Netflix's Maniac: 16 Best Easter Eggs, References, Callbacks And Clues You Missed. And, in truth, this was my biggest disappointment with the film. The premise was funny in the beginning about reunification. The music video brings together the best moments from Kim Ji Woon's fantasy action movie "Illang: The Wolf Brigade" (Inrang) of 2018. Add to that the complete change of medium, and I was intrigued to see what the end result would be. The main problem with it is that two and a half hours it's much too overlong and could have done with some judicious cutting, but other than that this is a solid effort. Since Lim was the last to see the girl alive, Han asks him to give the book to her sister. 2. While I am (sort of) glad I watched the movie, I can say with confidence that it isn't for everybody. [4] Still the celwork was subsequently processed through the Animo software in order to enhance some visual effects, textures and camerawork.[7]. Illang: The Wolf Brigade (sometimes known as Inrang: The Wolf Brigade, which has been used at least once) is a 2018 Korean science fiction dystopian movie directed by Kim Jee-woon.It stars Gang Dong-won, Han Hyo-joo, Jung Woo-sung and Kim Mu-yeol. Lim meets Lee Yun-hee at the Namsan Tower. They from experience are consistent in their filmmaking efforts and for the most part this is no different. In 2029, after the governments of North and South Korea announce a 5-year plan to reunify the country, strong sanctions by the world's powerful nations cripple the economy and lead to a hellish period of chaos. It focuses on Kazuki Fuse, a member of the elite Kerberos Panzer Corps, a metropolitan counter-terrorism unit. Even though there are some modifications to the overall story, and one significant diversion, the characters, and story beats are heavily inspired by the original. People just want to the see the armor suit fighting. Variety is a part of Penske Media Corporation. I love every movie I've seen from director Jee-woon Kim and the fact that bring back the iconic action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger in his American debut The Last Stand (2013) so when I heard he about to direct the live action adaptation of Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade I can only imagine how awesome the famous incident in the sewers scene on the big scene or the special police unit armor would look like with real people but what I don't know is Jee-woon Kim also bring back home the Hollywood treatment for foreign movies for Illang.I don't mind the change in the story for it to fit the current state of North Korea and South Korea but what I do mind is how much different the two main characters in Illang to their Japanese counterpart in Jin Roh.There so much more action in Illang so for people that think Jin Roh is boring without the action it definitely a plus but for me the four short action scene in the original are still superior thank to how emotionally attached I am to the characters and the ending make me have no desire to watch it again. It seems the movie didn't work well in Korea, and I remember watching the Jin roh anim as a kid and didn't like it that much. A series of eerie events thrusts an unlikely trio (John Boyega, Jamie Foxx and Teyonah Parris) onto the trail of a nefarious government conspiracy. That just eluded me. As more soldiers join in, the girl detonates the bomb in her hands. A man is convicted of a robbery he didnt commit and spends six years in jail. [6] Oshii, who characterized him as "allergic to computers", admitted that had he directed the film he would have relied in computer animation just as he did in Ghost in the Shell and no more than 30,000 cels would have been needed. A very confusing movie. 3. Outside of this small fleshing out of the world, the Korean setting and backdrop really arent utilized to affect the films story all that much. . But, it really feels as if the actions of any character become pointless, especially during the third act of the movie. There are also some other surface changes to the film that, really, dont affect as much as they probably should. In-between the action, there is a lot of talk. [31], The film was made on a US$17.0 million budget and targeted to attract around 6 million moviegoers. The film does include a few scenes that were faithful recreations of scenes from the original animation, and they were quite interesting to see and can really get a fan of the original excited. But I found it stylish satisfying and at times genuinely scary! While there are some franchises that I have completely abandoned because I dont want to watch another origin story and meet the same cast of familiar characters all over again, a twenty-year gap between the original incarnation and a remake seems like a fair enough deal. [10][11] The film competed in the San Sebastin International Film Festival for the Golden Shell, becoming the second South Korean film to do so.[12]. [20], Webtoon writer Yoon Tae-ho penned a prequel titled Illang: Prequel, which took place five years before the events of the film. The story is set in alternate-history Japan in the 1950s following the atomic bombing and subsequent occupation (by a victorious German Reich, rather than the Allies) of the country at the end of World War II and the post-war recovery. She says he didn't even shoot her and they were just opponents on different sides. But at the end of the day, the shoot-outs are tight, and the action is adrenaline inducing. The film was financed by Union Investment Partners, with production being announced in 2013. The soldiers survive, but Lim shows shock. A talented young street-food cook pushes herself to the limit after accepting an invitation to train under an infamous and ruthless chef. That concept alone makes for a fascinating science-fiction film, but unfortunately, its all setup that is immediately abandoned. Some rebel fighters try to prevent it but are outmatched by an army of gas mask-wearing armoured super-soldiers who cut through anything in their path. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Netflix and third parties use cookies (why?). He stands up to instructor Jang Jin-tae. The main problem with it is that two and a half hours it's much too overlong and could have done with some judicious cutting, but other than that this is a solid effort. Fearing the possibility of war, North Korea and South Korea agree to re-unify for the sake of survival, with a five year interim put in place as preparation for the reunification. It is a live-action adaptation of the Japanese animated film Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade, with the setting changed from a Japanese one to a Korean one. The action in this film is so intense and epic! The number of South Korean film admissions in July 2018 was the lowest since 2008. For example, after the first 15 minutes, you have to wait about 50 minutes for the next real action sequence. It's not their job to care if the people are innocent or should have a voice in their country's future. Email news@gamespot.com. Meanwhile, Yun-hee lures Lim into a trap. site . [8] It was subsequently shown in Cannes' March du Film, which presumably netted its early French theatrical release on November 17. Even $1 helps keeps us afloat. This is bright and vibrant action movie, filled with decent special effects and appropriately entertaining fight and chase sequences, mainly utilising super technology in the form of massive shoot-outs and the like. All stories are accompa. Amidst this bloody struggle between two ultra-powerful institutions, rumors emerge of a secret "Wolf Brigade" being formed within the Special Unit. The incident damages the reputation of the unit and Fuse is reprimanded. [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] They encounter the fully armored Fuse, who slaughters them all. By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's After the attack (and the fun), the film starts getting complicated. Based on Mamoru Oshiis Kerberos Panzer Cop manga whose 1999 anime adaptation, Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade, serves as a direct blueprint for this films stunning opening and climax Illang transposes the story from Japan to Korea, where political and economic pressure have forced the divided country to consider reunification. [4] [5] 3. Read our extensive list of rules for more information on other types of posts like fan-art and self-promotion, or message the moderators if you have any questions. [17][22][23], The film was selected to compete at the 66th San Sebastin International Film Festival, which was held from September 2129, 2018. Illang: The Wolf Brigade 2018 | Maturity Rating: 18+ | 2h 19m | Action & Adventure In 2029, the elite police squad Illang combats a terrorist group opposing reunification of the two Koreas. Illang: The Wolf Brigade[3] (Korean:; also known as Inrang) is a 2018 South Korean science fiction action film directed by Kim Jee-woon and starring Gang Dong-won, Han Hyo-joo, Jung Woo-sung and Kim Mu-yeol. I'll call it resonance for now, but Jin Roh definitely has it. Lim is supposed to take out the state security in the sewers. Failing to create any sense of intrigue about its futuristic world, The Wolf Brigade is one disappointing mess that carries bits n pieces of brilliance scattered here n there but the overall product is too weak & uninspiring to sustain the interest and leaves the viewers feeling rather indifferent in the end. This wasn't originally in Bandai's plans for the film, but Oshii expected Kazunori It, his usual screenwriter, to reject their offer as he had previously told him that he didn't want to write a story involving dogs following his work for Jin-Roh live-action prequel The Red Spectacles, and after he did so he was offered the role. Starring: Gang Dong-won, Han Hyo-joo, Jung Woo-sung Watch all you want. Also, Illang is based on a Japanese anime " The Wolf Brigade (1999)" of Mamoru Oshii . I thought all of the fighting and firefights of the movie were incredibly unique and interesting as far as movies go, the setting was also something that I enjoyed. I watched Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade a few months back, and I'm not a fan of it. Even worse, Kim Jee-woons decision to give away with the original films bleak ending in favor of a happy and commercially friendly ending betrays the only interesting themes in this underwhelming Korean sci-fi thriller. As interesting as perfectly remaking an old anime into a live action movie might be, I was more intrigued by what changes would be implemented and how the lens of a Korean movie team would affect the narrative. Fuse is horrified at his action, but now having sacrificed his humanity, he has no other choice but to remain part of the pack. The story breezes over the main conflict (special unit vs. public security) without really making it keenly felt. When I heard this movie was coming out this year, I was very excited since Kim Jee-woon is one of Korea's big-name directors, and I had hoped this would play in U.S. theaters like several Korean movies do (typically at CGV Cinemas). About that car and the rest of the surrounding production details: Despite all the energy spent establishing how much Korea has changed between now and 2029 (a vision that calls for customized cars and tanks early on), about half an hour in, Kim either forgets that the film takes place in the future, or simply assumes that audiences will just carry on believing that premise, reverting back to what looks indistinguishable from the present day. The action scenes themselves are decent for what they are. In return, she is promised remission of her prison sentence and an operation for her sick brother. Also, there is so much talk, the movie runs for about 139 minutes, which is way too long for this particular story to be told. The special unit is able to track the fleeing members to the sewers and hunt down some members there. The Wandering Earth. The action scenes and practical effects are all quite enjoyable. Its only use is during the prologue to explain why the government would launch a Special Unit force to put an end to Sect. Illang: the Wolf Brigade is an enjoyable, if ultimately flawed, film. Lots of netizens are surprised by union between super-hot actors and super-skilled film directors. In the last scene, Yun-hee's brother is seen sitting in a train looking out at a man sitting on a bench. That being said, there were some big changes that made the film more enjoyable for me. Due to civil unrest within South Korea (Japan in the original), an elite anti-terror unit is formed. Some of the action was too over the top for the serious type of movie this was trying to be. The only bright spot is newcomer Kim Moo-Jeol as the villain wearing a badass leather coat who manages to breath some fresh air into the mean economics of the movie. + : Instead of a badass group of killing-machines, we are stuck with the emotionless Lt. Lim (Gang Dong-won, with the charisma of a log), who is suffering from PTSD following the suicide bombing. The plodding pace does it a lot of favors, packing a lot of emotion into a relatively short film, but Illang breaks up some slower moments by adding in extra action scenes and extending others that existed in the original. I just watched the movie, im just kinda curious who this actor is at the end of the movie, does anyone know? After reluctantly giving up the directorial role, Oshii originally thought on Patlabor 2: The Movie animation director Kazuchika Kise, but he had no interest in chief direction at the time. But another enemy may be lurking nearby. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Secondary characters like Cheol-jin and Mi-kyung get thrown into the story and exit without adding any substance. All Rights Reserved. This. Although currently living in Korea having served in the national army as well. Cast: Gang Dong-won as Lim Joong-kyung Han Hyo-joo as Lee Yoon-hee (Source: KoBiz). Illang: The Wolf Brigade is a 2018 South Korean science fiction action film. [4], Okiura favored traditional animation, and thus the film was almost completely drawn by hand, requiring 80,000 cels. While I am one of the first people to bemoan the seemingly endless cycle of remakes and reboots that seems to have seized the movie industry and would love to see that time, attention, and money diverted to new stories, ideas, and characters, I was still quite excited when I saw the first trailer for Illang: The Wolf Brigade, the live-action remake of the Japanese anime movie Jin-Roh. Like why can't you just flim everything the same as the originals? If you haven't, go watch this film. Honestly, being released on Netflix is its best hope for reaching a wide audience. Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos. Illang tries for a slightly different emotional tug, but it didnt quite take the time to build it up for me the way the slower, more plodding Jin-Roh managed. Amidst this bloody struggle between two ultra-powerful institutions, rumors emerge of a secret "Wolf Brigade" being formed within the Special Unit. "[27], As per Yonhap review, the film "spent so much time trying to recreate the world from the animated movie and remakes it into a big-scale action blockbuster that it never got the simple things right the film falls short of properly delivering the intense inner conflict felt by Joong-kyung. The Wolf Brigade is a high powered, deadly force of men whose job it is to crush the sect opposing reunification. The stories focus on the aftermath of one of the units members who froze when confronted with a particularly young terrorist and couldnt perform his duty of killing her. I highly recommend this film for action lovers, asian cinema enthusiats. Now we do get the live action version of it. I guess we can just say this movie stories is base in another world or dimension. They provide Fuse with a full set of armor and weaponry, before leaving with Kei in tow. The endingwell you will have to watch and decide for yourself. Film Review: 'Illang: The Wolf Brigade' Reviewed at Busan Film Festival, Oct. 6, 2018. It has been relicensed in North America by Discotek Media, with a DVD released on April 29, 2014 followed by a Blu-Ray on January 27, 2015.[2][3]. Want us to remember this setting for all your devices? The main plots complexity makes early portions a bit sluggish but sets up for a lot of twists and betrayals later on. It is a live-action adaptation of the Japanese animated film Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade. Some of the same setups are in Illang, but they lost the threads throughout the film, and the payoff doesnt arrive with as much force. poorly it was received in Korea this summer. But another enemy may be lurking nearby. Indeed, those hulking red-eyed soldier-cops disappear for nearly 90 minutes, until such time that Lim puts his own uniform on again and faces off against corrupt Public Security honcho Han Sang-woo (Kim Moo-yul, the films most charismatic actor), who may also be a Wolf Brigade member. [10], The following month the film shown in Cannes' March du Film, where Variety's Derek Elley noted it for pushing cel animation to its limits in the action scenes and for Okiura's focus on stillness in between while considering it a less complex work than its predecessor Ghost in the Shell lacking its "stomach-churning, visionary moments". I felt entertained. This docuseries delves into one of our greatest modern mysteries: Flight MH370. The end "battle" for me was a bit over the top and needed to be toned down some otherwise the action was all very well done and enjoyable. The film premiered on November 17, 1999, in France, and Bandai Entertainment and Viz Media licensed the film for an English-language release in North America and Europe. This movie just. The story of the original is more or less the story of the remake. Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade is the third film adaptation of Mamoru Oshii's Kerberos Saga manga, released in 1999. [21], Illang: The Wolf Brigade was released in South Korea on July 25, 2018. Han Hyo-joo sure tries hard to make Yoon-hee work, but I think to really make that character come alive, Joong-kyung needs to be more dynamic, and by design, he's not. I think I prefer the wolf ending over this, but was hoping for something more substantial to tie it all together. But there's always one guy whose conscience can't be stomped out and Lim is that soldier. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. Yoon-hee claims a lot of things over the course of the movie, and sooner or later, one would do well to stop believing her, since shes the rebel/spy/love-interest/damsel-in-distress on whom the movies unnecessarily convoluted plot pivots at least three too many times. Thankfully, though, this is not something they abuse, and Illang does look different, though perhaps someone not well versed in the differences between Korean culture and Japanese culture might easily overlook a lot of the small nuances. Terms of Use and Jin-Roh (, Jinr, lit. The production values are top-notch with excellent cinematography and fight coreography but the final product somehow feels like an unremarkable and hollow action movie without that spark that made Bittersweet life such an unforgettable experience. The film's musical score was composed by Hajime Mizoguchi. As a Korean critic, I should have gave it a 10 but on a second thought [24][12], A red carpet and showcase event for the film was held on July 18, 2018 at Times Square Mall in Yeongdeungpo-gu with the attendance of the director and cast. The training part in the building was also lackluster, the action was more over the top but there was no strategy to it, no teamwork and we didn't get to see Fuse (Lim) get re-trained like he did in the original. EDIT 2: I have no idea why the numbers are screwy. Illang (2018 Film) Information From his friend Han Sang-woo, Lim receives a diary that is said to have belonged to the deceased girl Lee Jae-hee. What is the English language plot outline for Illang: The Wolf Brigade (2018)? He knows about Yun-hee's true identity and has expected that the state security would lead them to her. Nice action scenes. However, the film's "slow, deliberate pace" is criticised. [4][5], The film is set in 2029 where South and North Korea prepare for a unified government after a severe economic depression slams both countries. It tries to keep that core, though it approaches it from a slightly different angle that, if this movie were an original, would probably work. However, the intelligence service Public, Security, which sees its own influence drop, hatches a plot to annihilate the Special Unit. The main problem with it is that two and a half hours it's much too overlong and could have done with some judicious cutting, but other than that this is a solid effort. I would argue that the conflict between the special unit and the public security division isn't well established, as we just see this illustrated in people talking and a few shootouts. JUNG_E. However, fans of the original might find that there are either too few changes to merit watching this over the original, or they might feel that there were too many changes and the film moved too far into action and away from the emotional core that made the original so memorable. Learn more about our use of cookies and information. But thats not the end of the road for Illang, which will next head to Netflix in all other territories. The unrest generated by the political tension in Asia, economic depression, and opposition to reunification results in a domestic terror group known as "The Sect" to form. "[28], Jason Bechervaise from Screendaily wrote that the film "contains moments of stylistic brilliance through some compelling set-pieces. The Warner Bros logo is bright red against a black background. [9], An early comment on the film was given by Blue Sky animator Andr Mazzone, who was shown the film in May 1999 as part of a delegation from the studio to Production IG's headquarters. IPv6 Ready. He uses mostly tracking shots, following each of the players involved, highlighting the fear and desperation in the eyes of the terrorists (though the film never makes it clear if we should feel bad for them or not), and the cold, heartless dedication behind the cyborg-like the Special Unit. The windows in the car he hijacks are obviously easily smashed, but bulletproof when he reverses and gets shot at. Actually, they come off like college art-house films, which is probably why these films aren't well regarded.