Harbin

Visually, "Harbin" is often stunning. Woo Min-ho often is painterly in how he re-creates the early 20 century. Along with cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo ("Parasite," "Snowpiercer"), he uses the screen as a canvas for some absolutely ravishing images.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to get too excited when all that effort is wasted on stick-figure heroes who talk a lot about but mostly hint at the depth of their characters.

A visually striking period drama... En route to [its] engaging climax, Woo also introduces a mystery element that keeps the wheels of the story turning, even when it may not have enough steam.

What Harbin lacks in memorable characters, it more than makes up for in its staging and craft. The action is beautifully composed.

Harbin is an important watch that is very much worth the time investment.



Harbin is just exciting enough to be engaging but rarely digs deep enough below the surface to feel like more than just an abbreviated recap of a moment in Korea’s past.

Harbin gives a suspenseful depiction of the 1909 plot by Korean fighters to assassinate Japanese prime minister Itō Hirobumi during Japan’s takeover of Korea. The movie drags in the middle, but is overall a well-made historical drama.

Harbin tells a straightforward but riveting historical story and features explosive action sequences. Woo never quite settles on a tone, but he stages individual scenes with gusto. Hong’s cinematography helps bring a richness to the film too.

It is not a “rah, rah Korea is great” movie. It is not only about a decisive blow against Japan. It is about spilling the least amount of blood to achieve independence in the face of genocide

With a healthy combination of action, atmosphere, and heart, and a thrilling climax that might feel a bit heavy-handed were it not based on historical record, Harbin succeeds as a gripping thriller that sheds light on a pivotal moment in Korea’s history.