The Prison

The Prison is a riveting 2017 South Korean crime action film directed by Hyeon Na and stars leading actors Rae-won Kim, Han Suk-kyu, and Se-ho Ahn. Hyeon Na succeeds in crafting a captivating movie by balancing a compelling narrative with excellent character ranks, loading the movie with explosive action scenes, breach tactics, and plot twists that keep you on your toes throughout.

Kim Rae-won plays the role of Song Yoo-gun, a hardened former police detective who intentionally gets himself imprisoned. He is not your typical hero, with a troubled past and a touch of rogue in him. His resilience and tough character make him an intriguing protagonist to accompany through the gritty and volatile world of the prison.

On the other side of the coin, there's Ik-ho, brilliantly portrayed by Han Suk-kyu. Ik-ho is not only a mafia boss but is also, intriguingly, 'the king' of the prison that Song Yoo-gun enters. From his luxurious prison cell, Ik-ho virtually rules the prison and also continues to command his outside criminal empire.

Amidst the grime and ruthlessness of the prison environment, tensions exist as the crime lord Ik-ho discovers that Song Yoo-gun is not just any prisoner and has deeper motivations for his incarceration. Song Yoo-gun doesn't plan on being a silent spectator and purposefully navigates his way through tense alliances, show downs, and power play.

Se-ho Ahn joins the potent battalion with his role as Hong-pyo, a enhanced role in the twisted prison hierarchy, serving as the bridge between the convict community and Ik-ho. Se-ho Ahn powerfully enacts the role, adding a sense of danger and unpredictability to the narrative.

The ingenuity of Hyeon Na’s direction lies in his capability to create a unique world within the prison walls that mirrors the dog-eat-dog rule of society. The Prison intricately maps out the dynamics of power, the social system, and palpable tension that go into making the movie a crime action thriller.

The film is not just about a fight between a lone wolf and a gangster but speaks volumes about the corruption that thrives in hushed whispers inside the prison. Na portrays this concept by impressively setting off the large-scale corruption against the backdrop of small prisons, where the corroded humanity of inmates begins to peel off.

The screenplay drags you into the gut-wrenching life behind bars, pushing even stalwarts to the edge of their abilities and patience, while they hatch plans and counter-plans in their struggle for survival. The Prison continually sets the audience in a whirlwind of suspense and anticipation as the protagonists match wits in a sinister cat and mouse game.

The Prison is complemented by top-notch supporting cast performances, slick cinematography, and a compelling score, all culminating in a dark and gritty atmosphere that draws you in and keeps you engaged from start to finish.

A significant highlight of this film is its action sequences. Powerfully intense yet realistic, each scene is choreographed to fully display the fierce and raw power of prisoners. Whether it's a massive prison riot or a stealthy attack in the dark, every action set piece is meticulously crafted to ramp up the tension.

In conclusion, The Prison is a masterfully executed crime action thriller that packs a punch with its strong narrative, stellar performances, and highly intense action sequences. The film seamlessly intertwines themes of corruption, power dynamics, and survival to create a progressive storyline that keeps you captivated throughout.

Whether you're a fan of Korean cinema, action movies, crime thrillers, or just a viewer looking for a film that offers a perfect blend of captivating storyline and edge-of-the-seat action, The Prison certainly fits the bill.