Les Formidables

Les Formidables is a 2006 South Korean movie showcasing a compelling mix of police drama, thriller, and character study, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the human condition and the intricate web of human interactions cast against the backdrop of a crime-ridden world.

The film revolves around two central characters: the burned-out detective Choi Chul-joong, portrayed by the talented Joong-Hoon Park, and the seemingly deranged criminal Su-hyun, played handily by the versatile Cheon Jeong-myeong.

As the movie begins, we find detective Choi Chul-joong lost in disillusionment with the corrupt system he is a part of and seemingly on the brink of professional and personal breakdown. He is characterized as a jaded, lonely veteran cop who finds himself increasingly disenchanted with the unethical practices within his department and the criminal world at large.

On the other hand, Su-hyun is a man with a tragic past, pushed into a life of crime due to desperate circumstances. Cheon Jeong-myeong brilliantly depicts Su-hyun's internal struggle and the complex emotional layers of a criminal not entirely devoid of silver linings. He gives the audience glimpses of Su-hyun's fragility and humanity beneath his criminal façade.

The plot development begins when Choi Chul-joong embarks on a mission to apprehend Su-hyun following a fumbled bank robbery. A twist of fate lands the duo together, creating unexpected alliances and mutual understanding. While initially their relationship is hostile, presumed antagonists gradually learn about each other’s respective stories, revealing shared disillusionment and despair with the society costing them their lives.

The empathetic portrayal of Su-hyun defies the typical black-and-white interpretation of convicts and law enforcement, offering a breakthrough narrative into the gray spaces of morality and justice. As their relationship becomes more complex, the line between 'good' and 'bad' becomes increasingly blurry, forcing viewers to grapple with their own perceptions of right and wrong.

Yoo In-young plays Han Song-yi, a woman grieving and healing from a heartbreak, who also gets intertwined in the disarray. Her character development and how she connects the dots between the officer and the criminal add another layer to the film’s narrative.

Set in the bleak underbelly of urban South Korea, the movie combines elements of an action film, character drama, and social commentary. The action sequences, which include car chases, fights, and gun battles, are done in a gritty, realistic style that adds an air of thrill and danger, making you question where the characters' loyalties lie and creating a growing sense of tension and anxiety.

Les Formidables, directed by Cho Min-ho, displays depth beyond its familiar crime-thriller genre, dwelling into the human psyche, existential despair, and societal corruptions. Interspersed with thoughtful moments of dialogue between the lead characters, the film is critical of Korea's institutional realities, raising questions on corruption, economic inequalities, and societal pressure.

Park Joong-Hoon's performance as Choi is heart-wrenching and authentically human, building a sympathetic character despite his ostensibly harsh exterior. His interpretation of a jaded, battle-scarred officer tired and disillusioned in fighting for justice brings life to the opening quote of the film, "We are all criminals."

Similarly, Jeong-myeong Cheon's powerful portrayal of Su-hyun is equally laudable. Despite being cast in the role of a criminal, Cheon's performance effectively humanizes Su-hyun, presenting him as a flawed yet helpless victim of societal ills.

Virtually every frame of the film is soaked in stark, atmospheric cinematography that aptly reflects the lead characters' emotional states. The film's original score elevates the storytelling, playing deftly with light and shadow, silence and noise.

In conclusion, Les Formidables is a thoughtful, action-packed movie set on a grim, sobering backdrop of urban despair. It explores themes of disillusionment, morality, and the thin gray line that often separates the good from the bad, the heroes from the villains.