[Review] 'Namsan-ui Bujangdeul' Elegant Clash of Coldness and Passion, a Captivating 113 Minutes

[Lee Isul, Entertainment Reporter]

Breathlessly intense. Lee Byung-hun resembles Kim Jae-gyu (Kim Gyu-pyeong) as if he tore through history. A well-made noir film has been born, radiating an elegant glow with a mix of coldness and passion.

The film Secret Zoo (Director Woo Min-ho) was unveiled on the 15th at a press screening held at CGV Yongsan in Ichon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

At 7:40 PM on October 26, 1979, the director of the Central Intelligence Agency assassinated the president at the agency's private residence in Gungjeong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. This event marked the end of an 18-year-long dictatorship and is recorded as a major incident in modern history. Secret Zoo rewinds the clock to 40 days before the incident.

Former CIA director Park Yong-gak (played by Kwak Do-won) exposes the regime's true nature to the world through a hearing in the United States. To stop him, Kim Gyu-pyeong (played by Lee Byung-hun) and Chief of Security Kwak Sang-cheon (played by Lee Hee-joon) step in. The film closely follows the intense loyalty of Kim Gyu-pyeong and Lee Hee-joon, as well as the emotions of Park Yong-gak and President Park (played by Lee Sung-min) and other characters.

The original work is a non-fiction bestseller by former Dong-A Ilbo reporter Kim Choong-sik, based on a two-month serialized investigative report. Director Woo Min-ho focused on the October 26 incident from the vast content of the original. Although it is a well-known event, the film feels special due to its delicate psychological portrayal of the characters. Director Woo maintains an objective perspective while illuminating the deep inner world of the characters.

The actors' performances are the greatest virtue of Secret Zoo. Lee Byung-hun, Lee Sung-min, and Kwak Do-won deliver tight psychological battles with flawless acting. Especially Lee Byung-hun immerses the audience so deeply that it feels as if the real Kim Jae-gyu (Kim Gyu-pyeong) has come to life. He even acts out the twitching under his eyes. His meticulous analysis and thoughtful portrayal of emotions break through the screen. Lee Byung-hun’s outstanding acting skill makes the audience his ally surprisingly early and easily.

The character Kim Gyu-pyeong, portrayed by Lee Byung-hun, is so solid that it almost feels like watching a one-man show. Lee Byung-hun’s superb performance completes the face of that era. His eye acting is another highlight for enjoying the film.

Lee Sung-min is also remarkable. He delicately depicts President Park, who ruled as the first power from 1961 to 1979 with a dictatorship, through subtle psychological portrayal. His growing lust for power and wavering demeanor toward the latter part of the film express a strong presence. His external portrayal is also excellent. His speech, facial expressions, and gait enhance the realism and increase the film’s focus.

Director Woo Min-ho shows a determined spirit with Secret Zoo. He solidly completed the drama as if he had made up his mind. It is flawless as a political drama, and the psychological battles between characters amplify the genre’s entertainment. The film’s production is also praiseworthy. Detailed spatial depictions and large-scale location shoots faithfully recreate the period. Some scenes are staged almost like a play, which is also noticeable. The confident challenge of Secret Zoo during the Lunar New Year holiday stands out for good reason. Rated 15 and over. 113 minutes. Opens January 22.

Lee Isul, Entertainment Reporter

Photo = Showbox

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