The 12th Suspect

The 12th Suspect is a gripping 2019 South Korean drama-mystery film directed by Ko Myoung-sung and it features a talented ensemble cast led by Kim Sang-kyung, Heo Sung-tae, and Kim Dong-young. Set in the late 1940s against the backdrop of Korean history, the film introduces viewers to a suspenseful world where each character adds to the narrative's richness and unpredictability.

The film essentially unfolds in a single room of a traditional Korean teahouse located near the US military post. It flawlessly captures the ambiance of post-war Seoul with its crisp cinematography and detailed art direction. This unique setting is not only a vessel for transporting viewers back in time, but it also becomes an intimate stage for the dramatic interactions among the film’s characters.

The screenplay centres around renowned caricature artist Kim Man-hee, splendidly portrayed by Kim Sang-kyung. Man-hee is beloved in his artistic community but gets dragged into a web of intrigue when he finds himself accused of murdering a propagandist for the US military government, an accusation which he vehemently denies.

Throughout the film, Man-hee is subjected to an intense and relentless one-night interrogation by a tenacious, no-nonsense military police investigator, played by Heo Sung-tae. Heo's portrayal of the gruff, cigarette-smoking hard-nosed investigator balances nicely with Kim's more calm and stoic caricaturist. However, the stakes raise higher when the investigation is essentially forced into a race against time. Interwoven with these intense scenes are flashbacks that provide viewers with a deeper look into Man-hee’s life.

Running parallel to Man-hee’s story are the lives and conversations of the other occupants of the teahouse - a collection of late-night customers and staff. This includes a range of characters, from the pragmatic teahouse owner, played by Park Sun-young, to the assemblage of intellectuals, poets, writers, and artists who frequent the place for sanctuary and camaraderie. Each character is carefully developed through engaging and sometimes philosophical dialogues on topics like politics, arts, and the tension between old and new, providing viewers with a rich tapestry depicting Korean society during the US military government rule.

These conversations and investigations seamlessly shape the narrative puzzle of The 12th Suspect. As the probing investigation continues through the night, the film ramps up the suspense and tension, and the lines blur between the innocent and the guilty. As the secrets get unraveled bit by bit, the viewer is kept engaged by the intricacy of the plot and the ambiguity that is maintained regarding the true identity of the killer, thus posing the question, who is the 12th suspect?

On a broader level, The 12th Suspect effectively uses its murder-mystery plot as a platform to explore themes of cultural identity and national unrest. This refers to not only the societal changes brought about by the disruption and aftermath of war but also the existential crises that the characters experience due to the rapidly evolving socio-political landscape. Yet, the film does this without losing its core sense of mystery and suspense, maintaining a balance between a socio-cultural commentary and a nail-biting whodunit.

The performances, across the board, are top-notched. Kim Sang-kyung’s portrayal of Man-hee lends an air of dignity and resilience, while Heo Sung-tae gives an intense performance as the stern military interrogator. The rest of the ensemble cast, particularly the teahouse occupants, add their unique nuances which contributes to the film’s overall aura of intrigue and anxiety. Seol Yoo-jin’s cinematography, along with the spellbinding art direction by Lee Yun-ho, capture the era's atmosphere to elevate the narrative's emotional depth.

The 12th Suspect successfully manages to blend together elements of a mystery-thriller with thought-provoking subtexts of Korean history and culture. Its atmospheric setting, complex characters, and twist-filled plot make it an enthralling watch for anyone interested in suspenseful dramas and stories of historical intrigue. Its quality direction and stunning performances ensure that the movie does not just become another historical noir but rather, it stands out as a powerful and gripping cinematic experience.