I really enjoyed this movie. The story is not something we have never seen before, in fact its pretty similar to Liam Neeson's Taken. But the difference is that this one incorporates a lot of humor in this special way that South Koreans are famous for. You have the badass, the feisty wife, the dorky sidekicks, the over the top evil villain. It was entertaining from beginning to end and I had quite a few very good laughs.
36 Reviews
I love this guy Don Lee
EvanKevelson6 January 2020
I truly wanted to give this an 8 for The Man Don Li but I felt he overplayed the pushover part of his personality which wouldn't have been bad if he would have done the same with his rage when he was pushed to the point of the Wrecking machine. The Villain was a bit over the top for an issue like human trafficking and more suitable for a Drug/Gambling/Extortion type. He's pure sociopath but cares way too much about money to fit the bill. Yet this was incredibly entertaining and not overly drawn out so for Action/Suspense that if I love maxes out at 8 I gave this a seven.
One of my favorite action films lately
hazzah13 January 2023
I'm very happy I clicked on this movie. I'm not one who typically seeks out foreign action films. I'm not sure why, exactly? But this one caught my eye.
The best way to pitch this movie, would be a hybrid between Die Hard and John Wick. One man against the world who has a dark past he wishes would have stayed there.
Ma Dong-seok plays the Wick type. He's much more brawl than anything else. Not so much martial arts (that I'm aware of), just bare knuckle punches. Him being a pretty unassuming guy, it's very cool to see him kicking ass.
Song Ji-Hyo plays his wife, whom is in peril. It would typically be a thankless role, but she's a tough, no BS woman. Plus! The main vengeance plot is not predicated on some sort of sexual assault. Tho, human trafficking is the main scheme, at least the filmmakers didn't feel the need to put in a r*pe scene or the like.
The true standout was Kim Sung-oh as the villain. He could have gone full Nicholson's Joker, but was able to deftly balance between over-the-top comedically evil and dangerous and unpredictable enough to warrant tension.
The tension is amazing, in my opinion. There may have been a few jokes I would have cut from the two comic relief characters. Because, you really only need one and having the other character (Bear) was really unnecessary. He was the tracker - why was he going with the main characters at all?
Great direction from Kim Min-Ho. He too, from what I gather, is at stunt performer turned writer/director. This is much like how the John Wick movies began. If I see a film of his again under my suggestions, I'll happily watch.
Excellent film, truly. Great story, great cast, fantastic action and a universally important story.
The best way to pitch this movie, would be a hybrid between Die Hard and John Wick. One man against the world who has a dark past he wishes would have stayed there.
Ma Dong-seok plays the Wick type. He's much more brawl than anything else. Not so much martial arts (that I'm aware of), just bare knuckle punches. Him being a pretty unassuming guy, it's very cool to see him kicking ass.
Song Ji-Hyo plays his wife, whom is in peril. It would typically be a thankless role, but she's a tough, no BS woman. Plus! The main vengeance plot is not predicated on some sort of sexual assault. Tho, human trafficking is the main scheme, at least the filmmakers didn't feel the need to put in a r*pe scene or the like.
The true standout was Kim Sung-oh as the villain. He could have gone full Nicholson's Joker, but was able to deftly balance between over-the-top comedically evil and dangerous and unpredictable enough to warrant tension.
The tension is amazing, in my opinion. There may have been a few jokes I would have cut from the two comic relief characters. Because, you really only need one and having the other character (Bear) was really unnecessary. He was the tracker - why was he going with the main characters at all?
Great direction from Kim Min-Ho. He too, from what I gather, is at stunt performer turned writer/director. This is much like how the John Wick movies began. If I see a film of his again under my suggestions, I'll happily watch.
Excellent film, truly. Great story, great cast, fantastic action and a universally important story.
This deserves a 7.9
imoh-1376027 December 2019
This movie was awesome i had much fun watching it. It was also comedy but they didn't wrote this above in genre but in all this was great movie i liked the main character aggression so much i liked his power and strength it was done so well . I also liked the two friends of main characters they were damn funny and the main evil character his character was damn crazy I start thinking he's like joker he really was great in acting
Not bad but could do better
andyge24 June 2019
Korean comedy-mystery where the comedy works better than the action. Good ensemble cast act well together however the film lacks pace and there are very few twists and turns and disappointingly little thrills. The comedy however keeps you entertained and interested but this film could have been so much more.
Good enough
chubbygirl-069302 February 2019
Having very few explosion scenes, the movie focuses on the action scenes more, yet it is not satisfying enough. I can say that Koreans are really good at creating antagonists that the viewer would love to loathe and despise - the type of evil guy with psychopathic behaviors. The movie sometimes tries to add some comical and funny elements, some are good, some aren't.
Simple enough black humoured redemption story
joebloggscity16 August 2020
This is a fine enough movie. Nothing in depth, as we see a reformed hard man failing to make life in the straight world dragged back in to rescue his now abducted wife from gangsters. As expected his marriage was strained and this breathes new life into it.
It has two main selling points as far as I'm concerned, good comedy & humour, and a very likeable lead actor & character. That's the full charm here, beyond that there isn't anything incredible here. Although the action when it comes is good & strong but you can stomach it well.
It's a fine fun movie, nothing special, but most who give it a chance will find it fun. The humour is very good, and translates well. Good show.
It has two main selling points as far as I'm concerned, good comedy & humour, and a very likeable lead actor & character. That's the full charm here, beyond that there isn't anything incredible here. Although the action when it comes is good & strong but you can stomach it well.
It's a fine fun movie, nothing special, but most who give it a chance will find it fun. The humour is very good, and translates well. Good show.
One of Don Lee's best pure action films
Dolchi13 December 2021
The diabolical villain and the quirky main cast set this movie up for a greatly entertaining ride.
There are some purely fan pleasing scenes as Don Lee unleashes mayhem on the "bad guys" and some are indeed very creative. Some characters are so one dimensional that it is tough to tell apart some villains
However, the plot is thick enough to keep one engrossed through important moments of the film. We cannot help but ignore that the minor characters shine in many scenes. This is because the script does not flow clearly
In the climax, you have some unbelievable scenes about the luck of the protagonists which is severely off-putting. Is this a fairy tale or an action film? All said, the action scene in the climax is very creative and thrilling.
There are some purely fan pleasing scenes as Don Lee unleashes mayhem on the "bad guys" and some are indeed very creative. Some characters are so one dimensional that it is tough to tell apart some villains
However, the plot is thick enough to keep one engrossed through important moments of the film. We cannot help but ignore that the minor characters shine in many scenes. This is because the script does not flow clearly
In the climax, you have some unbelievable scenes about the luck of the protagonists which is severely off-putting. Is this a fairy tale or an action film? All said, the action scene in the climax is very creative and thrilling.
Don't mess with Bud Spencers wife
kosmasp10 December 2022
No pun intended - and of course this is not Bud Spencer. This is Don Lee and he is his own man! The Bud Spencer vibes I got from other movies he did is not as in your face in this one as they were there. Still I am only comparing those two great people with good intentions! But I also want to make clear that Don Lee is at a point in his career where I should not have to do that.
And speaking of unfair or rather bad comparisons: I read that this is (South) Koreas answer to Taken with Liam Neeson ... let me tell you something: no it isn't! While there may be some small things that can be compared directly ... the movie right here is quite different. This is violent, but this also takes its time.
And if you are an avid South Korean movie watcher, you may recognize more than just Don Lee here ... his side kick for example! He played a completely different role in The Outlaws and the sequel that spawned. Really well made, with spikes of action and a villain that more than deserves that name ... what a psycho that is ... one that is also quite charismatic ...
And speaking of unfair or rather bad comparisons: I read that this is (South) Koreas answer to Taken with Liam Neeson ... let me tell you something: no it isn't! While there may be some small things that can be compared directly ... the movie right here is quite different. This is violent, but this also takes its time.
And if you are an avid South Korean movie watcher, you may recognize more than just Don Lee here ... his side kick for example! He played a completely different role in The Outlaws and the sequel that spawned. Really well made, with spikes of action and a villain that more than deserves that name ... what a psycho that is ... one that is also quite charismatic ...
Solid Korean crime flick! Vicious, but witty. Slowburning, yet still suspenseful.
imseeg1 February 2024
Yes, leave it to the Koreans to make yet another solid crime flick. I am not kiddin' when I tell you that South Korea is THE place to go to when one is a fan of crime movies.
The good: it starts out slow, so beware, in the first hour not much is happening (action wise speaking), but the further into the movie, the harder the bad guys get smacked around.
More good: the Korean gangsters dont carry guns, only knives, so we get to witness some excellent (and witty) good old fashioned FIST and KNIFE FIGHTS.
But there is more good to be enjoyed in this story about a husband whose wife got kidnapped and who is now in a desperate search to get her back alive.
Lots of good acting performances all around. A really nasty bad guy. And a suspenseful crime story that has it's suspenseful and action packed peak thrill at the very end, like it should be.
For Korean standards this is quite a lighthearted crime movie, with several witty moments. It (fortunately) never gets too bloody or violent though, but that doesnt make it less enjoyable for me!
The good: it starts out slow, so beware, in the first hour not much is happening (action wise speaking), but the further into the movie, the harder the bad guys get smacked around.
More good: the Korean gangsters dont carry guns, only knives, so we get to witness some excellent (and witty) good old fashioned FIST and KNIFE FIGHTS.
But there is more good to be enjoyed in this story about a husband whose wife got kidnapped and who is now in a desperate search to get her back alive.
Lots of good acting performances all around. A really nasty bad guy. And a suspenseful crime story that has it's suspenseful and action packed peak thrill at the very end, like it should be.
For Korean standards this is quite a lighthearted crime movie, with several witty moments. It (fortunately) never gets too bloody or violent though, but that doesnt make it less enjoyable for me!
Great Work !!
me-altair16 January 2019
This movie is one action thrilling ride with twists and turns. The new director Kim Min-ho delivered outstanding piece of work. No over acting,neither drama. Each and every actor/actress role was amazing and easy on the eyes. Well done Kim Min Ho. 10 out of 9.
WHAT A HUBBY...!
masonfisk18 December 2023
A 2018 South Korean film starring Ma Dong-suek (Don Lee). Lee & his best bud are aspiring entrepreneurs, this time hoping to make a killing in the king crab game. One night while driving home w/his wife which Lee dotes on, a car back-ends them & at first Lee just wants an apology but the shifty driver just wants to pay him off & escape. When Lee's wife steps out of the car & goes into a tirade about the hitter's carelessness, Lee shrinks away until the true owner appears from the backseat (a criminal who specializes in abduction & who has a bound woman in his backseat as well), he apologizes & gives his driver a beating to send home the point. What follows is Lee's poor wife is abducted by the bad guy & hopes by paying off Lee (a meeting is set up where Lee waits around only to find a duffel bag full of money) so he can sell his wife into white slavery but what they don't know is Lee is a reformed enforcer who along w/his partner & a sleazy, quirky private eye track down the bad players leading to a satisfying finale. Lee (who I've seen in a few films now) works great as a lumbering giant others don't take heed of until it's too late (for them!) to do anything which works wonders in this role as he is relentless in getting his missus back at all costs even putting his own life & limb in jeopardy to save the day.
Pretty babbly, boringly told
Matt34517 May 2020
Like most of these tough South Korean (or other) revenge thrillers, the movie tries to have a pretty cool or sophisticated look. However unfortunately the story is not very captivating and it is boringly told, it is also pretty babbly, apparently trying to establish some sort of relatable themes, however this doesn't work. Aside from that there is also a lot of emptiness. One can say however that the bad guys are convincing psychos and that they come across as truly "bad" without needing much melodrama.
Good But
cescfabulous22 May 2020
Action crime comedy
thejassivakumar12 May 2020
It is a movie about a happy couple living peacefully though the have a lot of debt. One day the wife gets abducted and the husband receives money in exchange for his wife . But things turn when interesting when we realise who the husband really is ...
a film with a happy end
kriszti-3990030 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The movie started rather sad. There is this big guy with an even bigger heart and he is used by everyone. He invests into the wrong business, he has a lousy job and a gangster for boss. The only good thing he has is his wife, who will be taken by the bad guys. The police don't do anything and he tries to find out where she is kept. The whole seems like a hopeless situation but he doesn't give up and he succeeds in the end. There are some comical scenes and the more the story progresses the more hopeful it gets. The very end is really a happy ending which didn't seem possible at the beginning of the movie.
A bit of an upper 'n' downer, but worth the effort
jimbo-53-18651113 March 2021
After his wife is kidnapped by a ruthless gang, fish worker Dong-Chul finds himself having to call back on his old skills in order to track down the gang and save his wife...
Unstoppable feels very much like Korea's answer to Taken (as well as using the base plot of kidnapping it actually goes one step further in the 'borrowing from' concept with the motif of said victim being trafficked/sold into prostitution). However, I expected a Taken variant so could hardly be surprised with the plotline, but it's how things ultimately played out in Unstoppable that left with me some reservations...
In all honesty, I expected a lot of thrills, fireworks, frenetic action and a lightning pace (as with the first Taken film), but Unstoppable seems to play out more as a pot-boiler which doesn't sit particularly well. The opener involving Dong-Chul brokering a deal to get rich by selling King Crabs went on for far too long and this lengthy introduction never felt necessary in conjunction with the general narrative (his desperation is exploited which I sense was the point, but did this need to elaborated on over such a long period of time).
However, once Dong-Chul starts to revisit his old life and opens his can of whoop ass then the film is very good; some nice choreography and stylish fight sequences (the scene where Dong-Chul fights the big guy shows him overthrowing this adversary in a manner I have not witnessed before). The investigative side of the film feels thin and flimsy and never feels cohesive (as though it is being made up as it goes along) and whilst Dong-Chul is a cool and impressive screen presence, sadly his 2 sidekicks are not and if I'm honest I found them both to be slightly annoying.
The boss of the gang was another inconsistency for me; his cool, calm and unnerving demeanour in the early stages served the film well, but then he changes tack and becomes far too whacked out meaning I found myself being able to take him less seriously the further things progressed...
If you're expecting a film as good as Taken then you won't find it here; having said that if you're looking for a film with a decent storyline with a likeable protagonist and some reasonable kickass action then you will find all of these things in Unstoppable.
Unstoppable feels very much like Korea's answer to Taken (as well as using the base plot of kidnapping it actually goes one step further in the 'borrowing from' concept with the motif of said victim being trafficked/sold into prostitution). However, I expected a Taken variant so could hardly be surprised with the plotline, but it's how things ultimately played out in Unstoppable that left with me some reservations...
In all honesty, I expected a lot of thrills, fireworks, frenetic action and a lightning pace (as with the first Taken film), but Unstoppable seems to play out more as a pot-boiler which doesn't sit particularly well. The opener involving Dong-Chul brokering a deal to get rich by selling King Crabs went on for far too long and this lengthy introduction never felt necessary in conjunction with the general narrative (his desperation is exploited which I sense was the point, but did this need to elaborated on over such a long period of time).
However, once Dong-Chul starts to revisit his old life and opens his can of whoop ass then the film is very good; some nice choreography and stylish fight sequences (the scene where Dong-Chul fights the big guy shows him overthrowing this adversary in a manner I have not witnessed before). The investigative side of the film feels thin and flimsy and never feels cohesive (as though it is being made up as it goes along) and whilst Dong-Chul is a cool and impressive screen presence, sadly his 2 sidekicks are not and if I'm honest I found them both to be slightly annoying.
The boss of the gang was another inconsistency for me; his cool, calm and unnerving demeanour in the early stages served the film well, but then he changes tack and becomes far too whacked out meaning I found myself being able to take him less seriously the further things progressed...
If you're expecting a film as good as Taken then you won't find it here; having said that if you're looking for a film with a decent storyline with a likeable protagonist and some reasonable kickass action then you will find all of these things in Unstoppable.
Stereotypical but Sympathetic
kluseba25 July 2023
Unstoppable, originally titled Seongnan Hwangso, is a South-Korean action-thriller offering Kim Min-ho's directorial film debut. This movie notably features star actor Ma Dong-seok, who has risen to fame in movies such as The Good, the Bad, the Weird as well as Quick, Kundo: Age of the Rampant, Train to Busan, The Outlaws, Along with the Gods, Champion, The Gangster, The Cop, the Devil and the Roundup while international cineasts might have discovered him in Eternals. This excellent actor and his radiant charisma elevate an average genre film to a good one that should please fans of atmospheric action-thrillers.
The story is quickly told. Dong-chul is a former gangster who is now married and has become a meek seafood distributor who has serious financial issues. The latter element leads to constant arguments with his wife Ji-soo. After one such argument at a restaurant, Ji-soo decides to take a cab home, only to be kidnapped by a group of filthy human traffickers. When the police is slow to intervene, Dong-chul decides to take matters into his own hands. He teams up with several acquaintances and starts investigating across South Korea and even in Russia.
This movie convinces on several levels. Ma Dong-seok convinces in his role as gentle giant whose chaotic life takes a sinister turn. The action scenes in this film are filmed with precision and value authenticity over exaggeration. The different locations have been chosen with care and offer some entertaining diversity. The story has a rather realistic vibe, portraying an important contemporary issue in South Korea. Despite its bleak story, the movie includes several passages of hilarious situation comedy that make the final product more accessible.
On the negative side, one can't help but feel that Ma Dong-seok keeps being cast into stereotypical roles ever since his breakthrough performance as tough fighter with a heart of gold in Train to Busan. The side characters are sympathetic but also quite by the numbers. The story touches an important topic but remains overall predictable and must ultimately be considered paper thin.
At the end of the day, Unstoppable is by no means an excellent movie that should be watched by everyone. However, it's an entertaining action-thriller with some surprising situation comedy and a charismatic lead actor who might as well be considered South Korea's best contemporary male actor by now. Fans of Asian action cinema and actor Ma Dong-seok should give this movie a try. Everyone else might simply watch Unstoppable on a slow rainy day to get two hours of very decent but not excellent entertainment.
The story is quickly told. Dong-chul is a former gangster who is now married and has become a meek seafood distributor who has serious financial issues. The latter element leads to constant arguments with his wife Ji-soo. After one such argument at a restaurant, Ji-soo decides to take a cab home, only to be kidnapped by a group of filthy human traffickers. When the police is slow to intervene, Dong-chul decides to take matters into his own hands. He teams up with several acquaintances and starts investigating across South Korea and even in Russia.
This movie convinces on several levels. Ma Dong-seok convinces in his role as gentle giant whose chaotic life takes a sinister turn. The action scenes in this film are filmed with precision and value authenticity over exaggeration. The different locations have been chosen with care and offer some entertaining diversity. The story has a rather realistic vibe, portraying an important contemporary issue in South Korea. Despite its bleak story, the movie includes several passages of hilarious situation comedy that make the final product more accessible.
On the negative side, one can't help but feel that Ma Dong-seok keeps being cast into stereotypical roles ever since his breakthrough performance as tough fighter with a heart of gold in Train to Busan. The side characters are sympathetic but also quite by the numbers. The story touches an important topic but remains overall predictable and must ultimately be considered paper thin.
At the end of the day, Unstoppable is by no means an excellent movie that should be watched by everyone. However, it's an entertaining action-thriller with some surprising situation comedy and a charismatic lead actor who might as well be considered South Korea's best contemporary male actor by now. Fans of Asian action cinema and actor Ma Dong-seok should give this movie a try. Everyone else might simply watch Unstoppable on a slow rainy day to get two hours of very decent but not excellent entertainment.
Unwatchable
compugor14 November 2022
This film is definitely in the running for worst ever. Blah, blah, bah, blah - subtitled nonsensical dialog; slow, drawn-out, non-plot never gets past presenting the lead as a henpecked buffoon who is dumber than a box of rocks. The only thing that was unstoppable is the sense of regret for trying to watch this, even with the fast forward button, as nothing that matters ever happens, there's no revenge. All the characters are clowns, especially the bad guys. Maybe there was finally some satisfaction but who can stand to wait until the bitter end of such a waste of time, idiotic, pathetic story that meaninglessly goes nowhere?
Early Don Lee moviee
andras-mobile3 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
First of all i love korean movies more than americans since oldboy or new world!
This is early don lee kinda "korean bud spencer" movie,with those a bit too much childish acting!
Simple line for story nothing complicating to understand.
I missed a rareness even crueless fighting like i alwalys enjoy in another revene stlye korean films .this part also feel like not enough."come on do it bummm bimmm"short fights even in seconds.
Anyway i loved it,but after watched late films from him i thought okay probably was his entry steps of his career.
Highly recomended for all those guys who love his movies,lets say cant miss that!
10/6 for sure!
(First review from me,hope its helpiing for the guys like me) Cheers.
This is early don lee kinda "korean bud spencer" movie,with those a bit too much childish acting!
Simple line for story nothing complicating to understand.
I missed a rareness even crueless fighting like i alwalys enjoy in another revene stlye korean films .this part also feel like not enough."come on do it bummm bimmm"short fights even in seconds.
Anyway i loved it,but after watched late films from him i thought okay probably was his entry steps of his career.
Highly recomended for all those guys who love his movies,lets say cant miss that!
10/6 for sure!
(First review from me,hope its helpiing for the guys like me) Cheers.
the south korean edition of bruce willis ...
ops-5253514 June 2020
In his heydays in the 80's. its a film about king crab, human trafficing, kidnapping, and a vengeful vigilante, who from a job as a salesman on the fishmarket, takes on the hunt for the criminal syndicate that has merely by accident taken his wife.
remember this is a south korean flick, with its cultural differences and humble earthcrawling awe and respect for superiors which makes this a weird experience for western viewers, but its darn good on the action, fighting,speed and revenge factor. i do seldomly giggle over fighting scenes in an american flick(unless bud spencer and terrence hill) but the korean takes the winner badge, and this film is a good example.
the grumpy old man had a nice ride, and so will you too.recommended
remember this is a south korean flick, with its cultural differences and humble earthcrawling awe and respect for superiors which makes this a weird experience for western viewers, but its darn good on the action, fighting,speed and revenge factor. i do seldomly giggle over fighting scenes in an american flick(unless bud spencer and terrence hill) but the korean takes the winner badge, and this film is a good example.
the grumpy old man had a nice ride, and so will you too.recommended
Loved it
whiterabbit062 August 2021
Don Lee in a bomber jacket punching people in the face
ScifiMethods3 November 2020
If that headline turned you off, you aren't going to like this. Good for some simple fun if that is what you're looking for, and if you are into Korean crime thrillers, this checks *just* enough boxes to not be completely superficial, but go in with low expectations and you may be pleasantly surprised if you have enough booze. The poster image is a bit misleading as it implies a level of depth to the gangster story that the film doesn't really have, although the baddie character is interesting.
Also this form asks "Does this review contain spoilers?", which I feel like I should possibly answer "yes" because I have written "Don Lee in a bomber jacket punching people in the face".
Also this form asks "Does this review contain spoilers?", which I feel like I should possibly answer "yes" because I have written "Don Lee in a bomber jacket punching people in the face".
I enjoy it
airinwongso17 December 2021
Korean flick: average dude squares off vs. a slimy human trafficer
canuckteach22 May 2023
Average dude turns out to have more muscle than we expected as he faces off against an underworld kingpin who has abducted 'average dude's pretty wife. The thug has had success paying off 'grieving' husbands in the past while he sells the women for enormous profits (that schtick is similar to what we saw in TAKEN).
Dude recruits a buddy and a streetwise private detective to track the gang down. Film has funny moments, despite the dark theme and includes some comic man-vs-gang moments, but little bad language or skin (PG). You have to hunt ROkU channels ruthlessly to find such offerings. Cant anybody just ACT anymore?
Great flick!
Dude recruits a buddy and a streetwise private detective to track the gang down. Film has funny moments, despite the dark theme and includes some comic man-vs-gang moments, but little bad language or skin (PG). You have to hunt ROkU channels ruthlessly to find such offerings. Cant anybody just ACT anymore?
Great flick!
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