Red Family (2013) Poster

(2013)

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7/10
An imperfect but worthwhile watch
knavish_imp23 June 2021
The film has an interesting premise and features strong performances from the cast, but makes some odd choices that stretch credulity or are done for comedic effect. These mostly involve the abilities and choices made by the titular red family. At times they are more than competent and display amazing abilities and at others seem terribly inept at keeping their secret, speaking loudly and openly enough to ensure that anybody would suspect them.

The juxtaposition of the two families in the film really works in its favor and the look at what it means to be a family is thoughtful and well done. The characters all begin as one dimensional but slowly reveal more complexity as the story unfolds. They are flawed, unhappy and conflicted. A tragic ending seems inevitable and maybe a bit predictable, but it remains an overall satisfying film worth checking out.
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Unique film that deserves more attention
mjtruog-588-50316427 August 2016
It is disappointing that this film hasn't yet found a larger audience and hopefully that can change in the future. The film itself helps to provide a very concrete microcosm for understanding Korean politics from the viewpoint of South Korea (where the film was made).

The film was written by Ki-duk Kim, who is known mainly for the films he has written and directed. This particular film was written by Ki-duk Kim, done by his production company, but not directed by him, and it doesn't have the extreme absence of dialogue that he is known for (in films like 3-Iron, Pieta, Samaritan Girl). The film presents a situation with North Korean spies living in South Korea that is believable and meant to be as realistic as possible. However, the film doesn't focus on mindless action, like most North/South Korean conflict films have in the recent past (avoiding any mimic of James Bond scenarios). Instead Korean politics are mapped onto the behavior of two families to present complex problems with concrete situations that both families are unable to escape.

The phrase to remember in this film is "In the end, all you have is family", which remains the main concept in this film. This concept attempts to tell us that Korea is one country and one people, divided by exterior political influence and manipulation that makes them puppets, despite being part of one family. The discord within the film occurs when the characters attempt to make their own decisions during the film's cycle of endless suffering and rebirth.

It is a great film and may not be very accessible, but if you get a chance, definitely see it.
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10/10
Top notch acting and great directing for a low budget film
onelovek21 December 2018
This is a movie that has more meaning than it described. Lee Ju-Hyoung did a great job developing the characters in this movie. The little girl did a great job acting and I wish more people left reviews. It took me almost two years to watch this because I bypassed it so many times. It was a great watch, very powerful ending and I hope more people see the bigger meaning behind it.
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9/10
Great foriegn film
flash-461561 July 2019
What a shame so many peopleo are turned off by foriegn films with sub titles. You don't even notice sub title in a good film.I do wish I spoke s. Korean I am sure a lot is lost. But what a good flIf a film can make me wipe tears pioiiix. Acting was good, story was excellent and it captures the desperation, cofussion and fear of living under that regime. Your lived ones are neverer safe.If a film can me cry at the end, if it can make me and relate to ok löu
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10/10
Amazing story and acting
marwariy21 July 2018
Their acting is really amazing, that youngest girl touched my heart with her acting. this is a real movie, real art I wasn't excited to watch it because I felt the story was boring, but it left me speechless
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