Review of The Terror Live (2013) by Panta O — 25 Jan 2014

This South Korean thriller written and directed by Kim Byung-woo was very entertaining to watch. It stars Ha Jung-woo as an ambitious news anchor-man who monopolizes the live broadcast of a terrorist attack following the explosion of Mapo Bridge on the Han River, as the story unfolds within the narrow confines of a radio booth. Skilfully written screenplay had lots of suspense but offered too many unanswered questions which were popping out like mushrooms while watching the explosions. Some of the situations were very close to impossible... but isn't that what the audience wants these day? Nobody said that this was a documentary or even film about a real event. If you take it as impossible fantasy - it is really fun to watch!

Despite opening on the same day as blockbuster Snowpiercer, The Terror Live performed well at the box office, on the strength of good reviews from film critics and strong word of mouth. According to the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), it consistently placed second on the box office charts, reaching two million ticket sales six days after its release. With a modest budget of ?3.5 billion (US$3.12 million), the film hit its break-even point during its first week of release. After 19 days of release, it has accumulated 5 million admissions to date. That is a success for a Korean movie. Why was so popular?

Excellent directing, screenplay dialogues were pretty good - but some of the situations are far-fetched, acting was superb, photography was enjoyable in every sequence, as well as was the camera work. I like movies with a good and clear sound, and I had no complaints regarding the sound, it was almost perfect!

If you are keen on seeing a work of an unknown rookie, who challenged Snowpiercer ($ 39.6 million dollar global project from Korea's leading director BONG Joon-ho), with the public release of his first commercial film The Terror, LIVE on the same day, and had an upper hand - check this one out!