Leofwine_draca Review of Jo Pil-ho: The Dawning Rage

Jo Pil-ho: The Dawning Rage (2019)

As well made as any Korean film

[6/10 · 27 October 2019]

THE DAWNING RAGE is a typically dark slice of South Korean corruption in which a crooked cop who uses some decidedly dodgy methods to make ends meet appears to be the straightest character. As usual for a Korean movie, there's a preoccupation with sinister politicians and corruption at the highest levels. The film is perhaps a little overlong given the straightforward storyline, but the cinematography is very good (as per usual for Korean cinema) and the performances enthusiastic. There are plenty of tonal shifts too, with the overriding theme being of darkness and psychological disturbance, but with brief comedy and even some action added to the mix.