Kim Sun-woo works as a hotel manager, he is also a fiercely loyal enforcer for Mr Kang, a powerful crime boss. When Kang goes to Shanghai he tells Sun-woo that he suspects his girlfriend is involved with another man; Sun-woo is to find out if she is and if so 'deal with her'. Sun-woo discovers that she is indeed having an affair but rather than killing her he shows mercy; When Kang finds out he is livid. Sun-woo has also annoyed Baek Dae-sik, another crime boss. The latter's men beat Sun-woo and bundle him into a van; he is surprised when they hand him over to Kang's men. They further torture him with every intention of killing him. He manages to get away though and sets about preparing to hunt down those who want him dead… things are going to get bloody.If you enjoy revenge thrillers then you should love this; the action is intense and fairly brutal. Don't expect beautifully choreographed martial arts; the fights are intense and look real… even if Sun-woo seems to take unbelievable damage and sill carry on. He is beaten, buried alive, shot and stabbed and still keeps heading towards Kang. Given how brutal it is at times it is a little surprising that there were also a few really funny moments; mostly when he is trying to buy guns off a group of arms dealers. Lee Byung-hun, who plays Sun-woo, is rarely off screen and does a fantastic job making us believe in and sympathise with the character. The rest of the cast are pretty impressive too. Director Kim Jee-woon does a great job creating a brilliant atmosphere and making a very stylish film. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of the genre.These comments are based on watching the film in Korean with English subtitles.

Movie: A Bittersweet Life (18)Rating: 4/5I've previously said this: Kim Jee-Woon is my favourite South Korean director and Lee Byung-hun, my favourite South Korean actor. Thus seeing their combo once again after the mindblowing action thriller I SAW THE DEVIL, I was excited to see this movie. And I was highly impressed with this standard of filmmaking. Not every director manages to achieve what Kim has, through this film.A BITTERSWEET LIFE is an example of cinematic excellence which is beyond imagination. The film's quite entertaining, of course but it touches a chord down there in your heart: eventually making you feel for the lead character. Lee Byung-hun plays it very well like he does in most of his films. He's a master actor and this needs to be said again and again as everyone knows.Director Kim's direction deserves a special mention as without his powerful, imaginative and creative vision, the film won't have achieved what it did. From the screenplay to editing to action to dialogues to performances: there's nothing that will disappoint you actually. The action sequences are mindblowing and have the "classic" tag all over them. You'll love to play them on loop, and I'm not joking. Seriously. The film's dialogues too are a major strength and there are many you'll remember forever. A BITTERSWEET LIFE is indeed a masterpiece and Kim's gift to the entire world. Watch it, you'll love this action drama for sure. Make sure to catch it on a Blu-ray.

Kim Jee-woon is a brilliant director and i remember him as the one who made one of my all time favorite horror film 'A Tale of Two Sisters'. I keep looking forward to his new work. A Bittersweet Life was not any disappointment at all, although it was not as intelligent work as the one I mentioned above.As far as story is concerned, there is nothing much into it. A sophisticated gangster is given a task by his boss to check on his girlfriend and kill her if she is having an affair. But our guy fails to do so because he develops soft corner for the girl. Boss does not like this and suddenly everyone turns against him. From there and on wards it's pretty much action only. But very good action indeed.Although movie feels weak at points where the main character, who is shown to be very sharp and master of martial arts, under estimates the situation and opponents. The purpose seem to create complex situation and show blood. Also at point, emotional fragility would sound infused. Why did the boss let his girlfriend go alive which he wanted to kill. I was expecting movie around her protection. The most interesting scene is where he learns to assemble the gun and then there is a race who assembles first for life.Apart from story, everything is perfect and to the spot. Byung-hun Lee is exceptional in his role. He totally carries out the character with depth. A well made movie which could have been bitter.

(78%) Kim Ji-woon's super cool crime thriller is one of style, delicate beauty, combined with touches of harsh violence. The plot overall is a pulpy gangster staple, yet it's still very well told as every single scene actually is and feels important, and for something as polished and slickly flash there's very little excess fat or filler anywhere to be seen. Byung- hun Lee fits the role of a wronged icy cool, take-no-nonsense, manager of a gangster run restaurant like a glove; while the sweet romantic touches are brilliantly incorporated in this hard-edged tale of blood and revenge. The pacing during the first half is a touch too limp, but once it gets going this is hugely involving, entertaining, and satisfying watch.