Set in the DMZ, the area separating North and South Korea, the film opens with vague and unclear footage surrounding a shooting incident. A bullet was fired in a tense nighttime atmosphere. While it’s unclear what exactly happened, we soon learn that two North Korean soldiers were killed, and the prime suspect is a South Korean soldier named Sgt. Lee Soo-hyeok (Lee Byung-hun). Sgt. Lee was arrested and taken in for questioning.
To uncover the truth behind the murders, Swiss and Swedish teams are called in to investigate and find the truth about the shooting. Major Sophie E. Jean (Lee Yeong-ae) leads the investigation and begins to conduct numerous interviews and examine all the evidence. Initially, nothing seems to make sense, but a closer look at the weaponry reveals a significant discovery about the weapons, bullets, and the amount that can be held within a clip. This revelation suggests that another person could be involved, and this might be the key to unravelling the truth behind the recent bloodshed. Can the truth of that tragic evening be uncovered?
JSA (aka Joint Security Area) is a thriller, drama, and war film. The film was directed by Park Chan-wook, who also directed Oldboy (2003) and The Handmaiden (2016). As the film opens, viewers are greeted with various clips and unexplainable moments surrounding the shooting incident and crime scene. We know what has occurred is tragic, awful, and terrible, but viewers are clueless about who is involved, and the bigger question of why it happened.
Major Jean’s introduction allows us to learn additional details about the crime scene as she makes discoveries. She is a likable character due to her determination, skills, past experiences, and intelligence as a major. Despite any doubts others may have about her, she remains focused, and the actress delivers a compelling performance. Lee Byung-hun and Song Kang-ho as Sgt. Oh Kyeong-pil also performs commendably, especially in the dramatic and tense moments.
Throughout the film, I never felt bored or uninterested. As the story unfolded, I was eager to uncover the truth. I was surprised to find there was a strong sense of drama on-screen, which was unexpected and unpredictable. As various aspects of the story came to light, it became clear that the crime was more of a tragedy. The conclusion profoundly impacts the viewer once all is revealed. While it’s a satisfying watch the first time, a repeat viewing may not be as desirable after knowing the outcome.
Overall, JSA consists of a great mystery and stellar, convincing, dramatic performances from the cast. The story gets underway quickly, and the film becomes more and more impacting as the story moves forward, with more details coming to the surface surrounding the core mystery. Unexpectedly, this film also contains a heaviness and many great moments of drama that will keep viewers entertained but feeling somewhat heavy-hearted by the end of the film’s journey. If you enjoyed other thriller 90’s thrillers such as The General’s Daughter or Basic, JSA is most certainly recommended by me.
8.5/10
7th September 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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