“Harbin” Film Review: Exploring Korean Spy Thriller Set in 1909 during Japanese Occupation

by Tom January 3, 2025

Set in 1909 during the Japanese occupation of Korea, “Harbin” follows a group of Korean freedom fighters as they plot to assassinate Japan’s first prime minister. Though the movie attempts to explore the rich emotions and motivations of its characters, it falls flat in its execution. Numerous scenes are dragged out and lacking in depth, leaving viewers disconnected from the characters. The slow pacing and lack of impactful moments make it difficult to fully engage with the film. Ultimately, “Harbin” fails to deliver a compelling narrative in its exploration of this turbulent historical period.

“Harbin” Film Review: Exploring Korean Spy Thriller Set in 1909 during Japanese Occupation

– “Harbin” is a Korean spy thriller that focuses on the actions of sullen Korean freedom fighters and their plan to assassinate Japan’s first prime minister.
– The film’s style and presentation highlight the distinction between the brooding protagonists and their cruel Japanese counterparts, portraying the bad guys as merciless butchers.
– The movie suffers from a visually flat and poorly-paced narrative, with characters lacking depth and emotion, resulting in a underwhelming execution.

“Harbin” is a Korean spy thriller that attempts to engage viewers with a philosophy of action, but ultimately falls short in execution. The film revolves around a group of Korean freedom fighters who plan to assassinate Japan’s first prime minister, Itō Hirobumi, amidst their struggle for independence. However, the movie’s style and presentation create a simplistic distinction between the brooding Korean protagonists and their cruel Japanese counterparts. While the cinematography is visually appealing, it fails to compensate for the lack of depth in the characters and their motivations.

Set in 1909, the story follows the Korean Independence Army after a devastating defeat from the Japanese. The group’s plan is to attack Itō during his railway passage to Harbin in China, then controlled by the Russians. Along the way, they face obstacles such as a Japanese mole in their midst and frequent encounters with Commander Mori Tatsuo, who seeks to regain his lost honor. Secondary characters like Miss Gong and Kim Sang-hyun add some variety to the plot, but the emotional temperature of the scenes remains stagnant, hindered by excessive dead air, pregnant pauses, and expository outbursts.

The film’s length is not the main issue; rather, its lack of focus and snappiness detracts from the potential impact. The prolonged, murky takes make the characters appear two-dimensional, and their dialogue lacks depth. The constant emphasis on thinking about their fellow comrades becomes repetitive and loses its effectiveness. The filmmakers’ intention to create a sense of sullen, traumatized guerrillas is overshadowed by unproductive storytelling choices.

It is challenging to identify the target audience for “Harbin.” The deliberately slow pacing and lackluster execution may appeal to self-styled nationalists or dedicated fans of the cast. However, for most viewers, the film fails to bridge the gap between its artistic intentions and the underwhelming final product. Even the infrequent action scenes suffer from dull build-up, failing to evoke any genuine excitement or emotional investment.

In terms of historical accuracy, the film concludes with a coda that highlights the violence and oppression of the Japanese occupation. However, it fails to establish why this particular period is more significant than the subsequent bloody fallout. The lack of meaningful exploration of the historical context further hampers the overall impact of the story.

Overall, “Harbin” falls short of its potential and struggles to captivate viewers. Despite its visually appealing cinematography, the lack of depth in the characters, slow pacing, and unproductive storytelling choices hinder the film’s effectiveness. While it may cater to a specific niche audience, the majority of viewers will likely find the execution underwhelming.

Rating: 2.5/5 stars