Movie Review: Cold Eyes (Gamshijadeul) (2013)

While watching I didn't know that Cold Eyes is a remake of the Hong Kong film Eye in the Sky, as I haven't seen it yet, I can't compare them. Cold Eyes is the movie that handed a Best Actress award to Han Hyo Joo, at the 34th Blue Dragon Awards. This movie is a well executed thriller that will entertain from start to finish.

Yoon Ju (Han Hyo Joo), an idealist rookie cop with photographic memory and outstanding perceiving skills, aces the test to join the elite surveillance unit in the downtown of Seoul, led by Detective Hwang (Sol Kyung Gu), a middle aged man who plans each team member's moves based on their abilities.

The team meet a strong opponent, James (Jung Woo Sung), the mastermind behind the crimes. He prefers to watch his carefully planned schemes being executed from afar but, if needed, can murder whoever enters his way without hesitation. The movie follows the elite surveillance unit as they try to catch James.

Despite having a star-studded cast, the movie fails to use the full potential of its actors. Jung Woo Sung is convincing as the cold blooded, does more talk less, almost invincible villain. Sol Kyung Gu keeps a low profile making up room for other actors to shine. I wish they had given those two talented actors more chances for them to really show what they're capable of.

Han Hyo Joo fits the intelligent rookie cop full of ideals, though I think it wasn't enough for the award she received. The movie makes secondary characters shine too, such as Squirrel, played by 2PM's Junho, and the cool female boss, played by Jin Kyung.

Cold Eyes was good and entertaining. Directors Jo Ui Seok and Kim Byung Seo do well what they intended to do. The cinematography makes Seoul breathtakingly beautiful. Some scenes even make you laugh. For me, the funniest was the Peppermint Candy reference at the end...

I recommend it to people who want to watch something thrilling and, well, entertaining. But especially for young females out there, as it is not always that we get to see two inspiring female characters in a thriller/action film! Let alone with one of them being in a leading role!

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MY RATING:

Director: Jo Ui Seok, Kim Byung Seo | Writer: Jo Ui Seok | 2013 | Genre: thriller, action, crime | Country: South Korea