Set in and around Korea in the 1920s when the country was under Japanese rule, 'Age Of Shadows (2016)' follows a group of Korean rebels who plan to blow up a prominent Japanese building. It's primarily viewed through the eyes of a Korean man who now works for the Japanese police after turning on his freedom-fighter countrymen at some point in the fairly recent past. The narrative is interesting, if perhaps a little too labyrinthine for its own good. It's easy to get a little lost amidst the movie's tangled web of shifting allegiances, betrayals, reveals and attempted recruitments. It's constantly engaging, though, even during its most overwhelming moments. It's also really well conveyed, with confident direction managing to balance more conventional espionage thriller elements with bursts of highly choreographed action. Song Kang-ho is the lead, and he delivers yet another notably fantastic performance that keeps you unsure as to what his true motives are. He also provides the picture's emotional and thematic anchor, both of which are quite potent on occasion. Ultimately, though, the feature feels somewhat inconsequential - or, perhaps more accurately, forgettable - and it doesn't have the staying power it ought to. It's also a bit too long. However, it's an entertaining in-the-moment experience that keeps you engaged throughout. It explores a distinct period in history and features some suspenseful set-pieces, as well as some surprisingly explosive ones. It's a solid effort, but I wish it was a little tighter so that it had a stronger impact overall.