We have become so used to the hegemony of Hollywood that it is easy to forget other countries can and do produce excellent movies. This South Korean film is superb in that it is has a topical credible plot that is executed well producing an intelligent political action thriller with touches of humanity and humour. Well worth watching and enjoying.
51 Reviews
The South Koreans do it again
Leofwine_draca27 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Do the South Koreans ever make thrillers which aren't fantastic? That's the question I find myself asking these days following on from yet another viewing of yet another great movie. This time it's the turn of the ambitious STEEL RAIN, an extremely timely political thriller depicting a near-war between North and South Korea and the USA. The wide-reaching plot is unlike anything you've ever seen before, featuring Kim Jong Un himself in a supporting role and involving a coup by North Korean generals intended to begin WW3. There are two heroes, one of them an honest North Korean soldier (THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE WEIRD's Jung Woo-sung) and the other a South Korean intelligence officer (THE MAN FROM NOWHERE's Kwak Do-won). The plot is complex and the running time a little overlong, with some slow sections in the middle, but on the other hand there are some phenomenal action sequences which blew me away and which are unlike anything I've ever seen put on film before. I just wish that there were more of them in the film because they really are that good.
A country divided and on the brink of nuclear war...
paul_haakonsen13 August 2018
I found "Steel Rain" (aka "Gangcheolbi") on Netflix and decided to sit down and watch it without having heard about it prior to finding it. I needed little persuasion to do so, as it is a South Korean movie, after all.
"Steel Rain" turned out to be a rather interesting movie, both in terms of story and also in sheer thrilling entertainment. It was a great story that really had some rather realistic elements to it. And the storyline started out quite nicely and in great pace, and it never really lost its momentum along the way.
The characters in the movie were also quite nicely detailed and brought to life on the screen. Again, lots of realism here and it was characters that you quickly could relate to and bond with. And of course it helped quite a lot that they had gotten together a rather good assembly of actors and actresses to portray the various roles.
The movie offers equal amounts of action, drama and character growth, which turned out to be a great combination. Everything in the movie just turned out great and came together quite nicely as the movie ended.
If you enjoy the South Korean cinema, then "Steel Rain" is definitely a movie well worth spending time and money on.
"Steel Rain" turned out to be a rather interesting movie, both in terms of story and also in sheer thrilling entertainment. It was a great story that really had some rather realistic elements to it. And the storyline started out quite nicely and in great pace, and it never really lost its momentum along the way.
The characters in the movie were also quite nicely detailed and brought to life on the screen. Again, lots of realism here and it was characters that you quickly could relate to and bond with. And of course it helped quite a lot that they had gotten together a rather good assembly of actors and actresses to portray the various roles.
The movie offers equal amounts of action, drama and character growth, which turned out to be a great combination. Everything in the movie just turned out great and came together quite nicely as the movie ended.
If you enjoy the South Korean cinema, then "Steel Rain" is definitely a movie well worth spending time and money on.
Over complicated but involving
phd_travel29 February 2020
Well made complicated North and South Korea political and nuclear thriller. Its hard to follow in parts. Korean speakers will find this more understandable probably and appreciate the complicated politics. I liked the comic and touching relationship between the two main actors.
'Timely' would be the cliché...
steveo12219 March 2018
Clearly, and successfully, made for western consumption, this South Korean "The Sum of All Fears" style doomsday action/thriller/buddy film is one of the best I've seen. All the requisite action and intrigue parts are there and done very well. The actors are very good; the relationships and developments have weight; the meticulous script is excellent and the 'thriller tension' is ratcheted nicely.
'Timely' would be the cliché, but what isn't is that this not a one sided propaganda piece at all.
The hc subtitles do come quick, but they're good clear translations.
The hc subtitles do come quick, but they're good clear translations.
Political Intrigue Within North Korea
Uriah436 September 2018
In an effort to prevent a military coup by 3 high-ranking officials within North Korea, a former agent by the name of "Eom Chul-Woo" (Woo-Sun Jung) is recruited by the chief of the RGB "Ri Tai-Han" (Kap-Su Kim) to assassinate them first. However, when he arrives at his firing position in the Kaesong Industrial Complex he is shocked to discover that, instead of his intended target, the Supreme Leader has shown up instead. He is further shocked when 2 incoming rockets fired from South Korea come out of the sky and kill multiple people. To make matters even more alarming, not only is the Supreme Leader seriously injured, but a hit squad soon arrives to finish him off. And that's when Eom Chul-Woo makes the decision to secretly transport him across the DMZ into South Korea. Meanwhile, South Korea is currently having a different form of power transfer as a high-level diplomat named "Kwak Chul-Woo" (Do-Wan Kwak) is trying to implement a smooth transition from the outgoing administration to the incoming presidential team. However, upon going to a medical clinic to investigate a strange rumor involving his ex-wife, he soon finds himself staring down the barrel of a gun held by a North Korean agent--and lying on the hospital bed is the critically injured body of the Supreme Leader himself. From that point on both Eom Chul-Woo and Kwak Chul-Woo become pawns in a power struggle that threatens to erupt into a nuclear war. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this was an exciting film which tries to encapsulate the political landscape of Korea and the military and economic interests of China, Japan and the United States as well. To that end it succeeds and--coupled with the amount of action and intrigue--renders a very watchable film. Above average.
Excellent Movie!
adobepro5 August 2018
Just saw it on Netflix, really good movie, everything was done well, script, acting, effects, locations, direction and cinematography. 10/10. Please keep making more motion pictures like this!
If you like this, you'd probably also like Bad Guys Vile City (over the top violence, but good story and acting) and Stranger (Secret Forest) on Netflix. The only issue I have is having to pause and go back sometimes to read the dialogue. Netflix only has Korean (of course) and Spanish SAP, no English.
If you like this, you'd probably also like Bad Guys Vile City (over the top violence, but good story and acting) and Stranger (Secret Forest) on Netflix. The only issue I have is having to pause and go back sometimes to read the dialogue. Netflix only has Korean (of course) and Spanish SAP, no English.
Know your enemy !
psfla17 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
In the political realm re: N vs S Korea, there are deeply entangled relationships that cannot be easily managed, particularly by "outsiders". Just as in any tightly bonded people with a long history, there are many complicated viewpoints. This film delves into some of those entanglements & shows how the rift can be narrowed by just ordinary people making an emotional connection, even though they have differing political ideologies. The action is fast & may need a 2nd or 3rd viewing just to take it all in. There are some very innocent lives ( many, many ) sacrificed, just as there would be in actuality should tensions escalate much further. This film tries to examine the possible ways that the situation could play out & it is not pretty. The two central characters seem to be polar opposites ( thin vs fat, poor vs wealthy, free to make choices vs not, devoted to family vs not so much, tragic vs hopeful, etc. ) yet they manage to make a solid connection by their drive to avoid a nuclear holocaust. They share the same name & over a meal at an ordinary run-of-the-mill restaurant they form an uneasy alliance. There is lots of high-tech gadgetry, & international intrigue & high-speed vehicular chases so this film has something for everyone. Highly recommend.
Friendship in Wartime
albertval-695606 January 2022
It's an interesting political drama with all the suspense and the action scenes (at the right moments) that a potential nuclear war engenders. But more than the nuclear holocaust in everyone's mind is the unlikely friendship of the 2 main protagonists with the same name. They are fun to watch as Eom is impossibly too formal while Kwak is cool and composed.
Eventual reunification remains to be an elusive dream. Still the plan that both sides adopt--to keep the peace, cooperate with each other and promote prosperity--is worth considering. And, as expected, one's family is all the matters in the end.
The actors are generally good. No one goes over the top which could be irritating. Pacing doesn't lag as the story unfolds in an almost rhythmic fashion.
Eventual reunification remains to be an elusive dream. Still the plan that both sides adopt--to keep the peace, cooperate with each other and promote prosperity--is worth considering. And, as expected, one's family is all the matters in the end.
The actors are generally good. No one goes over the top which could be irritating. Pacing doesn't lag as the story unfolds in an almost rhythmic fashion.
Steel Rain Review: A masterfully crafted action film definitely worth watching!
Achyut_Prashast_Singh15 March 2018
Movie: Steel Rain (15): Action - Korean
Positives:
Negatives:
Repeat value: Yes
Undoubtedly, STEEL RAIN is a masterfully crafted action film which is a must watch for all!
Positives:
- The performances of the two lead actors Jung Woo-sung and Kwak Do-won are excellent, and the relation they form is a delight to watch.
- The visual and technical aspects of the film are top notch.
- The action scenes are shot and executed very well.
- The emotional aspect of the film has been dealt with very well.
- The film is very gripping thanks to the excellent story and crisp editing.
Negatives:
- The film could've been slightly shorter.
Repeat value: Yes
Undoubtedly, STEEL RAIN is a masterfully crafted action film which is a must watch for all!
Phenomenal movie
dannyeberry4 May 2018
Dull
BlissQuest27 March 2018
Implausible depiction of events combined with terrible acting. There are a few Koreans in the film who obviously cannot speak English, forcing the fact, and producing what sounds like pure gibberish! Foreigners based in Korea should be speaking to the natives in their tongue, not the other way around! This is not a terrible film, but it's also not a good one.
Nonsense movie
ferdelaboca4 January 2019
Top class action suspense
beso-langa10 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
A surprise action thriller. Entertaining from the word go, South Koreans make great films. Hollywood style action films like this cannot be remade for the mass market as it will water down the raw and captivating storyline. The North and South of Korea conflict comes to play but the human element brings about two ideological stances of mismatched and unlikely alliances. Making this film the turnkey blockbuster to be enjoyed by any film loving audiences all over the world.
Korean filmmakers are going to be hard to ignore in the nearby future.
Korean filmmakers are going to be hard to ignore in the nearby future.
Excellent Plot. A bit over-acting. Some overdone fighting scenes
info-193524 October 2020
Excellent Plot. The story is good. The movie is enjoyable and very watchable. I would recommend it. The lead actors are very good indeed and very likeable.
I hope the director can see this review and improve. The down sides of the movies are 1) some supporting actors / actresses had been over-acting, 2) some dialogs were unnecessary and 3) some of the fighting screen were overdone and therefore unconvincing.
One major ploy issue to me is that the whole "cancer" thing is so unnecessary and unconvincing.
I hope the director can see this review and improve. The down sides of the movies are 1) some supporting actors / actresses had been over-acting, 2) some dialogs were unnecessary and 3) some of the fighting screen were overdone and therefore unconvincing.
One major ploy issue to me is that the whole "cancer" thing is so unnecessary and unconvincing.
Excellent movie
sheikhzaman-0552416 January 2021
Its a jewel
mycountry-6067815 September 2018
Good and very relevant movie
Eiriksterminator15 March 2018
This movie is incredibly relevant these days because of the current tension between North Korea and the US, South Korea, and Japan. No doubt that is precisely why it was made too. The movie in my opinion is very good, with an underlying moral messages about peace for all Koreans. It shows problems with both sides. The main actors do a great job, and there is both drama and action here, both of which in my opinion are done well. Do yourself a favour and watch a movie that is not only entertaining (which this one most certainly is), but which also has a relevant and important message, for once.
Action af
TreeFiddy5317 August 2023
HOLY-BACKGROUND-MUSIC!!!! What was that!?
Watched Steel Rain/Gangcheolbi (Korean) last night. Netflix.
Plot: There's a coup in North Korea, and an agent escapes with the country's injured leader into South Korea to save him. Both the countries are now about to go to war with each other. China and the US also end up getting involved.
This was a good action movie! Great performances by both the leads, the action sequences were really good and believable, the CGI didn't look fake, there was comedic relief and there were emotions. So, a little bit for everyone in a mostly action film.
DID I MENTION THE BACKGROUND MUSIC!? Action movies are good, but good music can transform an action movie into a thriller and that's exactly what they did with this one. You know how music with certain beats and at a certain pace can build the intensity and anticipation and tension? They went all out with this one and took the movie to a whole new level.
This isn't for people who don't like action, but it doesn't have over-the-top action either. Not for everyone, but if you're in the mood to watch something good and different for a change, check this out.
Watched Steel Rain/Gangcheolbi (Korean) last night. Netflix.
Plot: There's a coup in North Korea, and an agent escapes with the country's injured leader into South Korea to save him. Both the countries are now about to go to war with each other. China and the US also end up getting involved.
This was a good action movie! Great performances by both the leads, the action sequences were really good and believable, the CGI didn't look fake, there was comedic relief and there were emotions. So, a little bit for everyone in a mostly action film.
DID I MENTION THE BACKGROUND MUSIC!? Action movies are good, but good music can transform an action movie into a thriller and that's exactly what they did with this one. You know how music with certain beats and at a certain pace can build the intensity and anticipation and tension? They went all out with this one and took the movie to a whole new level.
This isn't for people who don't like action, but it doesn't have over-the-top action either. Not for everyone, but if you're in the mood to watch something good and different for a change, check this out.
Very solid - more than just an action flick
simonemmanuelschouten30 May 2019
I was expecting an "okay" action movie with an excuse plot and a lot of unrealistic, flashy stunts from the lead character. Gangcheolbi (Steel Rain) is not that. This is a movie that gets it right.
It doesn't rely on flashy action scenes to provide entertainment and fake tension, but on a good story to provide actual tension. It doesn't force in character development or beg for some audience empathy, but simply lets the characters do what they do in a believable and organic way. Actions feel consequential. The dramatic scenes (unlike most movies) succeed because they are set up carefully and aren't milked for everything they can.
It's got plenty of action scenes and those were very enjoyable: fast, but well-shot (no super-short cuts), gritty, and with very little nonsense. Some of the shots in general were absolutely stunning. But the plot is also very solid (if somewhat difficult to follow for a Western person...) and stays interesting for the entire movie. It uses credible dynamics between countries and powers and masterfully displays the concerns over the existence of two entire nations, as well as the concerns over an entire people.
My only gripes with the movie are the sub-par acting of the CIA woman, and the parts where Asian actors suddenly tried to speak English (for no reason whatsoever) and didn't do so well, which is a bit of a shame since they acted phenomenally otherwise.
It doesn't rely on flashy action scenes to provide entertainment and fake tension, but on a good story to provide actual tension. It doesn't force in character development or beg for some audience empathy, but simply lets the characters do what they do in a believable and organic way. Actions feel consequential. The dramatic scenes (unlike most movies) succeed because they are set up carefully and aren't milked for everything they can.
It's got plenty of action scenes and those were very enjoyable: fast, but well-shot (no super-short cuts), gritty, and with very little nonsense. Some of the shots in general were absolutely stunning. But the plot is also very solid (if somewhat difficult to follow for a Western person...) and stays interesting for the entire movie. It uses credible dynamics between countries and powers and masterfully displays the concerns over the existence of two entire nations, as well as the concerns over an entire people.
My only gripes with the movie are the sub-par acting of the CIA woman, and the parts where Asian actors suddenly tried to speak English (for no reason whatsoever) and didn't do so well, which is a bit of a shame since they acted phenomenally otherwise.
the North and the South
celinepu9 August 2021
I learnt about the tension between North and South Korea. I didn't expect that North Koreans military would possibly blame their Great Leader for not using the nuclear weapons. The difference between the strong, straightforward North Korean soldier and the South Korean Security Secretary is also interesting especially their friendship. This movie makes me think that division within a team could really cause chaos. Unity. The ruling government is very important to shape the people's mind.
Not the best Korean movie I saw.
deloudelouvain13 March 2019
We all know Koreans are on top when it's about Asian cinema. There are countless good Korean movies but this time I'm a bit disappointed. To me it was just all too confusing at times and I had the feeling they were dragging the story. The production is quality though but the story just didn't do it for me. As for the subtle humor present in Steel Rain you have to master the language to fully understand it and let's face it Korean is just not the most attractive language to listen to. I wonder if they think the same about English or French. The acting was also not bad but still that doesn't guarantee a good movie.
Should be the template for all action movies
shoobe01-15 June 2020
Simply excellent movie in most every way.
Takes a while to get going, and the very opening scenes are very out of place with the rest, and not necessary even. Because the rest is such a trope-buster, this sticks out.
I think my favorite example - being vague to not give anything away - is when the bad guys stage a diversionary attack about halfway through and all the soldiers leave where our main characters are guarding the MacGuffin. Because not /every/ guard or soldier leaves, and the remaining ones are brave, skilled, and professional. The improbably-supervillain leader of the bad guy assault doesn't just walk through, and many, many of his people are killed, on the way to the main-character confrontation. Unlike every horror movie and almost all action movies, you believe it. The good guys don't die because they are NPCs but because they were fooled, they fell to overwhelming odds, etc. The plausible odds make it that much more engaging.
And at the structural level, it's just perfect also. A major character is a senior bureaucrat, so there's a natural link back to the war cabinet, and to the spies of other nations, to allow us to see the whole situation, from top to bottom, with minimal jumping around; we follow the main characters through much of the action quite seamlessly.
Downsides were mostly in that it was a purely Korean production. There was enough US involvement in the plot that a slight joint production would have helped make the American actors seem less trite in characterization, and given them more plausible dialogue. Lots of "simulations" for some reason.
The Netflix version has mediocre captions. Korean seems right, but the English is not captioned and is often very hard to understand. Some signs are titled but not others, or not on-screen information that's important to the plot. Hopefully that will get better eventually also.
Takes a while to get going, and the very opening scenes are very out of place with the rest, and not necessary even. Because the rest is such a trope-buster, this sticks out.
I think my favorite example - being vague to not give anything away - is when the bad guys stage a diversionary attack about halfway through and all the soldiers leave where our main characters are guarding the MacGuffin. Because not /every/ guard or soldier leaves, and the remaining ones are brave, skilled, and professional. The improbably-supervillain leader of the bad guy assault doesn't just walk through, and many, many of his people are killed, on the way to the main-character confrontation. Unlike every horror movie and almost all action movies, you believe it. The good guys don't die because they are NPCs but because they were fooled, they fell to overwhelming odds, etc. The plausible odds make it that much more engaging.
And at the structural level, it's just perfect also. A major character is a senior bureaucrat, so there's a natural link back to the war cabinet, and to the spies of other nations, to allow us to see the whole situation, from top to bottom, with minimal jumping around; we follow the main characters through much of the action quite seamlessly.
Downsides were mostly in that it was a purely Korean production. There was enough US involvement in the plot that a slight joint production would have helped make the American actors seem less trite in characterization, and given them more plausible dialogue. Lots of "simulations" for some reason.
The Netflix version has mediocre captions. Korean seems right, but the English is not captioned and is often very hard to understand. Some signs are titled but not others, or not on-screen information that's important to the plot. Hopefully that will get better eventually also.
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