This is a little hidden gem of a film, you probably won't find it running anywhere as it has a limited budget and almost zero media behind it. But you SEE every dollar on the screen and it looks like it cost twice the sum, so stick with it. Very much a war film, behind enemy lines and a plot that, while based in Korea, is one we know very well. French resistance type of action. Liam Neeson makes a very good MacArthur (much better than Tommy Lee Jones and Sir Laurence some time back), at times catching even the face quite right. (Greg Peck has the high honor). But here we have a straightforward story of brave men doing brave deeds with honor. We should remember such men, and this film gives their heroism a chance to shine. BTW this may be a fictionalized plot but it is based on true events. All told, well worth the time.
57 Reviews
Odd mix
nickboldrini2 December 2018
Part spy thriller, and part action film this is a weird mix film. The spy aspect is done well, with good tension, and the framing scenes about the preparation around Macarthur are well done, but also largely irrelevant to the main story. But then things go wrong, the film becomes an over the top action film, with bullets flying everywhere. If it had been one or the other it would have been better, but the two aspects make for strange changes in pace which don't really gell well.
Okay, but should have been better
Wizard-823 December 2018
This South Korean war epic/action movie does get a marginal recommendation from me, being that it's not boring and it does contain some good action and some excitement. But at the same time, the movie is clearly being held back from maximum impact due to some significant flaws. For starters, there are the production values. While the movie was big budget by Korean standards, and indeed some shots look very nice, all the same there are many moments where the movie does not have enough "oompth" to its look, giving the movie a restrained feeling. Also, linking footage and entire scenes seem to be missing at times. A bigger problem, however, is the script. The script is severely underwritten at times, most notably being the heroes who set out on the mission. The heroes are poorly introduced, and we learn next to nothing about them. Also, the storyline has a lot of predictability to it; you'll have seen many moments in this movie in other war movies before. Another problem is that the English language dialogue often sounds very stilted and awful. This may be why actor Liam Neeson seems to be hamming it up at times. I realize I may be portraying this movie to be worse than it really is, so let me say again that while the movie could have been better, it is an acceptable time-waster. And it's a heck of a lot better than the 1982 movie "Inchon".
Okay Korean War drama with papier maché Liam Neeson as Douglas MacArthur
alexdeleonfilm15 August 2016
Operation Chromite Viewed in Koreatown, Los Angeles, Sunday August 14, 2016.. image1.png
Directed by Lee Jae-Han. Starring Liam Neeson as General Douglas MacArthur and Jung-Jae Lee as the leader of a nearly suicidal undercover mission behind North Korean lines at the peak of the Korean War. Operation Chromite --(original Korean title, 인천상륙작전; 仁川上陸作戰;Incheon Sangnyuk Jae-jeon) is a 2016 South Korean war drama blockbuster directed by John H. Lee and based on actual events leading up to the decisive Invasion of Inchon led by MacArthur in 1950. which turned the tide of the war after initial North Korean successes.
"Operation Chromite" was the real life code-name of a secret operation whose purpose was to infiltrate the North Korean defenses at Inchon and clear the way for MacArthur's surprise attack from the sea. Handsome charismatic actor Jung-jae Lee is the leader of an eight man squad disguised as North Koreans who infiltrate North Korean HQ in Inchon to find out where the mine fields are that would block a naval incursion. In actual fact MacArthur's surprise move far behind enemy lines resulted in the recapture of Seoul and the turning of the tide in the darkest early days of the Korean War when American and South Korean forces had been pushed back to a mere toe-hold in the so- called Pusan Perimeter. Neeson's portrayal of MacArthur is such a caricature it's almost a joke, however the principal Korean actor's, hero Jung-jae Lee and villainous North Korean commander Bum- soo Lee, are quite convincing and keep the suspense at a peak throughout. With director "John H." Lee this might be called the Picture of the Three Lees.
Overall a rousing historical war film with lots of shootouts and suspense ~ money's worth "time pass" if nothing else. Lead actor Jung Jae Lee was a discovery and I will look for more of his films. MacArthur was previously portrayed by Gregory Peck in the 1977 biopic entitled "MacArthur" and by Sir Lawrence Olivier in the 1981 Reverend Moon (Unity Church) funded monstrosity entitled "Inchon", described as "a noisy and absurd re-telling of the great 1950 invasion of Inchon during the Korean War" on IMDb and a high ranker on many Worst film of All Time lists. Operation Chromite is basically a Korean Flag waver similar to WW II Hollywood films which were designed to promote civilian morale on the home front against the Axis enemies. What is significant here is that this is not just an historical film to remind people about a war that took place over sixty years ago but also an alert to the ongoing hostility of North Korea even today. Not to forget that a peace treaty was never signed between the two Koreas and that Nuclear armed North Korea continues to rattle the Sabres daily in northeast Asia, even threatening the USA and Japan with possible nuclear attacks.
North Korea has described the film as "ridiculous bravado from ignorant lunatics" -- only to be expected from this insane corner of the world. Op Chromite was released in Korea on July 27, 2016 and is already the big hit of the year in Korea. It may not make waves at festivals but it's not at all bad and is worth checking out.
Directed by Lee Jae-Han. Starring Liam Neeson as General Douglas MacArthur and Jung-Jae Lee as the leader of a nearly suicidal undercover mission behind North Korean lines at the peak of the Korean War. Operation Chromite --(original Korean title, 인천상륙작전; 仁川上陸作戰;Incheon Sangnyuk Jae-jeon) is a 2016 South Korean war drama blockbuster directed by John H. Lee and based on actual events leading up to the decisive Invasion of Inchon led by MacArthur in 1950. which turned the tide of the war after initial North Korean successes.
"Operation Chromite" was the real life code-name of a secret operation whose purpose was to infiltrate the North Korean defenses at Inchon and clear the way for MacArthur's surprise attack from the sea. Handsome charismatic actor Jung-jae Lee is the leader of an eight man squad disguised as North Koreans who infiltrate North Korean HQ in Inchon to find out where the mine fields are that would block a naval incursion. In actual fact MacArthur's surprise move far behind enemy lines resulted in the recapture of Seoul and the turning of the tide in the darkest early days of the Korean War when American and South Korean forces had been pushed back to a mere toe-hold in the so- called Pusan Perimeter. Neeson's portrayal of MacArthur is such a caricature it's almost a joke, however the principal Korean actor's, hero Jung-jae Lee and villainous North Korean commander Bum- soo Lee, are quite convincing and keep the suspense at a peak throughout. With director "John H." Lee this might be called the Picture of the Three Lees.
Overall a rousing historical war film with lots of shootouts and suspense ~ money's worth "time pass" if nothing else. Lead actor Jung Jae Lee was a discovery and I will look for more of his films. MacArthur was previously portrayed by Gregory Peck in the 1977 biopic entitled "MacArthur" and by Sir Lawrence Olivier in the 1981 Reverend Moon (Unity Church) funded monstrosity entitled "Inchon", described as "a noisy and absurd re-telling of the great 1950 invasion of Inchon during the Korean War" on IMDb and a high ranker on many Worst film of All Time lists. Operation Chromite is basically a Korean Flag waver similar to WW II Hollywood films which were designed to promote civilian morale on the home front against the Axis enemies. What is significant here is that this is not just an historical film to remind people about a war that took place over sixty years ago but also an alert to the ongoing hostility of North Korea even today. Not to forget that a peace treaty was never signed between the two Koreas and that Nuclear armed North Korea continues to rattle the Sabres daily in northeast Asia, even threatening the USA and Japan with possible nuclear attacks.
North Korea has described the film as "ridiculous bravado from ignorant lunatics" -- only to be expected from this insane corner of the world. Op Chromite was released in Korea on July 27, 2016 and is already the big hit of the year in Korea. It may not make waves at festivals but it's not at all bad and is worth checking out.
Entertaining but not without limitations....
s327616922 January 2017
As of late, it seems every country with a nationalistic concerns, has been turning out war films with what I'd call, "patriotic" overtones.
Operation Chromite offers up a South Korean/US take on the Korea war. There's a good back story, complimented by decent acting, directing and lots of well paced, polished action.
That said, I'd describe this film as also a bit simplistic in its approach. The North are, for the most part, the "bad guys" in a very black and white way and the Southern solders, the "good guys".
If you can accept these limitations, this war film remains a mostly enjoyable watch. Seven out of ten from me.
Operation Chromite offers up a South Korean/US take on the Korea war. There's a good back story, complimented by decent acting, directing and lots of well paced, polished action.
That said, I'd describe this film as also a bit simplistic in its approach. The North are, for the most part, the "bad guys" in a very black and white way and the Southern solders, the "good guys".
If you can accept these limitations, this war film remains a mostly enjoyable watch. Seven out of ten from me.
Ruined by American dubbing
ImdbAllowsLeftwingExtemistBots20 January 2017
Good story portraying the cruelty of this war and Liam Neeson plays his role well but the rest is absolutely ruined by ignorant American dubbing.
The dubbing completely removes the immersion as the director / voice actors show complete ignorance to any Asian culture and the complete inability to pick up on subtleties (A characteristic of American dubbing that is well known to anyone who watches Asian cinema or anime). The result is the terrible voice actors cannot correctly portray any atmosphere.
If you can handle that, or can find the original, subtitled, then the film is worth a watch.
The dubbing completely removes the immersion as the director / voice actors show complete ignorance to any Asian culture and the complete inability to pick up on subtleties (A characteristic of American dubbing that is well known to anyone who watches Asian cinema or anime). The result is the terrible voice actors cannot correctly portray any atmosphere.
If you can handle that, or can find the original, subtitled, then the film is worth a watch.
Nothing special - conventional, gung ho war movie
grantss8 July 2018
September 1950. UN forces under General Douglas MacArthur are poised to invade and retake South Korea at the port city of Incheon. However, the operation, Operation Chromite, is fraught with risks and has a high probability of failure. In order to gain more intelligence on enemy positions, especially the placement of sea mines, MacArthur sends a team of eight Korean spies into Incheon. This is their story.
So-so. Had potential to be a gritty war drama, telling the story of the Battle of Incheon, which was a stroke of military genius. Instead it is a fairly conventional, gung ho war movie. Historical and military accuracy, and general plausibility, is sacrificed at the expense of action scenes, melodrama and empty sentimentality.
Dialogue is generally over-the-top and quite ridiculous at times. Every kind of cliché you can think of, MacArthur (played by the unfortunate Liam Neeson) gets to utter. Add in a character whose sole job seems to be calling out the names of comrades as they get hit and otherwise being sullen and whiny, and some pretty hammy acting and you have a recipe for a pretty average movie, at best.
So-so. Had potential to be a gritty war drama, telling the story of the Battle of Incheon, which was a stroke of military genius. Instead it is a fairly conventional, gung ho war movie. Historical and military accuracy, and general plausibility, is sacrificed at the expense of action scenes, melodrama and empty sentimentality.
Dialogue is generally over-the-top and quite ridiculous at times. Every kind of cliché you can think of, MacArthur (played by the unfortunate Liam Neeson) gets to utter. Add in a character whose sole job seems to be calling out the names of comrades as they get hit and otherwise being sullen and whiny, and some pretty hammy acting and you have a recipe for a pretty average movie, at best.
Great Story of Heroism and Patriotism
claudio_carvalho22 January 2017
In 1950, the North Korean army has invaded and defeated South Korea. The UN coalition, under the command of General Douglas MacArthur (Liam Neeson), plots a bold plan called "Operation Chromite" to invade the South Korean peninsula, disembarking the troops through the Incheon port. However there are mines in the water and he needs to know the location of the defense first. MacArthur sends an eight- man military unit from the Korean Liaison Office in a secret operation called X- Ray under the command of South Korean Navy Lieutenant Jang Hak-soo (Jung-jae Lee) to find the location of the North Korean defenses. They disguise as a North Korean inspection unit to infiltrate the enemy headquarter. However, North Korean Senior Colonel Lim Gye-jin (Beom- su Lee) suspects of Hak-soo and does not provide the mine location to him. What will the spies do?
"In-cheon sang-ryuk jak-jeon", a.k.a. "Operation Chromite", is a magnificent South Korean war film based on a true story. The dramatic story is full of action and supported by excellent screenplay, direction and performances. The conclusion is melodramatic like in many other South Korean movies, but perfect to the great story of heroism and patriotism. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): Not available
"In-cheon sang-ryuk jak-jeon", a.k.a. "Operation Chromite", is a magnificent South Korean war film based on a true story. The dramatic story is full of action and supported by excellent screenplay, direction and performances. The conclusion is melodramatic like in many other South Korean movies, but perfect to the great story of heroism and patriotism. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): Not available
Operation Chromite: Inchon battle deserved a more instructive reconstruction
niutta-enrico3 February 2017
Korean Entertainment Industry is a reality. It evolved over the years and now it may count on a wide choice of good Actors, Authors, Musicians, Producers and Technicians. The results are professional TV and Movie productions, with an overall good artistic level.
The present title is a War Movie that recalls of old American productions of the same genre. Just as in the 50s and the 60s, when World War II was too fresh a memory and war stories were rhetorical and unrealistic, this movie is biased by a mono dimensional description of the UN/US counter offensive in the Korean War (which easily may be too fresh a memory for people from ROK ).
This is a pity of course, because almost nothing is left of the real events (which by the way are much more interesting than the fictional ones) and the movie is not instructive at all. Unfortunately men are the same everywhere and Communists are not the only ones who cannot resist the charm of propaganda
The present title is a War Movie that recalls of old American productions of the same genre. Just as in the 50s and the 60s, when World War II was too fresh a memory and war stories were rhetorical and unrealistic, this movie is biased by a mono dimensional description of the UN/US counter offensive in the Korean War (which easily may be too fresh a memory for people from ROK ).
This is a pity of course, because almost nothing is left of the real events (which by the way are much more interesting than the fictional ones) and the movie is not instructive at all. Unfortunately men are the same everywhere and Communists are not the only ones who cannot resist the charm of propaganda
Terrbily Weak And Awashed In Trite Clichés
denis88812 July 2017
After several South Korean war films like The Front Line - 고지전 - or Taegukgi hwinalrimyeo - 태극기 휘날리며 - I was expecting this war epic drama to be similarly compelling and thrilling. No, even such great Hollywood names as Liam Neeson were unable to save this shambolic mess of all the imaginable clichés from being an utter failure. This film starts very well and shows a group of South Korean spies getting into North Korean Incheon to get hold of secret mibefields maps. Seems good, but very soon the film starts balancing between utter pathetic Hollywood at its worst dialogues from Neeson and his staff and very clichéd action movie shoot-out scenes with all the possible angles and sounds you can expect. Soon, the serious war drama turns into a laughable thriller, and you lose empathy to main heroes very fast. Do not waste time on this - this is worse than any war epic and this contains an array of all the trite banal clichés and moves. Simply awful
Surprisingly Good
fbmike19 January 2017
First off, there are different copies around for this movie. Don't make the mistake of watching the one that is dubbed for the Korean Actors. I started to watch it and the English dubbed voices just ruined it, gave it that same weird, almost comic feel of any dubbed movie. I then watched the one that has English speaking for English and Korean speaking for Korean (with subtitles) and found myself really enjoying the movie. Very good Korean acting, better than all the English counterparts. Liam was actual kind of ho hum with his gruff MacArthur character and his dialog was pretty shallow. The Korean acting though stole the show. Most straight Korean movies I watch (with all English subtitles) end up being pretty good. They are pretty good at making movies. Their acting can get a bit dramatic at times but all in all is entertaining. I didn't know what to expect from this movie but gave it a chance cause I just enjoy watching a good movie. This one was pretty good.
Entertaining and over the top
phd_travel15 September 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Entertaining and exaggerated and exciting. This Korean made movie about the Incheon invasion during the Korean war is quite grandly made and the production values are okay considering they are not dealing with a Spielberg budget. You get all sorts of war action from espionage to tanks machine gun fights truck chase to water landing. It's not Inglorious Basterds over the top but still they could have reduced down the body count by half. Picturesque sets if a bit cinematic looking.
I was worried I wouldn't be able to tell the communists from the non since they are all Korean and the good guys are undercover but surprisingly it was okay. You can tell by what they are doing who is on which side. The story launches right into action without establishing the characters first - that comes later.
Some glaring incongruities. The young Korean ladies especially the leading lady, have that K pop plastic surgery look that looks out of place in the 1950s. Also the glamorous well outfitted communists recall the impeccably dressed Nazis in Hollywood movies.
Some of the editing produces unintentionally funny moments like when the invasion starts and the bad guy seem to take a long time to realize it.
Liam Neeson as Douglas MacArthur appears quite regularly in this movie and has some very bad dialog full of platitudes and affirmations. He reminds of a wax dummy talking in a museum. The Korean actors don't overact.
A good point is it mostly avoids that overdone bodies flying slowly in the air and dragged out death speeches that afflict Hong Kong and Chinese movies. That is until the end with a terrible confrontation between the bad guy and the hero that cheapens things.
Worth a watch.
I was worried I wouldn't be able to tell the communists from the non since they are all Korean and the good guys are undercover but surprisingly it was okay. You can tell by what they are doing who is on which side. The story launches right into action without establishing the characters first - that comes later.
Some glaring incongruities. The young Korean ladies especially the leading lady, have that K pop plastic surgery look that looks out of place in the 1950s. Also the glamorous well outfitted communists recall the impeccably dressed Nazis in Hollywood movies.
Some of the editing produces unintentionally funny moments like when the invasion starts and the bad guy seem to take a long time to realize it.
Liam Neeson as Douglas MacArthur appears quite regularly in this movie and has some very bad dialog full of platitudes and affirmations. He reminds of a wax dummy talking in a museum. The Korean actors don't overact.
A good point is it mostly avoids that overdone bodies flying slowly in the air and dragged out death speeches that afflict Hong Kong and Chinese movies. That is until the end with a terrible confrontation between the bad guy and the hero that cheapens things.
Worth a watch.
History for teenagers.
arturocast-437-82725210 April 2017
A teenagers approach to an historic episode, that deserves an adult director. It's a miracle that main characters survives until the end of the film, among the bullet's rain, and the flood of casulaties. It's a pity that Indiana Jones, Rambo and Captain American were busy to go on help.
Interesting South Korean History
Luigi Di Pilla4 November 2017
I discovered this spy and war movie in the list of Liam Neeson's work. Then I read the reviews here and I thought it is a must see. I wasn't disappointed at all because there was nonstop lot of twists and action. The special and visual effects were respectably executed. It was a great experience for me to see what happened in the very decisive moment in Korea. The historical lines between North and South Korea makes the Chromite Operation a worth seeing film. I recommend to see it in the original version spoken Korean and English, it's more realistic. God bless all the courageous victims who fought against the red murder commando. 7/10.
Well worth watching.
barberic-695-57413516 June 2018
A dramatic story based on true events. Well worth watching if you like war based drama´s. A good story and generally the acting was pretty good. Fast moving and reasonable levels of action without going "over the top". My one criticism is that it gives the impression that "the good old USA" won the war and saved the world where in truth it was a United Nations combined forces that was involved in this conflict that halted the advance of communism, well that was until the Chinese stepped in - and that´s a whole different story. Would we watch it again, most definitely. Retained for future viewing.
Good Movie Score
carolynhaverstuhl13 June 2018
Good Movie. Excellent musical score. I listened to it, my husband watched it. His rating is a 7 for "war movie". Historical accuracy, none. It is mostly a fictional account, but you will enjoy it if you like the genre. The musical score was magnificent! I normally do not enjoy "war movies", but listening only to this one was enjoyable...emotive, sweeping beautiful score, made me forget it was a war picture.
Die hard for the Korean war
peterrichboy29 June 2017
As is the law when it comes to war movies America always wins, and saves the world. And that is of course the case with this movie, but with a twist. Operation Chromite is the previously untold story of a group of South Korean spies sent behind enemy lines to pave the way for the allied sorry American beach landing at Inchean South Korea. I have no idea how accurate this movie is but there is plenty of action to keep the viewer entertained. Of course we have to put up with heroic death after heroic death as each one of our heroes meets there brave but inevitable end. Not the best war movie I've ever seen but by no means the worse.
Operation Chromite is for The Win
investorman17 March 2018
I am very impressed with this historical accuracy that was never told in school. It truly is based off of real South Korean soldiers who did infiltrate the North during the 1950s Korean War. These are true heroes that did help turn the tide from the North completing their invasion of the South before they were pushed back.... the South and US could have finally finished the War but the Politicans stepped in to where the demarcation line still stands today. This is an excellant true story historical based movie, I honor these people.
We got Ladders.
nogodnomasters6 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The film centers on the South Korean spies who aided General Douglas MacArthur (Liam Neeson) in the allied invasion of Incheon during the Forgotten War. The group operating behind enemy lines needed to acquire the locations of the mines as well as light the lighthouse. The climax of the film, the battle itself, was relatively short.
The film was badly dubbed. It was one of those films that would have been better off with subtitles. In spite of all the drama, I had a hard time sensing their danger and urgency. Normally Hollywood doesn't produce a war film without some kind of message that relates to the era of which it is made. There was a brief theological discussion and talk about going into China, or rather not going into China. The black and white flashbacks seemed a bit hokey. MacArthur is not going to Incheon so he can run for President, but rather because of a promise he made to a 16 year old soldier at the beginning of the war, which even Liam Neeson couldn't make credible.
Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.
The film was badly dubbed. It was one of those films that would have been better off with subtitles. In spite of all the drama, I had a hard time sensing their danger and urgency. Normally Hollywood doesn't produce a war film without some kind of message that relates to the era of which it is made. There was a brief theological discussion and talk about going into China, or rather not going into China. The black and white flashbacks seemed a bit hokey. MacArthur is not going to Incheon so he can run for President, but rather because of a promise he made to a 16 year old soldier at the beginning of the war, which even Liam Neeson couldn't make credible.
Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.
A Travesty of Stolen Valor
usavetpatriot29 December 2018
This film is yet another historical fantasy deceitfully created to rewrite Korean history to give modern South Korea the history it wants, not the history that actually happened. The real operation depicted here was a joint US Navy-CIA-KLO named Operation Trudy Jackson led by US Navy Lieutenant Eugene F. Clark. The all-Korean "X-Ray" operation this movie depicts is total fiction. LT Clark won a Silver Star for his bravery and leadership on this dangerous and crucial mission, and he is nowhere to be seen, nor are any of the other Americans who reconnoitered Incheon Harbor and Wolmido. Operation Chromite was an American operation from start to finish. All the ships, the planes, and 99% of the 40,000 troops of X-Corps who landed at Incheon and fought their way to liberate Seoul were American - not "UN," and only one South Korean marine corps battalion took part as a unit of 5th US Marine Regiment.
Important story, but watch the original version on Netflix
AJ_McAninch11 June 2018
The original film with subtitles now on Netflix is much better to watch than the version with clumsy dubbing of Korean actors. Fortunately, most of the film is Korean, and they are far superior to the American actors. It is a good war film with the amazing true story of the South Koreans' heroic role in the Battle of Incheon, told through the Korean actors' passion and skill, a story most Americans don't know and should.
Well-mounted blend of genre elements in this Korean War story
Leofwine_draca21 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
OPERATION CHROMITE is another well-made and well-mounted Korean War movie, made as a collaboration between America and South Korea. It's a great mix of various genres, chopping and changing as it goes along. It begins as a behind-enemy-lines resistance-type thriller as the main characters attempt to get a valuable map off their North Korean foes, and then becomes an action flick in the middle part with a great truck chase reminiscent of RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. The final, large-scale scenes turn it into a straight war picture with tank action and the like.
Lee Jung-jae's hero is suitably heroic, Liam Neeson has a fun and convincing minor role as General Douglas MacArthur, and Lee Beom-su channels the spirit of Peter Lorre as the loathsome villain. The CGI effects aren't always great but the director (who also made the similarly decent 71: INTO THE FIRE) knows how to hide them in the gloom to make them look better. Without a single boring moment in it, OPERATION CHROMITE is not quite a classic but certainly delivers the goods for thriller fans and is thus an above-average example of the genre.
Lee Jung-jae's hero is suitably heroic, Liam Neeson has a fun and convincing minor role as General Douglas MacArthur, and Lee Beom-su channels the spirit of Peter Lorre as the loathsome villain. The CGI effects aren't always great but the director (who also made the similarly decent 71: INTO THE FIRE) knows how to hide them in the gloom to make them look better. Without a single boring moment in it, OPERATION CHROMITE is not quite a classic but certainly delivers the goods for thriller fans and is thus an above-average example of the genre.
Too cheesy
chinoky888-235-42771915 December 2018
But it was all about the sub-operation 'X-Ray'.
Reno-Rangan24 March 2017
Bringing the stars from other film industry is not we never heard of. It is mainly done for the international appeal. So now it was Liam Neeson's turn to foray into a Korean film. He did not go a big transform. He just played an American character and spoke American English. But he did not get the opportunity to exploit well, the role he played was a very important one though. Even I was curious about this film for his presence than the director known for some great hits. The film did fairly enough to my anticipation, but I slightly disappointed with the overall.
This is another Korean war theme, that mean based on the real. I think only the events were inspired by, not all the details. Because seems they were improvised for the cinematic version like sentimentalising it. That's the opposite to X-factor in this film, according to me. I started to watch Korean films because of strong emotional appeal, but after all these years watching lots of films, I think that sub-theme was overused. This is a war film and casualties are expected. Not from the viewers' perspective, but the film characters'. So knowing the consequences, the film exploited that too much.
I am sure that will patriotically appeal to the domestic (native) audience. For the rest of the world, it was a bit too much to take. This film is about a secret mission taken by the South Korean intelligence service after most of its territories were captured by the North in the year 1950. The general Douglas MacArthur of the US armed force with the UN coalition is the architect behind to hit the enemy at the right place. Where his team on an operation known as 'X-Ray' has to clear the way for the bigger one called 'Operation Chromite'.
❝Nobody grows old by merely living a number of years. People grow old only by deserting their ideals.❞
The team who left behind their family and friends, has to be ready to sacrifice for their nation. Their notion is to steal the military strategies of the North, but it goes beyond that after a series of twist and turns. Theirs brave attempt is what this film talk about. But there is a little chance for a sequel, particularly for what this title actually meant. I mean, the film was all about the operation known as 'X-Ray' which is a sub-operation of 'Operation Chromite'. But the way the film ended gives a hint that there's no more story left to tell us.
I am familiar with most of the cast and they all were good. It was worth making a film of the real event, but as I know not the best work of the director. Especially the screenplay looked unrealistic in a few parts which is mostly the confrontations between two armed forces. Though in such films it is acceptable which is done for goosebumps and to highlight the heroism with a greater struggle. If you are watching it for Liam Neeson, then you will be let down. He was magnificent in his limited appearance. For me, he looked like a bit Popeye with a pipe and at sea. A couple great quotes from him, but his absence on the field of action would hurt his fans.
Despite the disappointment, the film is watchable. Reasonable runtime and pace with the fine visual effects, it is worth a try. You will learn the history and apart from that there's nothing special. Whatever happens in earlier parts, the last 30-40 minutes makes the most of the film if you love war and actions. But still I'll pass, not going to recommend it to you, especially if you have watched lots of war films and spy missions. The final thing I wanted to say is don't believe those sites rated it very poorly. It stands between average and good, so the final call should be yours in such situation, but be prepared for whatever outcome you will receive.
6½/10
This is another Korean war theme, that mean based on the real. I think only the events were inspired by, not all the details. Because seems they were improvised for the cinematic version like sentimentalising it. That's the opposite to X-factor in this film, according to me. I started to watch Korean films because of strong emotional appeal, but after all these years watching lots of films, I think that sub-theme was overused. This is a war film and casualties are expected. Not from the viewers' perspective, but the film characters'. So knowing the consequences, the film exploited that too much.
I am sure that will patriotically appeal to the domestic (native) audience. For the rest of the world, it was a bit too much to take. This film is about a secret mission taken by the South Korean intelligence service after most of its territories were captured by the North in the year 1950. The general Douglas MacArthur of the US armed force with the UN coalition is the architect behind to hit the enemy at the right place. Where his team on an operation known as 'X-Ray' has to clear the way for the bigger one called 'Operation Chromite'.
❝Nobody grows old by merely living a number of years. People grow old only by deserting their ideals.❞
The team who left behind their family and friends, has to be ready to sacrifice for their nation. Their notion is to steal the military strategies of the North, but it goes beyond that after a series of twist and turns. Theirs brave attempt is what this film talk about. But there is a little chance for a sequel, particularly for what this title actually meant. I mean, the film was all about the operation known as 'X-Ray' which is a sub-operation of 'Operation Chromite'. But the way the film ended gives a hint that there's no more story left to tell us.
I am familiar with most of the cast and they all were good. It was worth making a film of the real event, but as I know not the best work of the director. Especially the screenplay looked unrealistic in a few parts which is mostly the confrontations between two armed forces. Though in such films it is acceptable which is done for goosebumps and to highlight the heroism with a greater struggle. If you are watching it for Liam Neeson, then you will be let down. He was magnificent in his limited appearance. For me, he looked like a bit Popeye with a pipe and at sea. A couple great quotes from him, but his absence on the field of action would hurt his fans.
Despite the disappointment, the film is watchable. Reasonable runtime and pace with the fine visual effects, it is worth a try. You will learn the history and apart from that there's nothing special. Whatever happens in earlier parts, the last 30-40 minutes makes the most of the film if you love war and actions. But still I'll pass, not going to recommend it to you, especially if you have watched lots of war films and spy missions. The final thing I wanted to say is don't believe those sites rated it very poorly. It stands between average and good, so the final call should be yours in such situation, but be prepared for whatever outcome you will receive.
6½/10
An epic portray of the Korea War
mariangelacapello10 November 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Immersed in an epic framework, "Operation Chromite" is a film that serves the purpose to inform the general public about heroic individual, group, army battles that shaped one important episode of the Korean War, not known to all. I did not know much about this war and I exit the projection with the desire to learn more about the historical moment, evolution and implications of this conflict, that till today affects the region. The general MAC Arthur and the protagonist Jung-Jae Lee completely fulfill the expectations of their roles, while the remaining characters are not up to their acting quality, although very good. Some characters are developed as augmented villains, and surrounded and producing evil, end by raising our most basic ad version feelings. The SKorean roles gain our loyalty, and sympathy. I did not like two elements: the intense presence of smoking: MacArthur is practically tied to his pipe,and lights it on one scene. Additionally, cigarettes define the villainous NKorean General, who lights no less than 10 cigarettes (with matches) throughout the story. The second element I disliked was the music: very cliché and excessively westernized.
I particularly liked the last half hour of the movie, where the tension really builds up and captured my full emotion and attention. I ended feeling the suspense, terror, US pride and happiness the Director intended. It was a final raising wave that engaged all spectators! I saw this movie in a fantastic movie hall in Kuwait, and in peak moments the spectators broke into applause, - rare reaction nowadays in moviegoers. It was rewarding and created a sense of victory that -in my opinion- the Director intended to produce. A movie to see! To learn, to enjoy, to suffer, to cry. And to be proud of the liberation efforts of both sides:S Koreans and Americans. Hurray for the good winning over evil
I particularly liked the last half hour of the movie, where the tension really builds up and captured my full emotion and attention. I ended feeling the suspense, terror, US pride and happiness the Director intended. It was a final raising wave that engaged all spectators! I saw this movie in a fantastic movie hall in Kuwait, and in peak moments the spectators broke into applause, - rare reaction nowadays in moviegoers. It was rewarding and created a sense of victory that -in my opinion- the Director intended to produce. A movie to see! To learn, to enjoy, to suffer, to cry. And to be proud of the liberation efforts of both sides:S Koreans and Americans. Hurray for the good winning over evil
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