Review of Commitment (2013) by Daniel L — 23 Jun 2015

This is the sort of film that aspiring filmmakers and actors such as myself love to watch. Though there are parts that definitely need alterations, Commitment is not a movie one should regret watching. Touching base as most new movies after Kim Jong-il's death did on the secret wars and relations between North and South Korea, this film follows a young North Korean pushed into espionage after his father is betrayed and killed while operating as a splinter agent in the South. Two years later, he has evolved into a lethal young man, and as he is sent to operate in the South, he begins to question if he'll ever go back home, see his sister, or even survive.

T.O.P. is a natural actor as Myung-hoon the protective and betrayed figure on a mission that keeps changing as he keeps getting hunted. The movie progresses near perfectly up until after the climax and ending, which both leaves audiences upset at the outcome, which could have easily been avoided. But, that's Korean cinema for you, entertaining, somewhat realistic but leaving main characters inept. It's full of action, emotion, definitely scenes that will bring an enticed watcher to tears, but it would have served them well if they had elaborated more on Myung-hoon's personal growth, his friendship and perhaps romantic connection with Lee Hye-in.

Overall, it's an excellent film for the moviegoer who wants to be kept on the edge of their seats. For aspiring filmmakers/actors, it gives good acting chops for aspiring teen actors, and where not to go wrong for the story writer.