the Believer 2 Review in English 2023
Believer 2 directed by Baek Jong-yul (BAIK) and written by Kim Hee-jin is a sequel to the 2018 South Korean film Believer. The film, a violently action-packed crime thriller, stars Cho Jin-woong as Detective Jo Won-ho and Cha Seung-won as Brian Lee, an industrial company director secretly running an illegal drug testing lab. The plot revolves around Detective Jo's pursuit of the elusive "Mr. Lee," the mastermind behind Asia's biggest drug organization. Alongside them are characters like "Big Knife," Mr. Lee's right hand, and Seo Young-rak aka "Rak."
The film, released on Netflix on November 17, 2023, after premiering at the Busan International Film Festival 2023, has a runtime of 116 minutes. While it continues Detective Jo's quest for truth and attempts to dismantle the drug organization, it opens with a recap of the previous film, providing context for those unfamiliar with the series.
Despite its flashy action sequences, Believer 2 raises questions about its originality. Halfway through the movie, viewers may find themselves searching for substantial new elements in the plot. The film predominantly relies on blazing fires, shootouts, and rapid editing, with the recap of the first film serving as a brief interlude.
Labeled by some as a "midquel" due to its narrative approach, Believer 2 seems intentional in its focus on breathless action rather than a cohesive narrative. The film's disjointed structure, marked by abrupt location and time jumps, disrupts the viewing experience. These shifts, signaled by jarring interventions like black screens and ostentatious text fonts, contribute to the film's incoherence.
While the ending offers a sense of conclusion, the insufficient journey throughout the film raises questions about its overall impact. The title's suggestion of potential future developments may explain the lack of meaningful exchanges, leaving the viewer yearning for more substantial depth.
Believer 2 Story:
Believer 2, directed by Baek Jong-yul (BAIK) and written by Kim Hee-jin, serves as a sequel to the 2018 film Believer. The story revolves around Detective Jo Won-ho, portrayed by Cho Jin-woong, and Brian Lee, played by Cha Seung-won. Detective Jo is determined to uncover the truth behind the elusive "Mr. Lee," the mastermind of Asia's largest drug organization. Brian Lee, an industrial company director, operates a secret illegal drug testing lab and aspires to claim the "Mr. Lee" identity.
Joined by characters like "Big Knife" and "Rak," the film takes viewers on a high-stakes journey filled with action and suspense. Releasing on Netflix on November 17, 2023, the movie continues Detective Jo's pursuit, with a recap of the first film providing essential context.
Despite its action-packed sequences, Believer 2 raises concerns about its narrative depth. Viewers may find the film leaning heavily on intense action rather than introducing substantial new elements. The disjointed structure, characterized by abrupt shifts in location and time, contributes to a sense of incoherence. The film's conclusion, while seemingly conclusive, leaves room for speculation about potential future developments, highlighting a perceived lack of impactful exchanges throughout the storyline.