• Latest
  • Trending
A Man of Reason Review

A Man of Reason Review: Visually Stunning But Dramatically Hollow

Criminal Code Season 2 Review

Criminal Code Season 2 Review: No Clean Hands on the Border

Predator Killer of Killers Review

Predator: Killer of Killers Review: Three Portraits of Prey

Lilo & Stitch Review

U.K. Cinemas Hit Post-Pandemic High on Disney and Paramount Launches

9 hours ago
bbc Have I Got News For You

BBC Satire Show Fast-Tracks Trump–Musk Feud Into Season Finale

9 hours ago
Dogma

Dogma Returns: Kevin Smith Secures Rights, Launches 2,000-Screen Re-Release

9 hours ago
Don't Breathe 3

Stephen Lang Sets Terms for Don’t Breathe 3

9 hours ago
Jim Jarmusch

Jarmusch’s Father Mother Sister Brother Secures Venice Competition Slot

9 hours ago
From the World of John Wick Ballerina Review

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina Review: A Savage New Dancer Takes the Stage

Ridley Scott

Ridley Scott Bows Out as Director While Alien Universe Accelerates

20 hours ago
Dakota Johnson

Madame Web Fallout: Dakota Johnson Blames “Committee” for Marvel Misfire

20 hours ago
Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise Earns Guinness Record With Flaming Parachute Jumps for “Final Reckoning”

21 hours ago
Shari Redstone

Shari Redstone’s Cancer Battle Unfolds as Paramount Deal Talks Intensify

21 hours ago
  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Gazettely Review Guidelines
Friday, June 6, 2025
GAZETTELY
  • Home
  • Movie and TV News
    Lilo & Stitch Review

    U.K. Cinemas Hit Post-Pandemic High on Disney and Paramount Launches

    bbc Have I Got News For You

    BBC Satire Show Fast-Tracks Trump–Musk Feud Into Season Finale

    Dogma

    Dogma Returns: Kevin Smith Secures Rights, Launches 2,000-Screen Re-Release

    Don't Breathe 3

    Stephen Lang Sets Terms for Don’t Breathe 3

    Jim Jarmusch

    Jarmusch’s Father Mother Sister Brother Secures Venice Competition Slot

    Ridley Scott

    Ridley Scott Bows Out as Director While Alien Universe Accelerates

    Dakota Johnson

    Madame Web Fallout: Dakota Johnson Blames “Committee” for Marvel Misfire

    Tom Cruise

    Tom Cruise Earns Guinness Record With Flaming Parachute Jumps for “Final Reckoning”

    Shari Redstone

    Shari Redstone’s Cancer Battle Unfolds as Paramount Deal Talks Intensify

  • Movie and TV Reviews
    Criminal Code Season 2 Review

    Criminal Code Season 2 Review: No Clean Hands on the Border

    Predator Killer of Killers Review

    Predator: Killer of Killers Review: Three Portraits of Prey

    From the World of John Wick Ballerina Review

    From the World of John Wick: Ballerina Review: A Savage New Dancer Takes the Stage

    The Correspondent Review

    The Correspondent Review: Richard Roxburgh’s Tour de Force

    Bogieville Review

    Bogieville Review: Low-Budget Ingenuity and Flawed Execution

    Coastal Review

    Coastal Review: Intimate Performances, Tepid Momentum

    The Dark Money Game

    The Dark Money Game Review: How Secret Funds Warped Democracy

    Call of the Void Review

    Call of the Void Review: Atmospheric Chills and Lingering Questions

    Dovey's Promise Review

    Dovey’s Promise Review: One Woman’s Stand Against Injustice

  • Game Reviews
    Without a Dawn Review

    Without a Dawn Review: Introspection in a Cabin of Shadows

    Aureole – Wings of Hope Review

    Aureole – Wings of Hope Review: Precision Platforming with a Divine Twist

    Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Brushes with Death Review

    Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Brushes with Death Review: A Painter’s Tale in Bohemia

    Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo Review

    Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo Review: Guiding Spirits with Style and Sincerity

    Blacksmith Master Review

    Blacksmith Master Review: The Satisfying Grind of Metal and Management

    Labyrinth Of The Demon King Review

    Labyrinth Of The Demon King Review: Unforgiving, Unforgettable Horror

    Cubic Odyssey Review

    Cubic Odyssey Review: An Ambitious Architect’s Space Dream

    Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Review

    Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Review: A Song of Systems and Sorrows

    To a T Review

    To a T Review: Finding Perfection in an Imperfect Shape

  • The Bests
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Movie and TV News
    Lilo & Stitch Review

    U.K. Cinemas Hit Post-Pandemic High on Disney and Paramount Launches

    bbc Have I Got News For You

    BBC Satire Show Fast-Tracks Trump–Musk Feud Into Season Finale

    Dogma

    Dogma Returns: Kevin Smith Secures Rights, Launches 2,000-Screen Re-Release

    Don't Breathe 3

    Stephen Lang Sets Terms for Don’t Breathe 3

    Jim Jarmusch

    Jarmusch’s Father Mother Sister Brother Secures Venice Competition Slot

    Ridley Scott

    Ridley Scott Bows Out as Director While Alien Universe Accelerates

    Dakota Johnson

    Madame Web Fallout: Dakota Johnson Blames “Committee” for Marvel Misfire

    Tom Cruise

    Tom Cruise Earns Guinness Record With Flaming Parachute Jumps for “Final Reckoning”

    Shari Redstone

    Shari Redstone’s Cancer Battle Unfolds as Paramount Deal Talks Intensify

  • Movie and TV Reviews
    Criminal Code Season 2 Review

    Criminal Code Season 2 Review: No Clean Hands on the Border

    Predator Killer of Killers Review

    Predator: Killer of Killers Review: Three Portraits of Prey

    From the World of John Wick Ballerina Review

    From the World of John Wick: Ballerina Review: A Savage New Dancer Takes the Stage

    The Correspondent Review

    The Correspondent Review: Richard Roxburgh’s Tour de Force

    Bogieville Review

    Bogieville Review: Low-Budget Ingenuity and Flawed Execution

    Coastal Review

    Coastal Review: Intimate Performances, Tepid Momentum

    The Dark Money Game

    The Dark Money Game Review: How Secret Funds Warped Democracy

    Call of the Void Review

    Call of the Void Review: Atmospheric Chills and Lingering Questions

    Dovey's Promise Review

    Dovey’s Promise Review: One Woman’s Stand Against Injustice

  • Game Reviews
    Without a Dawn Review

    Without a Dawn Review: Introspection in a Cabin of Shadows

    Aureole – Wings of Hope Review

    Aureole – Wings of Hope Review: Precision Platforming with a Divine Twist

    Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Brushes with Death Review

    Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Brushes with Death Review: A Painter’s Tale in Bohemia

    Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo Review

    Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo Review: Guiding Spirits with Style and Sincerity

    Blacksmith Master Review

    Blacksmith Master Review: The Satisfying Grind of Metal and Management

    Labyrinth Of The Demon King Review

    Labyrinth Of The Demon King Review: Unforgiving, Unforgettable Horror

    Cubic Odyssey Review

    Cubic Odyssey Review: An Ambitious Architect’s Space Dream

    Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Review

    Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Review: A Song of Systems and Sorrows

    To a T Review

    To a T Review: Finding Perfection in an Imperfect Shape

  • The Bests
No Result
View All Result
GAZETTELY
No Result
View All Result
A Man of Reason Review

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail Review - A Vibrant New Realm to Discover

John Singer Sargent: Fashion & Swagger Review - Reimagining a Misunderstood Master

Home Entertainment Movies

A Man of Reason Review: Visually Stunning But Dramatically Hollow

More Style than Storytelling

Shahrbanoo Golmohamadi by Shahrbanoo Golmohamadi
11 months ago
in Entertainment, Movies, Reviews
Reading Time: 7 mins read
A A
0
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on PinterestShare on WhatsAppShare on Telegram

After a decade in prison, Su-hyuk wants nothing more than a simple life. As one of Korea’s most feared assassins, he put many enemies to the ground. But now he learns he has a young daughter, and discovering this news changes everything. All Su-hyuk wants is to care for his child, make up for lost time with his former love, and leave his past behind.

This isn’t a quest that will be easy, as Su-hyuk soon finds out. His old boss, now known as the Chairman, still runs the criminal operation with an iron fist. The chairman sees Su-hyuk as one of his most valuable assets and refuses to let him walk away so easily. He sends two unhinged killers, Woo-jin and his girlfriend Jin-A, to ensure Su-hyuk has no choice but to return to the life of violence he’s tried to escape.

Standing in their way is director Jung Woo-sung, the man behind the camera who also plays Su-hyuk. As one of Korea’s top action stars, Jung knows how to handle the genre. He aims to deliver a thrill ride with high-octane crashes and fights. Yet the story also wants to show a man trying to reform and find redemption through family. Can Jung balance these elements into an entertaining package? Or will the film struggle under the weight of its ambitions?

Only by witnessing Su-hyuk’s battles on screen can we judge if A Man of Reason hits its mark. While the plot seems ripe for explosive set pieces, crafting a protagonist we can care about offers a tougher test. If Jung succeeds in marrying these aspects together, we may have an action flick worth remembering in our hands. But to find out, we’ll have to see how hard Su-hyuk fights to claim his shot at peace.

Breaking Free of the Past

Su-hyuk has known only a life of violence. For years, he was one of the chairman’s top enforcers, eliminating anyone who stood in his boss’s way. All that earned Su-hyuk was a decade in prison. Yet when he emerges, this man of few words discovers he has a daughter he never knew. Finding out about her awakens something new: a longing to reform and provide In-Bi with the stability he never had.

But escaping one’s past is no easy task. The chairman still views Su-hyuk as his most valuable asset and is unwilling to grant him freedom. He sends Kang to ensure Su-hyuk has no choice but to return to the fold. Kang seethes with jealousy, seeing Su-hyuk as a threat to his own standing. In a twisted bid to eliminate this perceived rival, Kang hires two of the most unhinged individuals you’ll ever meet: Woo-jin and Jin-A.

This murderous duo defines instability. Woo-jin finds amusement in others’ suffering, his psychotic laughter chilling to the bone. Jin-A appears saner yet proves just as savage, using her brains and explosives expertise to aid in mayhem. Together, they gleefully torment anyone who crosses their path, and Su-hyuk soon finds himself squarely in their sights.

As for Su-hyuk, he remains an enigma. On one hand, he clearly longs for normalcy as a father. Yet underneath lies a ruthlessness that can’t be denied, awakened whenever his family is threatened. In many ways, he’s like the reformed criminals of countless films before him. But perhaps uniquely, we never learn what truly motivates this man or what he feels beneath his stoic surface.

The film strikes familiar beats of the “man wants out but is forced back in” genre. But where others inject complexity, A Man of Reason offers mostly archetypes. Its characters scream for deeper shading that may have made their climactic battles more impactful. As is, the viewer emerges less invested than one hopes in Su-hyuk’s desperate efforts to break free of the shadows of his past forever.

Steady Vision Amid the Mayhem

Jung Woo-sung proves himself a director with a steady vision behind the chaos. Throughout A Man of Reason’s many breathtaking set pieces, his skilled eye keeps audiences firmly fixed in the flow.

A Man of Reason Review

From the opening, it’s clear Jung understands the visual language of violence. With only a flashlight to reveal glimpses, the nightclub massacre captivates through suggestion. We catch pieces of the carnage, yet the swirling movements hold us rapt.

Beautiful cinematography enhances each brawl. Go Rak-sun frames shots with an artist’s diligence, always emphasizing form. Scenes flow like sequences from an action ballet. Within the lobby smash too, cameras glide as one with Su-hyuk, conveying each collision.

Production design also plays a part. Sets portray the dichotomy in Su-hyuk’s world: lavish modern surfaces covering criminal rot. The chairman’s high-rises impress, until he learns how his greed displaces communities. During the climactic vehicle chase, architecture becomes another tool in the mayhem.

Perhaps most astounding is how Jung paces the drama amid brutality. Lulls give weight to the carnage bookending. Major clashes arrive just when adrenaline risks fading. The nail-gun duel especially stands out with its rapid cuts and close angles, leaving viewers as exhausted participants.

While the characters could feel fuller, their portrayers’s talents kept eyes fixed on the screen. Jung ensures the visuals match the intensity promised. Whether illuminating subtle moments or explosive collisions, his steady directorial hand brings viewers into the film’s pulsating heart. A Man of Reason lives up to its name through Jung’s masterful vision behind the scenes.

Beyond the Action: A Man of Reason’s Quieter Themes

While the fights and crashes steal the spotlight, A Man of Reason subtly explores weightier themes. Jung Woo-sung’s directorial debut delves into ideals of masculinity, rehabilitation, and the criminal underground’s shifting face.

Su-hyuk’s journey questions how violence defines manhood. As an enforcer, I might command respect. Yet fatherhood inspires change; through love, he moves past brutality. His struggle shows reformation is possible, even for those steeped in darkness.

The film also ponders society’s role in reform. Despite years away, the Chairman and Kang see only Su-hyuk’s killer past. Reintegration faces opposition; peace demands proving oneself again daily. Their refusal highlights the hurdles facing real-world ex-convicts, who often face little choice but crime due to closed doors.

Some read too deeply into analogues, but the real estate plot hints at commentary. As gangs conduct “business” through legitimate fronts, crime metastasizes, hidden yet still toxic. The chairman symbolizes how criminality infects wider systems through money and influence. As development displaces the vulnerable, his wealth shields true nature.

These ideas enrich A Man of Reason beyond chase scenes. But the film could have probed them further, developing characters as mouthpieces. Still, Jung shows thoughtful eyes and gazes beyond fists and engines towards the thornier issues his native Korea undoubtedly faces. Observant viewers will find quiet food for thought.

Bringing the Players to Life

The performances in A Man of Reason prove key to elevating its gritty criminal thriller plot. Jung Woo-sung commands attention as the stoic but deadly Su-hyuk. Built like an action star, he moves with the coiled grace of an assassin, letting his fighting do the talking. Yet fleeting expressions hint at the former killer’s desire for normalcy.

A Man of Reason Review

An even greater strength comes from the villains. Kim Nam-gil strikes true fear as the unhinged Woo-jin. Like a deranged child, he toys with victims, oozing menace. His bond with Park Yoo-na’s Jin-A adds an emotional layer, showing evil’s roots in codependency. Calm yet twisted, she proves the more dangerous half.

Another standout comes from an unexpectedly faraway place: young Ryu Jian. As Su-hyuk’s daughter, In-bi, she brings suspenseful kidnapping scenes rich emotional depth with her captivating performance. Though imperiled, her mix of fear, longing, and hope resonates long after the final shots echo.

Together, this talented ensemble breathes life into stock characters. Jung commands respect through stoic resolve. But the true chills come from villains hinting at darkness within us all and a child reminding us of innocence in a brutal world. Their portrayals elevate an otherwise generic plot, leaving us thinking about these players long after credits roll.

Hands of a Master, Mind of an Apprentice

Jung Woo-sung puts his skills on full display with A Man of Reason’s technical achievements. Cinematography draws you in with lush dystopian landscapes and moody lighting. Action scenes truly pop, from knife fights in darkness to nail-gun mayhem. Stunt work feels fearless yet fluid, and suspense is always teetering. The choreography makes each brawl a ballet of brutality.

A Man of Reason Review

Yet intricate craftsmanship proves greater than the sum of its parts. Brushstrokes of genius only highlight the weaknesses holding this piece back. Character scripting stays surface-level, giving stars little room to shine beyond archetypes. The story progresses as expected, lacking surprises to grip until the climax.

Pacing stumbles where drama drags. Still, moments feel lifeless rather than meaningful. Overlong lulls dissipate tension, so impacts land limp. Had editing maintained momentum, this may have been memorable.

Ultimately, technical polish outmatches narrative substance. Visual mastery cannot carry thin writing and predictable beats. Jung’s directorial skill deserves praise. But without depth and nuance, even the finest details fail to elevate material beyond forgettable.

a promising start, yet room remains to hone the whole-work vision matching handcrafted scenes. With stronger scripts and tighter pacing, future films could truly thrill. For now, fans enjoy artistry while hoping Jung’s mind matches the mastery of his hands in later outings.

Flash Without Substance

So after all the mayhem subsides, does A Man of Reason deliver? Its technical wizardry impressed, but the storytelling fell short. Jung gifts gorgeous scenes that stole breath, yet paper-thin characters left viewers cold. Potential sizzle popped when the plot simmered too long instead of simmering tension.

A Man of Reason Review

These flaws weighed heavily. Style alone couldn’t mask the lack of depth below the surface. Meaningful relationships or motives never emerged to care for. The plot plodded predictably where surprises could have sparked interest. Overall entertainment value suffered for misfires elsewhere.

Yet not all hope remains lost. Jung debuts amid the difficulties many debutants face. Clear directing talent shone through, even if scripts stalled. With experience, perhaps he learns to balance brilliance above with substance below. Strong vision just needed substance to stick the landing.

For action fans seeking a solely flash-over feeling, Reason delivered its share of kicks. But those wanting a journey beyond pretty pictures walked away undernourished. With future efforts, I hope Jung’s whole package matches his patently cinematic eye. Potential in panache deserves a proper platform to fully perform. If he gains that, future films could ignite.

For this first at-bat, there are flashes of greatness, but not enough fuel to sustain interest until the end credits. Jung shows signs of mastery, though he is still an apprentice in other areas. When those develop, he may strike gold.

The Review

A Man of Reason

6 Score

Jung Woo-sung's A Man of Reason proves a mixed bag. Stylish action sequences and compelling villains keep viewers engaged at times. However, the film falters in developing its characters and pacing dramatic tension effectively. While technical prowess impresses visually, the shallow storytelling and pacing issues undermine the overall impact.

PROS

  • Stylish action sequences and fight choreography
  • Compelling villains with colorful performances
  • Visual flair from cinematography and production values
  • Jung Woo-sung's screen presence and fight skills

CONS

  • Predictable and formulaic plots
  • Shallow character development
  • Pacing issues with some slow, dramatic scenes
  • Lacks emotional depth or meaningful character arcs

Review Breakdown

  • Overall 0
Tags: A Man of ReasonActionDramaFeaturedJung Hae-sinJung Woo-sungKim Jun-hanKim Nam-gilPark Yoo-naThriller
Previous Post

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail Review – A Vibrant New Realm to Discover

Next Post

John Singer Sargent: Fashion & Swagger Review – Reimagining a Misunderstood Master

Try AI Movie Recommender

Gazettely AI Movie Recommender

This Week's Top Reads

  • Mountainhead Review

    Mountainhead Review: Deepfakes and Deep Trouble

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Boglands Review: Shadows and Whispers in the Irish Mist

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Stick Season 1 Review: Owen Wilson Drives a Heartfelt, Flawed Dramedy

    2 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Mad Unicorn Review: Ambition and Its Echoes in the Global Stream

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Black Forest Murders Review: Beyond Spectacle, Into the Grim Expanse

    2 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Death Valley Review: A Witty Welsh Wander into Cosy Crime

    2 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • MobLand Season 1 Review: Family Ties and Underworld Intrigues

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Must Read Articles

Predator Killer of Killers Review
Entertainment

Predator: Killer of Killers Review: Three Portraits of Prey

8 hours ago
From the World of John Wick Ballerina Review
Entertainment

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina Review: A Savage New Dancer Takes the Stage

20 hours ago
Bullet Train Explosion Review
Movies

Bullet Train Explosion Review: Bureaucracy, Bombs, and the Weight of Duty

4 days ago
Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Review
Reviews Games

Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Review: A Song of Systems and Sorrows

6 days ago
Stick Season 1 Review
TV Shows

Stick Season 1 Review: Owen Wilson Drives a Heartfelt, Flawed Dramedy

6 days ago
Loading poll ...
Coming Soon
Who is the best director in the horror thriller genre?

Gazettely is your go-to destination for all things gaming, movies, and TV. With fresh reviews, trending articles, and editor picks, we help you stay informed and entertained.

© 2021-2024 All Rights Reserved for Gazettely

What’s Inside

  • Movie & TV Reviews
  • Game Reviews
  • Featured Articles
  • Latest News
  • Editorial Picks

Quick Links

  • Home
  • About US
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise with Us
  • Review Guidelines

Follow Us

Facebook X-twitter Youtube Instagram
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Movies
  • Entertainment News
  • Movie and TV Reviews
  • TV Shows
  • Game News
  • Game Reviews
  • Contact Us

© 2024 All Rights Reserved for Gazettely

Go to mobile version