Cast
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Hyun Bin
as Ahn Jung-geun
Park Jeong-min
as Woo Duk-soon
Jo Woo-jin
as Kim Sang-hyun
Jeon Yeo-been
as Ms. Gong
Lee Dong-wook
as Lee Chang-sup
Park Hoon
as Mori Tatsuo
Yoo Jae-myung
as Choi Jae-hyung
Lily Franky
as Itō Hirobumi
Jung Woo-sung
as Park Jum-chool
Kim Zio
as Ohtani
Lee Tae-hyeong
as Cho Do-sun
Ahn Se-ho
as Lee Kang
Yun Yeo-won
as Shin Jae-shik
Yoon Sang-ho
as Kawakami Toshihiko
Pak Ton-ha
as Yamada
Crew
Director
- Woo Min-ho
Writer
- Kim Kyung-chan
- Woo Min-ho
Producer
- Kim Jin-woo
- Lee Yong-su
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Thriller/History/War film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Harbin distinguishes itself through its exceptional pacing and meaningful stakes for its protagonists.
Director Woo Min-ho brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2024, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Harbin took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 108 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 132 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 52 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2024, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Harbin shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Sommersby, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Harbin offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Queen and The Good Shepherd explore similar territory, Harbin stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 24, 2024
- Runtime: 1h 48m
- Revenue: $31,399,844
Where to Watch
