confusing storyline, but true to the complexity of Korean history, a grim reminder of the dictatorship with massacres that ended not very long ago and the technical war between the two Korean nations that might ignite the 3rd world war as a matter of when, not if.
such disturbing fact, alongside many bloody and torture scenes will leave many unsettled, especially those familiar enough with Koreans' relatively dark secrets in their politics and KCIA.
the acting is great, though too much expectation on Lee turned out little disappointing, perhaps his directorial debut distracted his performance, or his own confusing role made him even less ascertained, evidently noticeable on his facial expression.
in short, the movie sets a benchmark in the Korean movie industry, at least in the recent years, as the most daring attempt of revealing to the world its domestic and foreign political affairs in action-packed over-two-hours story. bravo!