Deliver Us From Evil (2020); Crime; Action; Thriller

"Deliver Us From Evil" proves that people who live a life of crime can never retire. In-nam performed his last contract killing and then retired; or at least, he wanted to retire. However, a guy named Ray needs help. His sister was kidnapped by a dangerous human trafficking ring and he wants In-nam to help rescue her. In-nam agrees to help Ray, and they go to Thailand. 

The two main characters have great onscreen chemistry, and the action sequences are well-choreographed. This film was shot in three (3) locations: South Korea, Japan, and Thailand. "Deliver Us From Evil" was praised because it had awesome action-packed scenes, complicated plot twists, impressive cinematography, and outstanding performances by the actors.

 Lee Jung-Jae plays Ray.

Where to Watch

RATINGS:

IMDb: 6.8 out of 10 stars; and MyDramaList: 7.8 out of 10 stars

Well. “DELIVER US from EVIL Official US Trailer | Korean Crime Action Adventure | Directed by Hong Won-Chan.” YouTube Video. YouTube, April 6, 2021. DELIVER US FROM EVIL Official US Trailer | Korean Crime Action Adventure | Directed by Hong Won-chan‌

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKUEsWGrQXs

Hunt (2022); Action; Spy Thriller

“Hunt” is set in the 1980s, a time when South Korea was experiencing political turmoil and social unrest; and was under the military dictatorship of Chun Doo-hwan. Two (2) rival agents of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA), Park Pyong-ho and Kim Jung-do, must capture a North Korean spy known as Donglim. This spy has leaked classified information and plans to assassinate the South Korean president.

 Lee Jung-Jae plays Park Pyung-Ho.

The personalities of Park and Kim clash and they have different methods of approaching an investigation. But they set those differences aside because they need to unite to fight the North Korean agents, and the corrupt officials within the KCIA. During the hunt they discover that Donglim is not a single person, but a code name for a network of double spies within the KCIA and other government organizations.

To their amazement, they learn that Donglim's ultimate goal is to expose corruption in South Korea, overthrow the dictatorship, and reunite North and South Korea. Which should they choose? Their country or their conscience? Hunt is based on real historical events and characters, and the film won several awards. As well as playing one of the main characters, the film was also directed by Lee Jung-jae. Where to Watch

RATINGS:

IMDb: 6.7 out of 10 stars; MyDramaList: 7.7 out of 10 stars

Pictures, Magnolia. “Hunt - Official Trailer | Directed by Lee Jung-Jae.” YouTube Video. YouTube, September 29, 2022. Hunt - Official Trailer | Directed by Lee Jung-jae

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJUOIKg4Bic

Chief of Staff 1 and 2 (2019); Political; Drama

“Chief of Staff”, Season 1, introduces Jang Tae-joon, an ambitious political aide with a troubled past, but a charismatic personality. The dark cutthroat world of Korean politics is an intricate web of power and corruption. Nevertheless, Tae-joon rises through the ranks to become the Chief of Staff. Even though he faces constant moral dilemmas and ethical challenges, he is determined in the pursuit of justice and bringing about meaningful change. His personal relationships may or may not be sacrificed.

 Lee Jung-Jae plays Jang Tae-joon.

Season 2 carries on with the political intrigue and power struggles. Tae-joon faces new adversaries, discovers secrets, and forms unexpected alliances. There are new characters and relationships evolve. Conspiracies play out that threaten not only their careers but their lives. The scriptwriters for this K-drama series skillfully weave together personal and political storylines. This intense political drama is very thought-provoking. Where to Watch

RATINGS:

• IMDb: 7.8 out of 10 stars
• MyDramaList: 8 out of 10 stars

Netflix K-Content. “Chief of Staff | Official Trailer | Netflix [ENG SUB].” YouTube Video. YouTube, June 21, 2019. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl8YMGaQRKI.‌ VIEW TRAILER/TEASER.

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Operation Chromite (2016); Historical; War; Action; Drama

"Operation Chromite," a South Korean war epic drama about the historical events surrounding the Battle of Incheon during the Korean War. A South Korean Navy Lieutenant must lead a small troop and carry out the covert "X-ray" operation, which must be successful to carry out "Incheon Landing Operation" also known as Operation Chromite.

Lee Jung-Jae plays a South Korean Navy Lieutenant.

General Douglas MacArthur commanded the operation which took place from September 15 to September 19, 1950. The Korean lieutenant infiltrated the North Korean forces and gathered crucial intelligence. The recreation of these events was accurate according to the historical records. “

Operation Chromite” effectively captures the tension and stakes of the military operation. The portrayal of the characters was very intimate and realistic. Viewers could not help but admire their courage, sacrifice, and their indomitable spirit amid the chaos and danger of war. This film is a respectful tribute to the soldiers who played a key role in shaping the course and outcome of the Korean War.

Operation Chromite streaming: where to watch online?

RATINGS:

IMDb: 6.2 out of 10 stars; MyDramaList: 7.8 out of 10 stars

Rotten Tomatoes Indie. “Battle for Incheon: Operation Chromite Official Trailer 1 (2017) - Liam Neeson Movie.” YouTube Video. YouTube, January 24, 2017. Battle for Incheon: Operation Chromite Official Trailer 1 (2017) - Liam Neeson Movie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhX4HFsyFsw

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Assassination (2015); Historical; Political; Action; Thriller

"Assassination" is set in 1933 during the Japanese occupation of Korea, and involves a group of resistance fighters on a daring mission to assassinate a high-ranking Japanese officer and a Korean collaborator who supports the Japanese forces.

Lee Jung-Jae plays Yeom Seok Jin.

This film is a realistic recreation of the tumultuous atmosphere of 1930s Korea. Characters not only strive to carry out a dangerous and difficult mission but must also be on constant alert for “the enemy within”, i.e. being betrayed by their comrades. The storyline is engaging because of the historical authenticity, suspenseful and clever plot twists, intense action sequences, and the compelling characters who comprise the mission team.

Assassination streaming: where to watch online?

RATINGS:

IMDb: 7.2 out of 10 stars; MyDramaList: 8.2 out of 10 stars

Well. “ASSASSINATION Official Trailer | Korean Drama Action Crime Adventure | Directed by Choi Dong-Hoon.” YouTube Video. YouTube, September 2, 2015. ASSASSINATION Official Trailer | Korean Drama Action Crime Adventure | Directed by Choi Dong-hoon‌

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRodYHnXWeQ

New World (2013); “Epic Gangster Film”; Action; Crime; Mystery

"New World," is about power and betrayal within the criminal underworld. The death of a crime lord ignites a fierce power struggle among his lieutenants. Who will be the next “Godfather”? Operation "New World," is the National Police Agency's plan to intervene in the power succession of the Goldmoon group.

Lee Jung-Jae plays Lee Ja-Sung.

Lee Ja-Sung is an undercover cop for the National Police Agency, and he's right in the middle of it. Having spent years infiltrating the crime organization he has become the right-hand man of the #2 lieutenant. Ja-Sung has to balance himself between playing his role as “one of them” in

the treacherous crime world and performing his duties as a law enforcement officer, without blurring the lines between right and wrong.

This is an excellent Korean crime drama that has intricate storytelling and character-driven narratives. Lee Jung-Jae won the CJ CGV Star Award at the 2013 (33rd) Korean Association of Film Critics Awards.

New World streaming: where to watch movie online?

RATINGS:

IMDb: 7.5 out of 10 stars; MyDramaList: 8.2 out of 10 stars

Soon. “New World TRAILER 1 (2013) - Park Hoon Jeong Movie HD.” YouTube Video. YouTube, March 4, 2013. New World TRAILER 1 (2013) - Park Hoon Jeong Movie HD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0leSGTSZ3n0

The Face Reader (2013); Historical; Thriller; Drama

“The Face Reader” (2013) is an award-winning film. It is set during the Joseon Dynasty in the year 1455. Nae-gyeong can “read faces”, i.e. he uses the age-old art of physiognomy to discern a person’s character and fate by studying their facial features. Nae-gyeong prefers to avoid the palace intrigue and the demands of the royal court. However, there is a royal power struggle going on.

 Lee Jung-Jae plays Grand Prince Suyang.

The current king Munjong wants him to identify the potential traitors who threaten his reign. He is summoned to read the face of Grand Prince Suyang, who is vying for the throne. If only, he could not read faces because Nae-gyeong believes the prince is going to plot treason to take the throne. The visually stunning cinematography, along with the costumes and set designs recreate the grandeur of the Joseon Dynasty. The stellar cast convincingly portrays real historical figures and their performances are memorable.

Where to Watch.

RATINGS:

• IMDb: 6.8 out of 10 stars
• MyDramaList: 7.7 out of 10 stars

TheMovieChanneI. “The Face Reader — Trailer.” YouTube Video. YouTube, September 28, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9YoyvBAMWI.‌ VIEW TRAILER/TEASER.

Original source

Spotlight on South Korean Actor: Lee Jung-Jae

 Lee Jung-Jae is a South Korean actor who has played a wide range of characters ~ good guys and bad guys. Regardless of the overall rating given by viewers, his performances in the movies and TV series that I have watched should be rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Lee Jung-Jae catapulted to international stardom for his role in Netflix’s survival Korean drama series “Squid Game”. But Lee Jung-Jae must surely be on several lists of South Korean Best Actors ~ the best, the most famous, award-winning, etc. His filmography is impressive and dates back to 1993 (before K-dramas were cool).

• According to pantheon.world, he is the “5th most famous South Korean Actor. His biography has been translated into 33 different languages”.

One more PLUS! In September 2022, Lee Jung-Jae joined the Star Wars Universe. He was cast as the male lead in the Star Wars series “The Acolyte”, set to be released on Disney+ in 2024.

If you recently became a fan of Lee Jung-Jae because of the “Squid Game” series, here is a list of seven (7) Korean dramas for your watch list. Many are available on streaming platforms to watch free or free with ads.

1. The Face Reader (2013)
2. New World (2013)
3. Assassination (2015)
4. Operation Chromite (2016)
5. Chief of Staff 1 and 2 (2019)
6. Deliver Us From Evil (2020)
7. Hunt (2022)

(NOTE: Check this blog for reviews.)

Original source