“Another Public Enemy” Korean Theatrical Poster
Director: Kang Wu-Seok
Cast: Seol Gyeong-Gu, Jeong Jun-Ho, Kang Sin-Il, Park Sang-Wuk, Uhm Tae-Wung, Im Seung-Dae, Park Geun-Hyeong, Byeon Hee-Bong, Jeong Gyu-Su
Running Time: 148 min.
By Equinox21
Like its prequel, Another Public Enemy focuses on a man of the law named Kang Chul-jung. However, instead of being a corrupt detective, this time the character is a straight as an arrow prosecutor. Even though the character name is the same, and played by the same actor (Sol Kyung-gu), the sequel is not directly related to the first film. Both Kangs have the same dedication to proving a murder, when no one else will believe him and everything stands in his way.
While the first film focused on a business man kill his parents, the sequel focuses on a high-powered leader of a large corporation, Han Sung-woo, with ties to many powerful politicians (including the vice-president), who pulls in all his contacts to derail any investigation into his wrong-doings. This doesn’t stop Kang, of course, who again acts like a pit-bull with his incisors clenched into his prey’s flesh and absolutely will not let go. Of course, this gets him into lots of trouble, but the trouble goes away when those in his chain of command help him by making the right decisions instead of caving to political pressure.
Another Public Enemy has everything you’d expect from a political thriller and a murder mystery, including some action and some comedy (the three guys that go back and forth between being intimidated by Kang to laughing at him, and back again). Every time you think things can’t get worse for Kang, something else steps up to block his path to the truth, but he simply perseveres and doesn’t let them stop him. Of course, Han Sung-woo is just about as slimy and evil an antagonist as you can get. Not only does he use the typical murder and violence to get his way, he also uses the vast resources and influence of a huge corporation, which in some cases can be even more damaging. Think Enron, but toss in murder, extortion, bribery and political corruption. In fact, just think about anyone with connections to the Bush Administration!
If you liked the first Public Enemy, you’ll like the second. Both are very well done, and while the first is more gritty and graphic, the second is more political and personal (for Kang).
Equinox21’s Rating: 8/10
