There are 3 types of Korean films: Revenge, Cop, Political. this one starts as the 3rd, turns into the second and gloriously ends on the 1st featuring the whos who of everything. also featuring on of the top cinematographers today, amazing.
16 Reviews
Trust No One
matajaime11 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The movie while not entirely original, is a movie that keeps your attention because of the bleak atmosphere.Basic Korean cop drama, Han Do-Kyung a corrupt cop is working with the corrupt mayor because of sick wife and at the same time with police investigators because black mail.
The movie is him trying to tip toe the line and trying to stay neutral. The entire plot revolves around both sides being corrupt and Han Do- Kyung being stuck in the middle. Lot's of great action sequences, but movie is plot heavy, so you need to pay attention.
Movie similar to New World and The Departed, for reference.
The movie is him trying to tip toe the line and trying to stay neutral. The entire plot revolves around both sides being corrupt and Han Do- Kyung being stuck in the middle. Lot's of great action sequences, but movie is plot heavy, so you need to pay attention.
Movie similar to New World and The Departed, for reference.
Stark and amoral
Leofwine_draca8 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
ASURA: THE CITY OF MADNESS is a typically gritty and engaging crime thriller from South Korea. It's a film heavy on the morals and the depiction of a corrupt and venal society, in which the main character is a crooked cop who spends his time carrying out violent duties on the part of the city's loathsome mayor. Korean thrillers typically feature expert direction and top-notch acting and this film is no exception. It's one of those movies where there are no good guys, just different levels of badness. It's lengthy but fast-paced and full of depth, as well as stark and gruesome violence throughout. A mini-masterpiece, in fact, and a film which I'll enjoy revisiting in future.
Watchable dark, gritty and pointless film.
KineticSeoul8 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I decided to check this film out because I like Kim Sung-Su's films. His films tends to have the comic book style going for it which I liked. I even liked the film "Please Teach Me English" which was panned by critics. I thought it was a fun comedy that wasn't overly ambitious. Most of his previous films go in a fairly simple direction. But this time Kim Sung-Su put a lot into this movie, he basically threw in a lot of story elements which in some ways I felt that dragged down this film. And just slowed down the pacing without adding much weight to it. It seems that Kim Sung-Su gets more complex as his filmmaking career progresses. What this is, is a dark, gritty and very tragic and bleak film. Once again the main star is Jung Woo-Sung, who was the main star in multiple Kim Sung-Su films. This time around he plays a retired detective that is caught up in the middle of corruption. But he places himself in that position in order to save his dying wife. The corruption between the sadistic and sociopathic mayor and overly aggressive, ruthless and narcissistic investigator tears the main lead apart. Most of the scenes are composed of corruption, bickering, greed, manipulation and the main lead getting beat up constantly. It really does get tiresome after awhile. It's one of those films that is sort of complex, with constant bickering, trash talking and violence without much substance in between. By the end the whole experience just felt pointless. It's still a pointless watchable film, just to sum it up.
6/10
6/10
Corruption runs deep
videorama-759-85939123 October 2016
I love these Japanese ultra violent films. They're great, aren't they, and a lot of blood gets spilt in this involving cop corruption crime. Only it's a lot of what I've seen before, with our lead, a bad cop who's walking a tight rope, gets in over his head, having to deal with Internal Affairs, and a corrupt mayor, where basically we know how his fate will ensue at the end of this two, quarter hour movie. Not only this, his wife is dying too, so we can sees little, the why's of his corrupt actions like beating a witness, lowlife, half to death, after accidentally sending a cop, going off a building when a fence gives way. We could of had better acting too, and script, some subtitles, I couldn't believe I was reading. I wasn't surprised again to see a car chase in this either, though that one in that great action film, The Raid 2, surpasses this, making this seem small fry. The first shot of the film, where the same shots used a couple of times, paints a bleak, barren city, as if it's a slum, even though an attracting shot. The actor, playing the mayor probably gives the only real standout performance. He's one suave son of a bitch. Not without interest, definitely. It just didn't rise to other films, or past what I've just said.
Masterfully shot Dog-Eat-Dog
latinotoons18 October 2017
Annam Korea is the backdrop for this noir-esque masterfully shot crime thriller. Caught in a catch 22 of violence and deception, abuse begets abuse in the dog-eat-dog world of Asura: The City of Madness, where corruption is the day to day of cops and politicians.
Asian cinema is on a whole other level in terms of artful violence.
Asian cinema is on a whole other level in terms of artful violence.
Despite great acting, a very disappointing film
adamrocket7 January 2024
Hwang Jung-min and Kwak Do-won deliver standout performances in "Asura" (2016), infusing the film with undeniable talent. Their compelling portrayals elevate the viewing experience. However, the film's narrative, while propelled by their efforts, succumbs to clichés that hinder its originality. The attempt to fuse neo-noir with soap opera elements feels strained, leaving the audience with a sense of disappointment, particularly in the concluding moments. Despite the actors' commendable work, "Asura" struggles to harmonize its ambitious genres, ultimately resulting in a film that falls short of its potential.
Don't believe the rating
yasararafath-394629 February 2019
Lots of potential, but ultimately generic and mediocre...
paul_haakonsen7 February 2020
I didn't even know about "Asura" from 2016 from writer and director Sung-su Kim before I stumbled upon it in 2020 and was given the chance to sit down and watch it. Naturally I took the time to do so, as I am a fan of Asian cinema, and South Korean cinema is usually quite good.
This movie, however, was just bland and mediocre. Now, I will say that they had a strong cast ensemble to perform the various roles and bring the characters to life, and the movie does have some strong performances by both Woo-sung Jung and Jung-min Hwang. But ultimately, the storyline was just too slow-paced and not enough of any worthwhile did happen throughout the course of the 2 hours and 15 minutes the movie played for.
The entire storyline was just mundane and generic. It wasn't particularly outstanding or memorable in the least, and the movie suffered horribly from having such a generic storyline. It was a shame, because there were some really nice acting performances, but they could only do so much to help lift up the blandness that was the script and storyline.
For a South Korean action / crime movie, then "Asura" was not particularly exceptional, and there are far better choices if you like this particular genre of movies readily available on the Asian movie market.
I am rating "Asura" a mediocre five out of ten stars, because entertainment-wise then the movie wasn't cutting it for me. This is not a movie that warrants a second viewing in any way.
This movie, however, was just bland and mediocre. Now, I will say that they had a strong cast ensemble to perform the various roles and bring the characters to life, and the movie does have some strong performances by both Woo-sung Jung and Jung-min Hwang. But ultimately, the storyline was just too slow-paced and not enough of any worthwhile did happen throughout the course of the 2 hours and 15 minutes the movie played for.
The entire storyline was just mundane and generic. It wasn't particularly outstanding or memorable in the least, and the movie suffered horribly from having such a generic storyline. It was a shame, because there were some really nice acting performances, but they could only do so much to help lift up the blandness that was the script and storyline.
For a South Korean action / crime movie, then "Asura" was not particularly exceptional, and there are far better choices if you like this particular genre of movies readily available on the Asian movie market.
I am rating "Asura" a mediocre five out of ten stars, because entertainment-wise then the movie wasn't cutting it for me. This is not a movie that warrants a second viewing in any way.
Let us all descend into the abyss of insanity together, but violently!
prasen6728 June 2019
Asura city's foundations are completely mired in madness, just like the rest of humanity. The only difference is - Asura doesn't bother to hide it. The city has no rules at its foundation except the basest of human nature, exposed. That is its truth, its mystery and its unknown law. What every other city calls "order" is an attempt to impose something comprehensible and workable.
When you realize this, only one things can be worse - that everyone else also realizes this - that all their purpose is full of craziness and at bottom, utterly illogical. Together they bring out the worst in each other. Every diabolical villany is accounted for - in full, shameless display through snarling contempt and nonchalant ultraviolence.
Start at the very bottom of our base nature and progressively work downwards from there into the abyss. Relentlessly finding untraceable paths that are successively worse than the last, leading to only one conclusion.
You wanted to accept everything. Now accept that groups of men are so completely mad, that should their veil of civility be lifted, they are dancing with each in the darkest places of hell. Asura lifts that veil. Asura is a bonfire of all vanities - and the bigger the fire grows - the more darkness is revealed.
Genius yes, because the difference between insanity ahd genius lies in how others accept your insanity. Korean films are 1000 years ahead of Hollywood and 500 years ahead of European cinema.
When you realize this, only one things can be worse - that everyone else also realizes this - that all their purpose is full of craziness and at bottom, utterly illogical. Together they bring out the worst in each other. Every diabolical villany is accounted for - in full, shameless display through snarling contempt and nonchalant ultraviolence.
Start at the very bottom of our base nature and progressively work downwards from there into the abyss. Relentlessly finding untraceable paths that are successively worse than the last, leading to only one conclusion.
You wanted to accept everything. Now accept that groups of men are so completely mad, that should their veil of civility be lifted, they are dancing with each in the darkest places of hell. Asura lifts that veil. Asura is a bonfire of all vanities - and the bigger the fire grows - the more darkness is revealed.
Genius yes, because the difference between insanity ahd genius lies in how others accept your insanity. Korean films are 1000 years ahead of Hollywood and 500 years ahead of European cinema.
Not worth time
amitkumarfr19 August 2019
perfect politics film full stop......
rescy0095 March 2019
Did not expect to see a memorable movie like this perfectly acted by the politicians..... maybe the violence is extreme but the thrill will get you to the edge of your seat..... always remember this movie for life and i cannot find any comparison to any action political movie that I watched from 2000 to now......i am not exaggerated for my comments..... this is from the bottom of my heart.......
Pretty terrible police corruption story
mrrcott5 November 2016
I don't know about you but I am getting tired of these films, where there is corruption in politics and the police investigate, but the police are corrupt themselves. Its full of violence but it's never there for a god reason. Occasionally this is OK. The violence in Oldboy was justfied by the character's fury at being locked up for 15 years, but here, it just felt as though the director wanted to wallow in sadistic violence to shock us. Just why is Hang (Sung-woo) working for a sleazy mayor? i never understood, although it is suggested that it's because his wife, who is dying of cancer, is being supported by her half-brother who is the mayor. the shame of this film is that the only female characters given any screen time are either shown as dying or about to be killed. The audience I watched this with seemed to laugh or be sickened by the violence. I like Korean cinema usually but this one was not worth the time.
Asura: The City of Madness Review: The real monster lies within.
Achyut_Prashast_Singh21 August 2017
Movie: Asura The City of Madness (18)
Rating: 4.5/5
South Korean action films are quite amazing and interesting to watch because of the kind of action they offer: unique and different. Due to being an action film lover, I found out about this action flick ASURA THE CITY OF MADNESS, and decided to watch it. Though there were initially some negative reviews here on IMDb criticising the film's violence, I wasn't diverted at all and continued with my decision to watch this film. And I found it to be brutal, intense and enjoyable.
ASURA completely belongs to Jung Woo-sung, who handsomely plays his part. This time, I was seriously impressed with Hwang Jung-min. I haven't seen any other of his films except this one and the disappointing NEW WORLD, but I can say that this is his like the best performance he's ever delivered. No words for Kwak Do-won: he's an actor who plays every single role naturally and as usual, brilliantly.
The screenplay of the film is fully engaging with decent performances, action sequences, chases and everything you can expect from the film. And there's not only brutality: there's a lot more than that in this film. It raises questions which we perhaps come across daily. The answers lie in the questions themselves.
The action is this film's biggest strength. The well-choreographed action has a great repeat value as well. It's excellent enough to satisfy any action lover. Besides, the emotional scenes too generate emotions from the viewers, and in the end, you realize what anything bad can lead to.
ASURA is indeed the perfect example of how mad we the humans actually are. It doesn't only entertain you with its high-octane action but also strips before you the layers of madness a human mind has and can have.
Rating: 4.5/5
South Korean action films are quite amazing and interesting to watch because of the kind of action they offer: unique and different. Due to being an action film lover, I found out about this action flick ASURA THE CITY OF MADNESS, and decided to watch it. Though there were initially some negative reviews here on IMDb criticising the film's violence, I wasn't diverted at all and continued with my decision to watch this film. And I found it to be brutal, intense and enjoyable.
ASURA completely belongs to Jung Woo-sung, who handsomely plays his part. This time, I was seriously impressed with Hwang Jung-min. I haven't seen any other of his films except this one and the disappointing NEW WORLD, but I can say that this is his like the best performance he's ever delivered. No words for Kwak Do-won: he's an actor who plays every single role naturally and as usual, brilliantly.
The screenplay of the film is fully engaging with decent performances, action sequences, chases and everything you can expect from the film. And there's not only brutality: there's a lot more than that in this film. It raises questions which we perhaps come across daily. The answers lie in the questions themselves.
The action is this film's biggest strength. The well-choreographed action has a great repeat value as well. It's excellent enough to satisfy any action lover. Besides, the emotional scenes too generate emotions from the viewers, and in the end, you realize what anything bad can lead to.
ASURA is indeed the perfect example of how mad we the humans actually are. It doesn't only entertain you with its high-octane action but also strips before you the layers of madness a human mind has and can have.
Manly muscular film noir
trueflux13 February 2017
Dark gloomy manly muscular film noir
Absolutely corrupted mayor and his slavery police detective together ruining the justice.
This story is sort of the real in Corea. Too many politicians are evil and the rotten police men support them in many ways. They even try to blast the city gas pipeline and policemen never investigate about the fire on the city gas pipeline despite the firemen blamed and ordered to investigate.
This movie is realistic in those ways of Corean lives and so interesting and exciting film noir as well.
The car chasing scenes are some of the best cuts in the years! Even only that car chasing cuts must be able to pay back enough of your time.
Asura is surely the best Corean gangster film in the years!
Absolutely corrupted mayor and his slavery police detective together ruining the justice.
This story is sort of the real in Corea. Too many politicians are evil and the rotten police men support them in many ways. They even try to blast the city gas pipeline and policemen never investigate about the fire on the city gas pipeline despite the firemen blamed and ordered to investigate.
This movie is realistic in those ways of Corean lives and so interesting and exciting film noir as well.
The car chasing scenes are some of the best cuts in the years! Even only that car chasing cuts must be able to pay back enough of your time.
Asura is surely the best Corean gangster film in the years!
South Korean film-noir cult at its best
tockyghim24 September 2019
I wanna say one thing first, It's the first film that created such a cult boom like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)" among South Korean moviegoers. That is enough value for this film in the South-Korean film industry. I will write down a more detailed review later.
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