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Carter

Carter (2022)

Aug 05, 2022 2h 12m Action Thriller Crime

Carter, who awakens two months into a deadly pandemic originating from the DMZ that has already devastated US and North Korea. He who has no recollections of his past finds a mysterious device in his head, and a lethal bomb in his mouth. A voice in his ears gives him orders to avoid getting killed and he's thrown into a mysterious operation while the CIA and North Korean coup chase him close.

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Directed by Jung Byung-gil

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Jung Byung-gil
Producer
  • Park Yun-ho

Reviews

jw
4/10

Carter (or rather: Kato)

tries to present itself as a one-shot-film, but it is not quite the Korean Hardcore Henry. There is little effort hiding the supposedly invisible cuts, of which there are *many*. The ever-flying shaky camera drone is busy, as are the very dedicated stunt people, and the soros of CGI.

The plot is... and illogical mix of something even C-grade video games wouldn't dare to use; the upside of which is that it is unpredictable.
Three secret agencies, an coup, implanted devices, fast Zombies, save-the-daughter, some Total Recall, Indiana Jones, and Blood Red Sky, with a hint of Extraction and James Bond.

Bullet-proof pigs I'm OK with, infinite ammo magazines we all know - but flea-like zombies, the free fall fight, and the CGI fires are hilarious. Or bad, depending on your expectations.

Apply *plenty* Suspension of Disbelief to be entertained.


Warning, not suitable for fragile Americans: Aside from lots of gory violence, there's also brief frontal nudity, and we know you're easily scared by asian genitalia.

Aug 6, 2022

Jesse Midnitekrawlr
8/10

Gratuitous hyper violence eye candy!

Aug 7, 2022

MovieGuys
4/10

For me, Carter feels like a Hardcore Henry re-mix, with a Korean flavour.

This is run and gun, beat em, cut em up, style of film, with a video game vibe. It worked with Hardcore Henry but somehow this one just doesn't quite pull it off.

I think part of the reason for that is unlike Hardcore Henry, its not quite as well paced or polished. Its back story is a bit thin too, not really adding much to the proposition. The result feels somewhat aimless and a little bland.

In short, moderately watchable but fizzles when it needs to burn.

Aug 14, 2022

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Thematic Analysis

This high-octane Action/Thriller/Crime film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Carter distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.

Director Jung Byung-gil 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 2022, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Carter took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 132 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 173 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The costume department created over 370 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 2022, when this film is released:
  • The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
  • Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Carter shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Night in Paradise, which focuses more on action than character development, Carter offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like The Middle Men and Oldboy explore similar territory, Carter stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: August 5, 2022
  • Runtime: 2h 12m

Where to Watch

Netflix
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