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‘Harbin’ Review: A Gorgeous Historical Thriller About Korea’s Fight for Independence
Woo Min-ho's straightforward freedom-fighter biopic 'Harbin' takes visually alluring form.
A visually striking period drama from Woo Min-ho, “ Harbin ” follows Korean independence activist Ahn Jung-geun ( Hyun Bin) as he plans the assassination of Japan’s Prime Minister in 1909, shortly after Korea’s annexation. However, as the burdened Ahn continues to lead the assassination plan with a handful of other rebels — played by a who’s who of Korean stars, including Park Jeong-min, Jo Woo-jin and Jeon Yeo-been — the possibility of there being a mole induces a gradual paranoia, as the freedom fighters move covertly between countries while seeking help from underground Russian and Chinese allies. The actors’ calibrated melodrama contributes to its allure as a work of straightforward, patriotic sentiment, which is only enhanced by Woo’s equally fine-tuned action, the frequent peaks and valleys of which make for a rhythmic unfurling.
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