Secretly Greatly (2013) User Reviews

Valiant try, but imbalanced and overlong

[hipcheck · 6/10 · 8 May 2014]

There are some great parts to this film, and there is some strong craft at work, but as a whole, the film suffers from imbalance and then struggles to maintain pace.

What starts off as ostensibly a comedy changes its genre completely by the middle. Whereas there are attempts at silly humor for the early going, they are dropped completely in favor of the action/intrigue aspect before too long. It's very strange to be halfway through and remember the early tones of the story, now all but forgotten.

There are strong points: the photography is great; the fight scenes are good (too many cuts, but still good); the philosophical struggle the characters face is well-drawn.

There are also some low points, but overall the film I'd say is worth watching - just be ready for two different halves.

I expected the humour and the action, not the drama or the tears

[Mike-DD · 8/10 · 23 March 2014]

I read a short review of the film before watching it and so expected it to be a typical Korean comedy. But it surprised me with credible drama and lots of parkour-style action as well.

In short, this is a film about 3 North Korean sleeper spies in the South. The first half of the film shows them in their sleeper lives and how they, especially Won (played by Soo Hyun Kim), live their dual lives. Won as the village idiot has the best role - an intelligent, highly capable spy acting as a dumb grocer's assistant. It's always a treat to see him alternate between his dual identities, though his dumb act consists mostly of falling down or off something.

The other characters warm your heart too. There is the musician-wannabe spy who mocks Won and his loyalty to the North, the young spy who looks up to his idol-mentor Won, the party girl whose deepest secret is her longing for her unplanned child given away for adoption, the son of the grocer who cares for and loves his mother and Won more than he appears to, and the grocer-mother who treats Won as a son despite her crusty exterior, and others.

The humor in the dialogue is sometimes unexpected, which is another plus. The parkour-style action scenes are short but thrilling, and the fight choreography are exciting to watch. Stories involving the different characters are told within the main story, creating subplots which are heartwarming and interesting for the most part. When the final order comes, the internal and external conflicts over it drive the 2nd half of the movie. And I loved and hated the ending for being so good and being so good it hurt that it didn't end any other way.

If you're looking for a comedy with heart and action, I'd definitely recommend this over the common rehashed Hollywood ones. At the very least, it manages to get the story told (and it's a long story) without too many distractions or wishy-washy segues.

Still crying

[mini-cheer-soso · 8/10 · 22 December 2013]

to be honest I never cried that much for a movie. this movie is outstanding. At the beginning the movie could appear long but when you get to the middle, you are just in it. All the action is really good. A lot of people said it was long, but not for me. I strongly recommend it. seriously. really inspiring. I cry every time I think of the movie. Watch the movie till the End! Kim Soo Hyun was srly the best. He has really good acting skills. It gave me goosebumps. The story line is a bit complicate at the beginning but at the End you understand everything. If you are very emotional, this movie is for you (might need tissu boxes)! Well watch the movie till the End. seriously it's really good:)

A profoundly powerful film with comedy and action

[Gordon-11 · 19 July 2013]

"Secretly, Greatly" tells a captivating story of three young man, trained to be killing machines, sent to South Korea as spies and assimilate into the local society. While they await further instruction from the party, they forge a friendship with the local community.

The first half of the film is comedic, with the lead character acting foolish and funny. However, right from the start, the viewers know he is just pretending to be stupid, as he makes many mental calculations on all possible permutations of events in his head. Such a double life requires a lot of dedication and perseverance.

The second half of the film turns into a adrenaline fuelled action film, with much brutal fist fights and valiant defiance of orders. It is presented so well, that it keeps people captivated with the three men's psychological struggle and physical struggle. They manage to take down tens of tough guys in fist fights normally is unrealistic and even annoyingly silly, but in "Secretly, Greatly" their seemingly omnipotent fists provide something for viewers to marvel at. Maybe it is because they are not just fighting for the sake of fighting, but fighting for survival, both physically and ideologically against a tyrannical regime.

The interspersed subplot about the idiot's longing for his mother is very touching. In the three men's native country, people are brainwashed to believe that the party is way more important than their blood family. Hence there is a constant deep seated struggle; and their longings could never be fulfilled. The plot is profoundly powerful towards the end of the film, when everything culminates to an emotional and action climax.

"Secretly, Greatly" is a great gem that deserves to be seen. I enjoyed watching it tremendously.

Could have shaved half an hour

[phd_travel · 6/10 · 4 February 2020]

This movie feels like 2 movies. The first part is a comedy about N Korean spies in S Korea. The second part is a protracted martial arts fighting show. The second part felt over long. The movie would have been better if it was shorter and more focused. A Kim Soo Hyun vehicle and the contrast between the idiot and the spy is quite good. This movie doesn't have the broad appeal to go past Koreans and die hard fans of Korean movies.

Another very good South Korean film.

[paulclaassen · 6/10 · 21 June 2019]

Another great film from South Korea. I've said this so many times before and every film I watch, proves my point: the South Korean films are very unpredictable. Most Hollywood films follow a set recipe, but South Korea doesn't and that's why I love their films so much.

Once again - as with so many other Korean films - characters are introduced in a comedic fashion. Only, here it is understandable, as our hero Won Ryoo-hwan is a spy acting as an idiot, Gong-du. I thoroughly enjoyed this humor, but all along one senses there lies so much more beneath the humor. There's also sadness, as Won longs for his mother, and his comrade longs for his family - not knowing their fate.

Just over the halfway mark, the film drastically changes direction to become an action-packed thriller. There's quite a few twists as the film bulldozes its way to the climax that will leave you sitting pondering the ending. As I said, Korean films are very unpredictable...

My only complaint during the final scene was that some of the guards were just standing there with nothing to do whilst the main guys were fighting. These guys are also special forces, yet they have no weapons?? Their mission was to terminate the spies, so why didn't they bring along guns and just shot them? Why the hand to hand combat? I found this purely for the sake of the thrill and suspense of it, but was too Hollywood cliched. Apart from that, this is an awesome, beautifully made film. Oh, and Granny is such a sweet character! I absolutely loved her.

It had it all!

[Soccermama107 · 10/10 · 27 July 2013]

I laughed, I cried.... This movie had it all. The first half was actually comical and light, where the second have grew darker, more violent, and so sad. I'm not a fan of violence in films (it's just hard for me to watch), but it was integral to the story so it was inevitably used here. The strangely interesting thing is that as the movie got darker and more intense, it also got more personal.

I went last night to see this movie with a Korean friend. I don't speak any Korean myself, so used the subtitles. They were written obviously by someone who spoke English as a second language, as some of the phrasing and word choice was odd, but I kind of liked that. It made it feel like the story was being told by an actual Korean (rather than an American interpreter) like my friend, who has slightly "broken" English as well.

I am sure that if this movie were made in America, it would win many Oscars. Of course then it wouldn't be the same movie. I hope it at least comes up as a best foreign film nominee. I highly recommend this wonderful movie!

In the first half of the episode, Korean opera is very good

[yoggwork · 7/10 · 20 February 2019]

In the first half of the episode, Korean opera is very good in some funny passages. The second half of the episode can only be commented on at most. The plot turns abruptly, and the fighting drama lacks rationality. The last provocative passbook should appear before the fight

Power of Actor, Power of Webtoon.

[soosoo216 · 9/10 · 26 June 2013]

This movie is based on a famous Korean web-toon, "Secretly, Greatly".

Directing skill is not so impressive.

Storyline is little different from the original web-toon.

But talent of the leading-role actor, Soo-Hyun Kim, supports the whole movie. His eyes are shining.

A north Korean secret spy disguises as a fool in South Korea. Such a plot makes the movie unique from other north Korean spy movies.

Soo-Hyun Kim's acting range from a ridiculous fool to a chic elite spy is wonderful.

Strongly recommended.

"A spy vs. spy, North vs. South"

[KineticSeoul · 7/10 · 8 August 2013]

I got a chanced to see this in theater for independent film showings and it's a thoroughly entertaining Korean film. That just about anyone can enjoy, even if you don't know Korean culture and may not be able to pick up on some jokes. I couldn't pick up on all of it either. Since this is based on a webtoon I could understand why the editing area is lacking. Especially when trying to cram everything in the webtoon which is probably better paced into one film. This movie is a win win for a date movie since it has Kim Soo-Hyun as the main protagonist for the female audiences. And decent amount of action and comedy for the male audiences. This had my attention most of the way through but thought the build up and interaction between the characters could have been better for the ending to leave more of a impact. And for there to be a bit more action between scenes but that is just my opinion. And even the ending which is probably the ending in the webtoon seems to be a bit abrupt and out of nowhere and maybe even a bit rushed. Like I said, I think there should have been elements which lead to more of a attachment to the lead characters. But it does have enough good elements to make it a entertaining summer film from Korea. It would have been better if they polished up on those good areas though. Hollywood has DC and Marvel, well this is another Korean movie based on a webtoon that rocks.

7.5/10

Absolutely amazing

[iva_keremedchieva · 10/10 · 11 January 2017]

I played it with no huge expectations or excitement, since I, my self, were also here because of the cast + I am not a huge fan of action movies. Well, let me tell you, ladies and gentlemen, that this was one of the most stunning and unique movies I've ever seen. I am not even exaggerating. I was literally blown away by it. The plot was well- done - beautiful ordinary story, starting almost imperceptibly, which later turns into something really deep and personal filled with all kinds of emotions.

At first, it seems too long indeed, but it absorbs you so much you don't feel the hours passing by.

You can't help but laugh at the beginning and you can't help but cry a river in the end. It really pictures well how the real world is and how tragic the political conflicts are. You get the two points of view and learn that soldiers are something much more than killing machines.

This movie had everything - exciting plot, laughter, tears, good acting, good scenes, everything. I strongly recommend it to anyone, regardless of your genre preferences. I really believe that it is a movie worth seeing and it will not let you down.

It's difficult to live Normally in some countries.

[lihaji · 7/10 · 23 October 2018]

It's difficult to live Normally in some countries.

Beautiful.

[hasnarb · 10/10 · 4 January 2017]

This movie is on another level of perfection, and I am not exaggerating. I watched this with no expectation because I only did that for the main actor, Kim Soo-hyun, who is my favorite Korean actor. But it turns out to be one of the best movies I've ever watched.

It first started funnily, with the dumb things they do and such. I think their comic acts are quite entertaining. And then, when something comes up, they begin to reveal their true self, as North Korean spies. And from that the movie begins to change with more of actions involved. And as someone who isn't really fond of action movies aside from Hollywood movies, I find the actions in this movie impressive. The actions are well-made and enthralling, it doesn't look bad at all.

But what makes the movie beautiful is the message implied in the whole movie. We have to watch it from the beginning until the end to understand it, but sometimes the little things in life are those that matter.

Recommending it for everyone. It's worth the watch.

p.s sorry for the bad English, not my first language =)

A movie with everything!!! Well adapted from comic book!

[miaocas · 10/10 · 10 November 2014]

I think this movie is great and well-balanced. The first halve is funny and entertaining while the second halve has more actions and tear breaking. At the beginning, the story is very entertaining with lots of funny parts and then gradually moved into a more heavy section in the middle of the movie. The turning point was written in a smooth way. It does not make you feel odd. All the action scenes are gorgeous and well-designed.

The scenes are really beautiful and the acting of the 3 main characters are awesome especially the main character played by Kim Soo Hyun. He needed to act as an idiot and also a very cool spy at the same time in this movie. It's not an easy task but this actor nails it. The audiences can see and feel that he had put tonnes of effort in preparing for this role, especially the way that he trained his body in such a perfect shape. The face and body of Mr. Kim Soo Hyun would remind you the image of Bruce Lee.

It's definitely worth to watch. I would recommend it to all my friends.

A movie you should never miss

[shiela-35663 · 10/10 · 5 June 2021]

Great story with great actors. Kim Soo Hyun is good in doing action films. Hope we can see him doing this type of movie again.

(may contain spoilers) It's actually a great movie with an impressive performance of Kim Soo Hyun. But....

[el-ric-in-side-00 · 8/10 · 4 April 2014]

This movie is actually great. The overall package of comedy, action, and drama deserves an appraisal. I smirked, laughed, tensed, and touched from the beginning till the NEAR end of the movie. And I think we need to give a standing ovation to Kim Soo Hyun, as he delivers the character of a top spy and a dumb fool very very well. This is one of the things in the movie which is worth to watch. However, somehow, I feel like there are some things in this movie which are actually unnecessary to be put into. The transformation of "the ajusshi" into "the professor" (I forgot his name) by putting on his glasses and suddenly turning dark-ish is a little bit exaggerated. Then the story of the professor's guard's sister who was saved by Lee Hae-rin which became the reason why he saved Hae-rin was cheesy. I mean, it would be better if it was another reason, or whatsoever. I don't know what it should be, but there must be a better reason or scene for that. There are also some other things that disturbed me at some points on the movie, but, well, I forgot what they were. It just came across my mind at some time and disappeared. In addition, I just don't like how the story end. Maybe I was just too immersed with the story, but, do they really have to do that? I just don't understand why the movie was made that way. I'm somewhere in 'the-movie-is-excellent-or-it's-just-above-average' zone, but 90% of me loves the movie. So, yeah, it's a strongly recommended Korean movie to watch. Seriously.

Felt so many emotions all at once, definitely a great watch.

[duongthanhvan · 9/10 · 5 April 2021]

I absolutely love the comedic touches in this movie, along with the heart-wrenching moments. KSH's acting was phenomenal as always.

Aside from a few plot holes and illogical details, I loved everything else and cried my heart out at the end. The single shots of the scenery after KSY's character was dead was the tipping point, making the viewers feel so blue and grey. I bawled my eyes out at that scene and couldn't pull myself together after finishing it. I like the fact that all the characters had some backstory to them, and they were all quite likeable. If you want to laugh and cry at the same time, this is the movie for you. Definitely recommend!

Kim Soo Hyun does it again

[valentine-se · 10/10 · 4 July 2019]

This film was amazing. Since I read that it was mostly a comedy (it isn't really) I wasn't expecting the story to be so moving and engrossing. The acting was phenomenal. Kim Soo Hyun is one of my favorite Korean actors and yet again he gives an achingly flawless performance. The other two leads were impressive as well. Even though you know it's inevitable, the ending is pretty heartbreaking. I definitely recommend this film.

this farce is a joke and insult to adult viewers

[rightwingisevil · 5 January 2014]

we are not teenagers who just blindly adore those pretty faced young Korean boys to cash in more dough for the box office. we are adults who need at least some respect from the Korean movie industries treating us still got some brain cells. we are not those immature young groupies who crazily scream out loud and chase behind these young boys with plastic surgeries as fans. we are not those kids who would welcome all the crappy funny productions simply because they are with these idolized young actors with cosmetic surgeries, transformed into female looking youngsters, with ridiculous unbelievable immature brain-dead scenarios, storyline, plots. if you watched this moronic film and couldn't stop crying, it only means that you might be still too young to distinguish bad movies from the good ones. young spies from the north Korea infiltrated to the south? like the Russian did in the cold war, spies all graduated from the 'charm schools' and then sent to America to be sleep agents spying? yeah, right. but sending the hard and tough trained youngsters to the south to live like stupid moron, for years? then ordered them to kill each others for no probable cause, just to serve the north-south détente? yeah, right. one of the young spy was still underage attending high school. yeah, right. and the other one to be a rock singer (not rock star). yeah, right. would tell me how these youngsters would do harms to the south? by jumping on the rooftops as the 'neighborhood watch' volunteers? givemeabreak, will you? and kiddos, don't feel so bad about this tragedy and couldn't stop crying, will you? wipe your nose, get it?

Great movie!!

[anjumsrabony · 10/10 · 29 August 2020]

You can enjoy versatility of Kim Soo Hyun from this movie . Really a good movie.

Screatly Greatly good movie

[watiirma-27925 · 10/10 · 27 July 2020]

I love this movie, ❤❤ but it's so sad 😭😭 Aku tertawa konyol di awal, terharu di pertengahan, lalu menangis di ending.

Major emotional roller-coaster

[gmc-linetta · 10/10 · 15 August 2022]

The film has taken me by surprise. I don't think I've ever experienced such emotional roller-coaster watching a film. The film was made in 2013, but it is ever so relevant today in 2022 when the war is waging in Europe on our doorstep started by the regime that has inherited the tradition of showing no reverence for human life, that was built at the expense of the lives of millions killed in inhuman conditions in Siberia, and that is drowning in lies. And there is the unfortunate man, in fact entire nations, trapped by such regimes. So back to the film - before you notice it, the film culminates in the heart-breaking testimony of such an unfortunate man. Simple, yet profound. Respect.

Good enough

[PennyReviews · 8/10 · 16 March 2017]

This movie was seriously good. Funny and sad at the same time, is a roller coaster of emotions with the enough dose of action in it. So, the story is about an undercover agent who lives as the fool of his neighbourhood in order not to get discovered. The performances were really good from every actor, and especially touching, as they portrayed brotherhood, friendship, loyalty but family dynamics as well. The first part of the movie is more comical, with the funny scenes replacing the action ones with ease. The second part is packed with action and drama, with the final tragic ending that concludes the movie, leaving the audience with a human, bittersweet message. I loved the fact that the ending wasn't predictable, or smoothed down so the final scene will have a happy ending. So, 8 out of 10.