Cast Member: Jung Won-Joong

The horror sequences are mandatory to the plot, but they have been stripped back and diffused of much of their sting, in favour of concentrating on the police procedural aspect and mystery behind the four friends’ criminal bond.

‘Illang’ looks fantastic, often thrills, and features some incredible and expertly staged action but suffers from pacing issues and a lukewarm emotional core.

It isn’t a noisy blockbuster with shrill bells and whistles; it is a smartly made drama with a dash of redemption, a healthy chunk of political history and a level of tension cranked up to the zenith.

‘Unbowed’ allows the suspense and fascination connected to the case to grow organically, helped immeasurably by the outstanding performances of Ahn Sung-Ki and Park Won-Sang.

While it may often prioritise style over substance, ‘Volcano High’ still emerges as a pretty enjoyable action flick.