Country: South Korea

‘A.f.r.i.k.a’ isn’t rocket science, but if you like a good laugh and are conversant in the basics of Korean pop-culture and society, it should prove an enjoyable treat, nonetheless.

The story is nothing new or revolutionary and takes just a little too long to get where it is going. Still, the film is made with skill and the comedy often hits home just as much as the fights do.

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.

Director Lee Jeong-hyang manages to generate enough of an ambience to make ‘Art Museum By The Zoo’ a more than pleasant diversion.

One could almost believe the idea was hatched in a few minutes as scenes are needlessly dragged out and nothing significant happens until the closing moments.

‘BA:BO’ may be slickly shot and handled by a mostly photogenic cast, though it is undoubtedly easy to become immersed in its world.

Slickly helmed by stunt guy and first-time director Heo Myung-Haeng, ‘Badland Hunters’ is some rollicking fun not to be taken too seriously.

A heady mix of slick, pulsing beat-backed visuals, violent action and a descent into a dark criminal underworld.

Despite his attempts to look beneath the surface of Korea, Bong Joon-Ho is unable to sink his teeth into anything too substantial though

A classy affair all round, ‘Blades of Blood’ is an invigorating and hugely enjoyable slice of chanbara styled storytelling from Korea.

‘Blind’ is a more than capable thriller that builds patiently to an edge-of-the-seat climax. And Kim Ha-Neul continues to ascend to the top of Korea’s starlist with another charismatic performance.

The film carries on down a winding road of raised fists and black eyes but maintains a battered humanity as well.