Officer Black Belt review: Kim Woo-bin's film would've been more effective as a web series

3/5

Story:

A man with a golden heart, Lee Jung-do is an easy-going person with exceptional skills in martial arts. When he sees others struggle to keep criminals in check and finds an opportunity to do so himself, he grabs it with both his hands despite all the hurdles. Officer Black Belt is his journey to seeking justice for all who have been wronged.

Review:

Officer Black Belt has the vibe, but Kim Woo-bin's introduction is not as impactful, even though the scene sets what he really is - a talented but lazy man. In the role of Lee Jeong-do, it is established that he loves anime, especially Demon Slayer. The focus, as he narrates his dialogue, shifts to sports, martial arts in specific.

He's passionate about judo, taekwondo, and kendo, but also esports. Most of all, Jung-do loves humans and helps them out even after beating them in sports.

The storyline takes time to set, which works in the favour of the movie. This multi-talented man is a chicken delivery guy as well, and there's a reason why he's blonde. The same is developed while introducing his character.

Seeing an officer on duty getting beaten up to death, Jung-do cannot help but intervene. That is where the real action begins. It is smooth, to say the least. With minimal action, there's maximum impact. The next minute you know, Jung-do is working with the cops. This gap from fighting a goon to suddenly joining the cops lingers on, but the story moves forward.

Kim Sung-kyun's Kim Sun-min is introduced soon after. He is magical in talks over actions. He has a story to tell as well.

Kim Woo-bin is slightly impressive in his role. For a manchild who gets the work done, he's perfect. His smile after accomplishing just what he wished to is cute. The passion in his eyes, even if in fewer scenes, does work.

The close up shots barely work for the film. Woo-bin and Sung-kyun together, though, make a memorable duo. This is also because they think and behave similar. Unfortunately, the chemistry between anybody else is not as strong and so, it doesn't touch you in moments the makers expect it to.

Jung-do's friends passing a comment on him is unwelcomed and almost unnecessary in the situation, but it sure sets up the tone for what is to come.

The mystery with each criminal intensifies and that makes the movie better. However, it sure deserves to be a web series exploring the story of each inmate instead.

It's in the action scenes that the movie really shines. One main against a whole group makes for an unrealistic but important moment. It decides the fate for the officers, mainly Jung-do, ahead.

Music and background music both play an important role, especially in the second half. The lighting is also perfect - minimal and in colour.

The second half of the film is really the star. There's action and danger at every turn and you never know what will happen next.

The movie has a good blend of action and emotion and the only problem is that it doesn't always work as expected.

Till the very end you wait for justice to be served and while it is served, it's not like you expected it. Nonetheless, the minor satisfaction is there.

Verdict:

Directed by Jason Kim, Officer Black Belt is a gripping drama. However, there was a lot to explore in the film and thus, it deserved to be a drama. If a web series, the director could have also tapped into equations which he couldn't develop into a film. An opportunity missed, but Officer Black Belt is a good entertainer if you have nothing else to do this weekend.