang so for people that think Jin Roh is boring without the action it definitely a plus but for me the four short action scene in the original are still superior thank to how emotionally attached I am to the characters and the ending make me have no desire to watch it again. The storyline was a little sketchy with some holes and jumps. Either one of these, dedicated to complete, I think would have made a fantastic film. A talented young street-food cook pushes herself to the limit after accepting an invitation to train under an infamous and ruthless chef. The production values are top-notch with excellent cinematography and fight coreography but the final product somehow feels like an unremarkable and hollow action movie without that spark that made Bittersweet life such an unforgettable experience. The film's musical score was composed by Hajime Mizoguchi. It was not to hard to follow but could have been a bit more solid. And, in truth, this was my biggest disappointment with the film. [7][8][9] Distributed by Warner Bros. Korea, the film had cost 19 billion won (US$17.04 million) to produce. They from experience are consistent in their filmmaking efforts and for the most part this is no different. From his friend Han Sang-woo, Lim receives a diary that is said to have belonged to the deceased girl Lee Jae-hee. Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos. [4][5], The film is set in 2029 where South and North Korea prepare for a unified government after a severe economic depression slams both countries. I highly recommend this film for action lovers, asian cinema enthusiats. She also cannot blame Lim for her death. I liked the quality of the movie action scene, simple and without CG. Fantastic and brilliant, with an intense and memorable ending. Yes they've changed the setting but it's almost a shot to shot homage to Jin Roh in some parts, when Grace Omega started playing I immediately got frisson! [1][17] Filming began on August 16, 2017 in Studio Cube, a South Korean filming complex, and completed on March 23, 2018. Some of the action was too over the top for the serious type of movie this was trying to be. Certainly, Illang has some random explosions that dont make sense outside of a movie universe, but the fight sequences are mostly easy to follow, while still being dynamic and exciting. Starring: Gang Dong-won, Han Hyo-joo, Jung Woo-sung Watch all you want. The film stars Gang Dong-won, Han Hyo-joo, and Jung Woo-sung, and was released on July 15, 2018. In 2029, after the governments of North and South Korea announce a 5-year plan to reunify the country, strong sanctions by the world's powerful nations cripple the economy and lead to a hellish period of chaos. Also, there is so much talk, the movie runs for about 139 minutes, which is way too long for this particular story to be told. The ending theme (Grace Omega I think it's called) is rolling in the background even as I type this. The ending being the most disappointing part. Email news@gamespot.com. Still had a good time watching it, mostly because of where it came from but unfortunately this pretty much murdered any chance to see Jin-Roh content ever again. Sorry, but you can't access this content! A lot of changes to the story made it worse. Illang: The Wolf Brigade is a (Korean: ; Hanja: ; RR: Illang; lit. I get CGi's and improvise locations you can't duplicate or make but at least make the story original, isn't that why you're making that movie?!?! Overall, though, if you have heartbreaking memories of the original, this one does not deliver the same emotional punch the original possessed. The whole movie takes place in South Korea, and I was wondering when the North would be involved. Based on Mamoru Oshiis Kerberos Panzer Cop manga whose 1999 anime adaptation, Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade, serves as a direct blueprint for this films stunning opening and climax Illang transposes the story from Japan to Korea, where political and economic pressure have forced the divided country to consider reunification. Its only use is during the prologue to explain why the government would launch a Special Unit force to put an end to Sect. Together they go to the bookstore that Yun-hee owns. The film picks up five years later, as conditions have drastically worsened. People just want to the see the armor suit fighting. But it's been quite a while so I don't remember it that fondly. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. He visits the ashes of the dead girl and meets Kei Amemiya, who claims to be the elder sister of the terrorist and they develop a friendship. The incident damages the reputation of the unit and Fuse is reprimanded. Although currently living in Korea having served in the national army as well. Illang: The Wolf Brigade (sometimes known as Inrang: The Wolf Brigade, which has been used at least once) is a 2018 Korean science fiction dystopian movie directed by Kim Jee-woon.It stars Gang Dong-won, Han Hyo-joo, Jung Woo-sung and Kim Mu-yeol. Set in the distant future where both North and South Koreas agree to establish a joint government, which has been in preparation for a duration of 7 years, the plot focuses on political upri Set in the distant future where both North and South Koreas agree to establish a joint government, which has been in preparation for a duration of 7 years, the plot focuses on political uprisings on opposing sides which grow fierce when a special police unit is formed to stop the Set in the distant future where both North and South Koreas agree to establish a joint government, which has been in preparation for a duration of 7 years, the plot focuses on political uprisings on opposing sides which grow fierce when a special police unit is formed to stop the chaos. The Wolf Brigade is a high powered, deadly force of men whose job it is to crush the sect opposing reunification. In the sewers they meet Jang Jin-tae. He knows about Yun-hee's true identity and has expected that the state security would lead them to her. That wouldn't be so bad had the dialogue been interesting or thought-provoking, but for the most part it comes across as really dull stuff you've heard in many other movies before. A remake of the acclaimed japanese anime Jin-roh this new movie somehow fails to make the impact that one might expect from this director. That was satisfying! As a Korean critic, I should have gave it a 10 but on a second thought Good production value Human-Wolf; also known as Inrang) is a South Korean science fiction action movie directed by Kim Jee-woon and starring Gang Dong-won, Han Hyo-joo, Jung Woo-sung and Kim Mu-yeol. Sigh.. Illang: The Wolf Brigade is a 2018 South Korean science fiction action film. damn. In 2014, a plane with 239 people aboard vanishes from all radar. But the fight ends quickly after a young girl detonates herself, and after spending the entire opening introducing us to this badass group of scary soldiers and showing how formidably effective they are, the film pretty much sweeps them under the rug for the rest of its runtime. Netflix and third parties use cookies (why?). Entertaining and quite intelligent combat and action sequences throughout the movie; however, remarkably dumb reasons provided by the plot to explain the purpose of this combat. Behind all of this, frequently peeking through to the forefront, is an almost political thriller of two government agencies trying to discredit and overpower the other. 2023 Variety Media, LLC. The love story aspect of the movie just doesn't work, so it doesn't have an emotional crutch. The state security wants to disband the special unit. Talk about the film. I hope he makes a truly great film again, because I was disappointed despite going into it with lowered expectations. EDIT: cause I screwed up my numbers, apparently. [4], Oshii "begged" to at least be entrusted with the screenplay, the prospect of working with Okiura changing his previous reluctance about merely writing films. had to be impartial due to my upbringing in the States. In the last scene, Yun-hee's brother is seen sitting in a train looking out at a man sitting on a bench. Oh, Kim Jee-Woon, what have you done? Anime adaptations are rarely a good idea in the first place. (Also in San Sebastian film festival.) However, Fuse sneaks in, seizes Kei, neutralizes the Capitol Police agents and they escape. The film does include a few scenes that were faithful recreations of scenes from the original animation, and they were quite interesting to see and can really get a fan of the original excited. Why do so many Korean movies feel like they're in slow motion. Netflix's Maniac: 16 Best Easter Eggs, References, Callbacks And Clues You Missed. The Wandering Earth. [6], The film was released on July 25, 2018. But another enemy may be lurking nearby. The original isnt great but the script is thight and know exactly what it is and how to tell it but the new one is just a mess. That inexplicable something a story (in any medium) can have. (Original title: "Inrang") Production: (S.. While it's better paced and isn't as boring, it doesn't make its characters any more emotionally involving, and I don't think it takes full advantage of the world it tries to portray, instead relying on a more expanded yet overplotted story. 2. Perhaps not being aware of its background helped. I can't explain it, but it hit it's marks and hit them perfectly. Illang: The Wolf Brigade 2018 | Maturity Rating: 16+ | 2h 19m | Sci-Fi Movies In 2029, the elite police squad Illang combats a terrorist group opposing reunification of the two Koreas. But, it really feels as if the actions of any character become pointless, especially during the third act of the movie. Kim Jee-woon knows what the hell he's doing when it comes to staging and shooting action, and the action sequences here are fluidly shot and feature some really neat choreography. The project was originally pitched as a six-episode OVA as he knew Bandai Visual was interested in having him do a series for them and his original Kerberos Panzer Cop manga was formed by six chapters. They then are not bulletproof when he shoots from the inside. Significant tariffs are imposed upon both countries, creating an economic depression for both, and weakening public support for reunification. [Edit: typo due to puppy paws hitting my keyboard]. He then surprises Yun-hee by informing her that Lim is not only a member of the special unit, but belongs to the notorious sub-organization Illang, the Wolf Brigade. Some rebel fighters try to prevent it but are outmatched by an army of gas mask-wearing armoured super-soldiers who cut through anything in their path. Five years after The Last Stand Korean director Kim Jee-woons one-off attempt at American filmmaking, a throwaway shoot-em-up co-starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Johnny Knoxville Kim is back home, applying what he learned in Hollywood to anime adaptation Illang: The Wolf Brigade. An obsidian-black sci-fi thriller all but consumed with corruption of the state and of the soul, the film opens stunningly enough, reminiscent of such late-80s comics-to-screen transfers as Tim Burtons Batman and the original RoboCop in its darkly atmospheric depiction of a grim near-future, but it gets confusing quick and never quite regains the promise of its first half-hour which accounts for a disappointing local performance (Illang did fewer than one million admissions last summer in South Korea). ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The main male protagonist, Im Joong-Kyung played by Gang Dong-won, is your usual super-competent combatant, and theres never really any tension about whether or not he will succeed in overcoming the obstacles in front of him so much as how he will do it. This leads to the emergence of a terrorist group named Sect, which opposes the joint government of South and North Korea. As the filmmaker wasn't able to produce two films in the same time but didn't want someone else to direct his final episode, Oshii decided that the third episode would be an anime instead. While Illangs additions are generally good, the film chipped at the originals emotional core to make the film have more action. That being said, there were some big changes that made the film more enjoyable for me. 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Rowling More Grace and Listen to Her, Britain's $4 Billion Boss: ITV Chief Carolyn McCall Bets It All on Talent, 2023 Music Festivals: How to Buy Tickets to Coachella, Governors Ball, Lollapalooza and More. There is zero emotional depth to the characters (or actors who can convey any emotion), and together they make for a boring and shallow couple. However, the film's "slow, deliberate pace" is criticised. However, fans of the original might find that there are either too few changes to merit watching this over the original, or they might feel that there were too many changes and the film moved too far into action and away from the emotional core that made the original so memorable. Han Hyo Joo is pretty. However I really enjoyed this movie, yeah the romance part might a bit long but also has some purpose in building the final climax. Warriors of Future. The special unit is able to track the fleeing members to the sewers and hunt down some members there. The year is now 2029, and Special Unit forces now patrol wearing elaborate steel-plated armor. I'd only recommend it to those who are deeply into Asian and Korean cinema, and who also have a lot of patience. About that car and the rest of the surrounding production details: Despite all the energy spent establishing how much Korea has changed between now and 2029 (a vision that calls for customized cars and tanks early on), about half an hour in, Kim either forgets that the film takes place in the future, or simply assumes that audiences will just carry on believing that premise, reverting back to what looks indistinguishable from the present day. IPv6 Ready. [9], An early comment on the film was given by Blue Sky animator Andr Mazzone, who was shown the film in May 1999 as part of a delegation from the studio to Production IG's headquarters. A really good action movie with an intriguing setup. Hachiroh Tohbe explains to Kei that the Wolf Brigade has used the Public Security Division's plan to flush out those who were most active in trying to eliminate the Kerberos Corps, and eliminate them in turn. A series of eerie events thrusts an unlikely trio (John Boyega, Jamie Foxx and Teyonah Parris) onto the trail of a nefarious government conspiracy. While the movie has wholly adopted Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade, it does have parts of the Kerberos Saga included in does as part of giving it some . I am so glad that betraying sonovabitch Henmi ate shit. Movie was alright but nowhere near as good as the original. When Lim leaves, Han from State Security seeks out Yun-hee. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. It's a futuristic fable in which a new Cold War leads to a reunification attempt between North and South Korea. that betraying sonovabitch Henmi ate shit. Genre: . Yun-hee tells him she saw a puppet show of Little Red Riding Hood, but a version without a happy ending. Some of the same setups are in Illang, but they lost the threads throughout the film, and the payoff doesnt arrive with as much force. Privacy Policy, Now Playing: Best Netflix Releases Of October 2018: New Movies And TV Shows To Watch. Decades later, he becomes a suspect again but is he still innocent? Like why can't you just flim everything the same as the originals? EDIT 2: I have no idea why the numbers are screwy. The thing is like a wolf. The film follows Kazuki Fuse, a member of a special police unit set during an alternate history of 1950s Japanese riots. Thankfully, though, this is not something they abuse, and Illang does look different, though perhaps someone not well versed in the differences between Korean culture and Japanese culture might easily overlook a lot of the small nuances. Reminder: Skip the convoluted plot and jump to 01:05:00 to watch the gunfight scene. The main problem with it is that two and a half hours it's much too overlong and could have done with some judicious cutting, but other than that this is a solid effort. Now I never read the Manga, but I did watch the Anime (Jin Roh). Kim knows how to direct and edit frenetic chase sequences but the narrative here is so unconvincing and bland that it is just not enough. But there's always one guy whose conscience can't be stomped out and Lim is that soldier. . A trap is set by the local police forces and the Public Security Division intended to discredit the Special Unit with Kei as bait to catch Fuse, intending to show a terrorist passing a satchel bomb to a member of the Panzers. Imo, the movie was doing so great as just a double agent action thriller. Furthermore, Illang is not a direct remake of the animation and is rather an adaptation that borrows heavily from the original. While I enjoyed the film, I found myself caught between the contradictory feelings of wanting the film to have changed more while also wishing the film had adhered more to the original. Didn't get the emotional connection that Korean movies usually have. The setting is moved to near future Korea from an alternate 1950s Japan allows for interesting visuals and some different interactions between characters that were present in the original. Read all Director Jee-woon Kim Writers They changed huge plot points that destroyed the original theme and made it feel more Hollywood. Yoon-hee claims a lot of things over the course of the movie, and sooner or later, one would do well to stop believing her, since shes the rebel/spy/love-interest/damsel-in-distress on whom the movies unnecessarily convoluted plot pivots at least three too many times. Meanwhile, the special unit has already gathered evidence that the sect was financed by the State Security and is planning a coup. He ultimately still found the experience frustrating both through the tiping ("The moment you write, you want to direct") and after realizing the result would unavoidably be much different from what he pictured in his head. The Japanese preview of the film took place on June 19 in the Roppongi 20th Century Films theater. Kei embraces Fuse and sadly recites the dialogue of Little Red Riding Hood, describing the grotesque appearance of the wolf disguised as a loved one. Unfortunately the 139 minute lenght is also way too much, hopefully the new cut (soon to be released on Netflix) will make the movie somewhat tighter and more exciting. The film premiered on November 17, 1999, in France, and Bandai Entertainment and Viz Media licensed the film for an English-language release in North America and Europe.