Seobok

Plot
Seobok, a South Korean sci-fi thriller directed by Lee Yong-joo, revolves around the concept of an immortal human clone and the cat-and-mouse game between various factions vying to harness its power. The film takes a darker and more complex route to explore the intricacies of human nature, power struggles, and the consequences of playing God. The story begins with ex-intelligence agent Ki-hoon (played by Park Shin-hye, but the character is a male in this case), portrayed by Gong Yoo, who has retired from his high-stakes profession and is content with running a small, seaside diner. His peaceful life is disrupted when he is coerced back into service by his former agency. They have a task that requires his unique set of skills, one that could put the fabric of society at risk. Ki-hoon is tasked with safely transporting Seo Bok, a human clone, created with the aim of unlocking the secret of eternal life. Seo Bok is the product of an experiment that has raised questions about the nature of humanity, ethics, and mortality. With his unparalleled survival skills and resourcefulness honed during his time as an intelligence agent, Ki-hoon is the perfect choice to safeguard Seo Bok's journey. As Ki-hoon sets out on this perilous mission, he is not the only one pursuing Seo Bok. The United States military, the South Korean government, and a rogue organization seek to capture the clone, each for their own reasons. While the government and the US military see Seo Bok as a means to expand their power and influence, the other group believes that the key to eternal life is key to their ideological goals. This maelstrom forces Ki-hoon to navigate treacherous landscapes and outwit an array of formidable adversaries in a high-stakes battle. Throughout his journey, Ki-hoon must confront his own demons and question his moral compass. He witnesses the ruthless determination of those seeking to exploit Seo Bok's abilities and grapples with the ethics of his mission. His interactions with the enigmatic Seo Bok reveal a deeper understanding of the clone's nature and the world around him. However, they also pose profound questions about the human cost of playing God and what it means to live an immortal life. Seo Bok, portrayed by Park Seo-joon, is a complex character in his own right, driven by a deep sense of loneliness and a desperate desire to understand the reason behind his existence. He has witnessed the brutal exploitation and abandonment by his creators and now finds himself a pawn in a larger game. The clone's quiet strength and resilience serve as a powerful counterpoint to the chaos surrounding him. As Ki-hoon and Seo Bok navigate their way through Korea's diverse landscapes, the stakes escalate. Their adversaries become increasingly ruthless, and the web of intrigue threatens to ensnare them all. In a film driven by intense action sequences and high-octane suspense, Seobok raises fundamental questions about humanity, mortality, and the morality of manipulating life itself. In the midst of this maelstrom, Seobok presents a nuanced commentary on human nature, revealing that even individuals with good intentions can be corrupted by the promise of power and eternal life. This gripping narrative raises important questions about the human condition, encouraging viewers to consider the delicate balance between morality, ethics, and power. Amidst the chaos and high-stakes action, Seobok offers a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be human, serving as a somber reminder of the gravity of human ambition.
Reviews
Phoenix
Gong Yoo, how many women who came to see this film for you have you disappointed?
Lorenzo
I've invested too much in Gong Yoo, when is he finally going to pay me back with another forbidden love film!
Nina
[BIFFF 2021] Following "Train to Busan," Gong Yoo takes on another sci-fi role, but it's the same old trope of a lone agent protecting a super-powered youth. The solitary agent suffers from a brain tumor, while the super-powered boy is immortal. Initially, they exploit each other for their own needs, but unexpectedly find mutual redemption during their escape. Is someone human just by eating ramen? Is someone human just by seeing the sea? Is someone human just by learning sadness? Is someone human just by experiencing death? Through the eyes of the boy, the film once again questions what it means to be human and how one becomes human. However, packaged within such a clichéd sci-fi adventure shell, these philosophical reflections can only be tasted in a superficial way.
Alexandra
The film delves into profound themes, spanning from the question of life and death to the meaning of existence. However, these topics lean heavily towards arthouse sensibilities. While the movie attempts to draw in a wider audience through action and genre elements, it ultimately falls short on both fronts. The depth of the themes is primarily conveyed through dialogue, with the plot and character development failing to genuinely expand upon them. At the same time, the action sequences are rather mediocre. Essentially, it's just a super-powered individual; the immortality aspect doesn't significantly impact the plot's progression. The ending, while somewhat exciting, essentially feels like the filmmakers ran out of ideas and resorted to chaos.
Recommendations
