Jung_E - Netflix Movie Review

Yeon Sang-ho, the visionary director behind the smash hit “Train to Busan,” has returned with “Jung_E,” a science fiction action flick with deep philosophical underpinnings about what it means to be human.

Set in 2194, after Earth has become uninhabitable, the remaining factions of humanity reside in man-made shelters, divided by a war that was once led by an incredible soldier named Yun Jung-yi (Kim Hyun-joo).

The story follows a team of experts attempting to turn Jung-yi’s expertise into a killing machine named Jung_E by downloading her consciousness into A.I. However, they keep failing in their efforts as they try to recreate the day that Yun died in combat.

The film raises some interesting ethical ideas, including how economic inequity comes into play in this vision of the future even after death.

The opening action sequence of “Jung_E” is a testament to Yeon’s genre chops, but much of the movie is consumed by repeated conversations between the two leads, Sang-Hoon and Seohyun.

Sang-Hoon, played by the entertaining Ryu Kyung-soo of "Hellbound," sees the project in more clinical terms, while Seohyun, who happens to be Yun's daughter, has a more personal connection to the project. However, the film lacks the emotional and philosophical heft a film like this needs, leaving it feeling bloated and overlong.

While the action sequences are well-executed, there are too few of them, and they are spread out throughout the movie, making the film feel more like the start of a movie or the first episode of a TV show rather than a satisfying project on its own terms.

Despite its flaws, “Jung_E” sets up a vision of the future that could support richer and more ambitious storytelling in a sequel. The film hints at potential avenues to explore, such as zombies or other threats that could add more complexity to the story.

In a way, this film is Yeon Sang-ho’s attempt at “The Terminator,” “Blade Runner,” and other sci-fi action flicks with deep philosophical underpinnings. The director has not lost his skill with set-pieces, but he needs to find a way to embed his themes in an interesting story rather than just discussing them.

It is clear that Yeon Sang-ho is a talented director with a clear vision of what he wants to achieve, and while “Jung_E” is not perfect, it is still worth watching for the action sequences and the ethical ideas it raises.

In the end, the film may not be as memorable as “Train to Busan,” but it does provide a glimpse of what the director is capable of, and what we can expect from him in the future. The movie is available now on Netflix, and it is worth checking out for fans of science fiction and action films.

Despite its flaws, "Jung_E" is a visually stunning and thought-provoking film that takes the audience on a journey through the possibilities of artificial intelligence and the essence of humanity.

The film explores themes such as consciousness, morality, and identity, and raises questions about the future of technology and the impact it could have on society.

The film's opening sequence is a jaw-dropping display of Yeon Sang-ho's masterful direction and ability to deliver a thrilling action scene. Set in a dystopian future, the film's world-building is impressive, depicting a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction and has resorted to building artificial shelters to house the remaining population.

The action scenes are well-executed, showcasing Yeon's skill in creating pulse-pounding set-pieces that leave the audience on the edge of their seat.

The film's central plot revolves around a team of experts who are attempting to create an artificial intelligence weapon by downloading the consciousness of a skilled soldier named Yun Jung-yi into a machine.

The team hopes that by mapping Yun's brain and getting past the moment of her death, they can create an unstoppable weapon to turn the tide of the war. The film raises some interesting ethical questions about the use of technology in warfare, and the morality of creating such a weapon.

The film's strongest point is its exploration of the nature of consciousness and the question of what it means to be human. The film delves into the idea of transferring one's consciousness into an artificial body and the ethical implications that come with it.

The character of Seohyun, who has a personal connection to the project, provides an emotional anchor for the film, and her relationship with her comatose mother adds a layer of depth to the film's exploration of identity.

However, the film's major weakness is its middle section, which is overlong and talky. The film's pacing suffers as a result, and the dialogue-heavy scenes take away from the film's potential to be a non-stop action ride.

While the philosophical discussions are interesting, they tend to drag on, and the lack of action during this section may turn off some viewers who were drawn in by the opening sequence.

Despite its flaws, "Jung_E" is an impressive film that showcases Yeon Sang-ho's skills as a filmmaker. The film's stunning visuals, thought-provoking themes, and impressive action sequences make it a worthwhile watch for sci-fi fans.

The film may not be perfect, but it sets up a fascinating world and leaves room for a potential sequel that could explore the themes and ideas introduced in more depth.

In conclusion, "Jung_E" is a unique and ambitious film that is well worth watching for fans of science fiction and action. While it may not live up to the high bar set by "Train to Busan," it is an impressive and visually stunning film that is sure to leave an impression on those who watch it.

Yeon Sang-ho's exploration of the nature of consciousness and the implications of artificial intelligence make "Jung_E" a thought-provoking and relevant film that is well worth checking out on Netflix.