The acting skills of Song Kangho and Lee Byung Hun are beyond doubt, and this film basically relies on them to support the whole story. But Lee Young-ae, the investigator, is a major failure of the film. The story would have been better without the character.
The role of Lee Young-ae from the very beginning is to lead out the story, investigate the incident, and withdraw from the incident, a story-driven character similar to a narration.
But the setting of this character is very unreasonable. Her series of actions to advance the plot are illogical and even a little absurd.
First of all, there is no one in Switzerland, and a female Korean investigator must be chosen to be in charge of this incident involving peace between the two countries. And not enough background checks were done in the first place. The daughter of a former North Korean general is involved in what is supposed to be a neutral investigation. With such an identity, and at such a young age, he can participate in this level of incident investigation. There is not enough background check, and a general who has only shown one face will expose the female protagonist. This is a satire on how incompetent the Swiss government is. Can't tell at all.
I understand the director is trying to give Sophie a reason to quit the censorship. Let Sophie also twist into the vortex of the history of the DPRK and the ROK, and experience this contradictory psychology for herself. Then it dawned on me, oh, you shouldn't be serious. But it's actually more illogical. If the heroine continues to pursue the truth, it will lead to the escalation of the contradiction between the two countries. If you do not pursue the truth, you are incompetent as an investigator. It's really embarrassing that there are no people inside or outside.
Secondly, Sophie's motives for getting to the bottom of it are also very suspicious. Because the movie lacks the introduction of the heroine's background, you don't know if Sophie is such a character, and she must find the truth. Or is it that she has personal feelings in the case, and there is no reason why the case must be solved. Since Sophie is going to be the heroine, why not describe her story more. Put a little more effort into her father's story and make Sophie come with emotion from the start, and the character is more tenable.
In a short period of time, an investigator forced a South Korean private to commit suicide, a sergeant finally committed suicide, and a North Korean sergeant fought at the investigation meeting. This Investigator won't even think about taking the job in the future. With such a commotion, the officer even saved her a hand and let her exit safely. You can't indulge Li Ying Ae infinitely just because she is good-looking.
In the end, that series of behaviors that cover up the truth in order to seek the truth is a bit ridiculous. When his background is revealed, his personality changes as soon as he says it changes, and suddenly he doesn't take it seriously anymore. Also prepared two memos to force the protagonist to tell her the truth. This is blatant extortion. Wander between the two protagonists, and pass messages, pass lighters. How can an investigator from a neutral country be so unscrupulous in making small moves in the security zone? In the end, Li Bingxian was forced to commit suicide. You have to say who fired the fatal shot before leaving. You are sick. A really unpleasant character.
In fact, this film can have a better story, Song Kanghao and Li Bingxian can fully support a 5-star work. Then Li Ying Ai pulled down 1 point abruptly. It would be better to remove this role and play it as a side or a supporting role. Some truths should not be the last to be investigated. It should be buried in the hearts of those who have passed away. Putting the part of revealing the truth on, after Lee Byung-hun committed suicide, it will be more contagious to tell it in the form of memories before his death.
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