Carter - A Movie Review

Netflix has been introducing changes to its platform over the past year and a half, much to the chagrin of its audience. While the inclusion of advertisements has not been well-received, the platform has been gradually increasing its international television and movies, particularly Korean dramas and movies. Recent additions such as Money Heist: Korea, All Of Us Are Dead, and Squid Game have all been well-received, generating significant buzz for Korean entertainment. Netflix's global content holds a lot of potential and promise for the future, and August 2022's lineup includes Carter, Jung Byung-il's newest film.

Jung Byung-il gained international recognition with his 2017 film The Villainess, which starred Kim Ok-bin and Shin Ha-kyun and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The film's camerawork and action sequences were lauded, and it is currently being adapted for a television series on Amazon. Carter, which is being distributed by Netflix, seeks to replicate The Villainess's success while taking the violence and storyline to the next level. Running for one hundred and thirty-two minutes, Carter is a wild, illogical ride from start to finish.

Joo Won, known for his roles in King of Baking, Kim Takgu, Good Doctor, and My Sassy Girl, plays the titular role of Carter. Veteran actor Lee Sung-jae (Abyss, Barking Dogs Never Bite) portrays Kim Jong-hyun, while Jung Jae-young, famous for his roles in Hong Sang-soo movies, makes a cameo as Dr. Jung Byung-ho. The movie doesn't require many stars since the action and scenes mainly focus on Joo Won's character. Each actor does an excellent job in their role, compensating for the movie's shortcomings.

The exposition in Carter comes quickly, as a group of English-speaking foreigners in South Korea sit on a bus, and an English-speaking news reporter in the background reports that an infectious virus emerging from the Korean DMZ is rapidly turning people into monsters. American soldiers returning home from deployment in Korea are the source of the outbreak in North America, but this is not a movie about the United States. As the camera shifts away from the people on the bus and into an abandoned area, another Korean television report informs the audience that a doctor who cured his daughter of the virus has gone missing. This event leads to heightened tensions between North and South Korea, two countries that had just agreed to peace agreements in the same year.

The prime suspect is Carter, who is found at the scene where the doctor was last seen. His bed and floor are coated in blood, and the people on the bus storm in and demand to know why he kidnapped the doctor. Unable to remember anything, he is forced to answer a ringing phone, which violently explodes. Carter then begins hearing the woman's voice from the other end of his head, who gives him instructions on what to do and where to go, lest he dies from a bomb implanted in his mouth. Along the way, he discovers that he worked for North Korea, his wife died of the virus, and now he needs to help North Korea get the treatments ready for the disease before it's too late. The impact of the virus, which makes infected persons violent and zombie-like, is largely seen through secondhand sources throughout the film.

At the same time, the CIA is chasing Carter and trying to eliminate him from the equation. He rescues Ha-na, the daughter of the missing Korean doctor, who is the secret behind the cure as she appears to have immunity after being cured. The movie does not go into detail about why exactly this is the case but establishes an urgency as to why she needs to get to North Korea immediately. The movie makes some significant political statements, with the Americans his way through them, with blood spraying everywhere. The camera work is fast-paced and jarring, capturing the chaotic nature of the scene perfectly.

Overall, Carter is a movie that will appeal to fans of action and violence. Joo Won delivers a solid performance as the lead character, and the supporting cast does an excellent job as well. The film is fast-paced and action-packed, with intense fight scenes that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. However, the plot can be confusing at times, with several threads left unexplored by the end. Still, the movie is a worthy addition to Jung Byung-il's filmography and is sure to satisfy fans of the genre.

In conclusion, Netflix's increasing focus on international content has been a boon for fans of Korean movies and television shows. Carter, distributed by Netflix, is a prime example of this trend, featuring a talented cast and intense action scenes. While the plot may be confusing at times, the movie is a must-watch for fans of action and violence. With Netflix continuing to expand its global content, the future looks bright for fans of Korean entertainment.

As Carter progresses, the action sequences become more and more over the top. One standout scene involves Carter fighting a group of men on motorcycles while he is on foot, jumping from car to car as he dodges gunfire. This sequence is reminiscent of other high-octane action films like the Fast and Furious franchise, but it still feels fresh thanks to Jung's distinct style.

Overall, Carter is an entertaining film that will satisfy action movie fans. However, it falls short in terms of storytelling, with its many threads feeling disjointed and underdeveloped. The movie attempts to make political statements but ultimately fails to say anything significant. Despite its flaws, Carter is a testament to Jung Byung-il's skill as an action director and to Joo Won's talent as an actor. It will be interesting to see what Jung and Joo will do next, and how they will continue to push the boundaries of action filmmaking.

Indeed, the success of Carter is largely due to the creative vision of Jung Byung-il and the impressive performance of Joo Won. Their collaboration has resulted in a visually stunning and thrilling action movie that showcases their talents. While the plot may not be the film's strong suit, the action sequences more than make up for it, delivering a high-energy and intense viewing experience.

As for what's next for Jung and Joo, fans can expect more innovative and exciting action movies from this talented duo. With their impressive track record, they are sure to continue pushing the boundaries of action filmmaking and entertaining audiences with their unique style.