Directed by: Byun Sung-hyun (변성현) Starring: Sol Kyung-gu (선경구), Im Si-wan (임시완), Kim Hee-won (김희원), Jeon Hae-jin (전헤진), Joseph Kim (조셉) Release Date: May 17th, 2017
There’s no shortage of South Korean action noir films. But when I heard that the director of the highly enjoyable sex-charged romantic comedy ‘Watcha Wearin’?’ (2012) was having a go at one, I have to admit I was more than a little bit excited. Writer/director Byun Sung-hyun comes well researched with ‘The Merciless’, a new gangster crime drama which he adapted from a comic book character. And although lacking purpose and failing to take advantage of its most interesting story ideas, the film’s technical achievements take some the of the genre’s signature aesthetics to new heights.
The Merciless begins with Hyun-soo (Im Si-won) getting out of prison to a hero’s welcome of gangsters. He’s a young pretty boy so you’re instantly curious as to what his role in the gang is. He’s picked up in a private red sports car by Jae-ho (Sol Gyeong-goo) who appears to be a gang boss. Jae-ho and his organization are under investigation spearheaded by a ballsy female detective (Jeon Hae-jin) that is looking for any perceived crack to take them down. The element of time becomes a key story convention in The Merciless and is played with a lot. So soon after Hyun-soo’s release, we go back in time to prison life where he and Jae-ho originally met.
While both in the slammer, Hyun-soo impresses Jae-ho with his overconfidence and general ‘don’t give a shit’ attitude. Jae-ho is top dog in the prison too, so it’s a good move to get on his good side. But soon enough, we learn that Hyun-soo is an undercover police mole playing the long game at infiltrating the gang. What develops is a ‘The Departed’ or ‘Infernal Affairs’ style story line of cat-and-mouse complete with all the loyalty tests and moral ambiguity one would expect when an undercover agent plays the other side for too long.
The Merciless features some of the best camera work around. It’s extreme close ups and beautifully framed images capture the dark and unforgiving criminal underworld in the best of ways. From claustrophobic prison interiors to shipping yard exteriors, the wake of destruction set forth by its brass-knuckled gangsters dawning black and blue tailored suits is some of the most refined we’ve seen in the genre. And with just enough twists and story revelations to keep audiences engaged, The Merciless will satisfy most during its two hour runtime.
But aside the several story surprises, some will be left thinking “Just what is the point of The Merciless?” Other than an exercise in style, there is hardly anything new here that hasn’t been done before and better. The whole movie feels like it is trying too hard to be ‘cool’. Don’t get me wrong, flashy camera work and precise framing is awesome, but it just feels flat if there is nothing to care about other than the aesthetic. Visually the movie is on point. But a closer look will reveal that The Merciless just goes through the motions for much of the time.
One scene in particular that was especially glaring was when the special forces were making a drug bust with their K-9 units. Coming in hot, they looked awesome as they navigated the narrow staircases as they neared the criminals. Close up shots of the dogs’ fangs as they were leading the officers built up excitement nicely. But as they arrived on scene, it was like a stroll at the park as the dogs happily trotted alongside the cops with their guns drawn. This scene really encapsulated the feeling I had of this film being very surface level and not much more than something sparkly to look at.
The Merciless also feels uneven in its approach to honoring its comic book or webtoon roots with its style and characterizations. At times, the characters feel very real and exhibit normal human tendencies, but some real caricatures as opposed to actual characters fill the world of The Merciless. This was really evident with the uncomfortable maniacal laughing and constant attempts at dirty wordplay.
The relationship between the leads, Hyun-soo and Jae-ho, is without a doubt a bromance that is not often explored in moves like this. Here, it comes off as kind of interesting but also very confusing. I greatly appreciate the subtle approach of presenting sexual tension, and films like In the Mood for Love (2000) and Lost in Translation (2003) are class examples how it can be done right. The Merciless clearly intended a subtext of this kind but lacks clarity in its convictions. This results in several scenes that come off as more awkward than tender.
So I’m left feeling conflicted about The Merciless. Knowing that it was inspired from a comic makes me want to forgive several grievances I had with the characterizations, but I’m finding it difficult since the world the characters lived in was just so flat. But the movie looks so good! Having been expertly filmed edited leaves me of two minds in the end. I actually liked The Merciless and believe it will get better with repeated viewings, but I don’t think it will ever reach the heights of other genre greats. SCORE 5.5/10
If you enjoy this content and would like to support our ability to continue to update and increase the quality of our content.
