Fantastic

Rating: 10/10 (3 November 2006)

Others have stated the facts about the movie many times over. And this has been churned over and over, so I'll be brief: The cinematography was excellent. The introduction when Daesu is attempting to escape his prison, while world events play on the right side of the screen really aid in showing the passage of time(Many of the things are Korean related, but things such as the Year 2000 celebrations and the World Trade Center attacks bring it home for others).
The music was good, at times rocking(see above scene).
The plot was also good, well written and maintains a pretty good pace, save a few scenes. The twist ending(as mystery movies always have) was surprising to me, but appreciated. The explanation and conclusion to the story make it worth at least a second viewing.
The Adult Stuff (Sex,violence,language) was really not that bad. All R rated pretty much. Though many say perhaps not enough gore, too much sex(The way most Americans feel about movies and TV) I felt that the fighting scenes were for the most part not about the gore. They were fights, with or without blood. The one torture scene near the start, short lived, provides most of the blood until nearly the very end. The sex, also short lived, seems to cause much more controversy due to it's taboo nature, however any adult could easily tell you it's really nothing(not to mention neither character is aware of the taboo). Nope not explicit, like I said rated R. A high R, but R none the less. There's more sex on television. Language, naturally many expletives at times.
Overall: Fantastic, many great lines, great visuals, and worth at least 2 viewings. If not for the whole movie, at least that wonderful Hallway fight.