J.S.A. - Joint Security Area

Starring:J.S.a. Joint Security
Studio: Palm Pictures / Umvd
Product Type: DVD

Description

In the DMZ separating North and South Korea, two North Korean soldiers have been killed, supposedly by one South Korean soldier. But the 11 bullets found in the bodies, together with the 5 remaining bullets in the assassin's magazine clip, amount to 16 bullets for a gun that should normally hold 15 bullets. The investigating Swiss/Swedish team from the neutral countries overseeing the DMZ suspects that another, unknown party was involved - all of which points to some sort of cover up. The truth is much simpler and much more tragic.

Customer Reviews:

J.S.A. - Joint Security Area .......2007-04-10

One of the best from Korea. It shows the real life approach to the situation at the DMZ.

Engaging thriller that works despite its flaws.......2007-02-25

Some movies are just outright masterpieces: something that you wouldn't be able to change one frame because it's so perfect. Then you get those films that are outright terrible; simply because of a bad acting, script and others. Then we get films like Joint Security Area: they're great and entertaining but then there's something that nags that prevents from being given full marks. Kind of like not getting 100% on an exam because you filled in the circle half-way a la Homer. Of course I gave it 5 stars but you almost wish it did one thing differently so you can say it was a near-perfect film.

On the line dividing North and South Korea rests the Joint Security Area, a military outpost guarded by both sides forces. When a couple North Korean officers are found murdered and an officer from each side is taken into custody, a neutral Korean investigator from Switzerland, Sophie Jean, is brought in to figure out what happened that night while making sure she doesn't upset either side. Figuring out what happened and the personal matters that affected the soldiers from both sides is the fun in the movie.

I should get this out of the way. People will disagree with me on this and I did like its inclusion but it felt too long at times as well. We found out an interesting connection between the soldiers from both sides in flashbacks that reveal something different than just bitter enemies going at it. While it does humanize an event that was quickly labelled an attack on a government, there's so many scenes of it that it becomes less an exciting mystery and more like a well-made drama. That's all I'm going to say about the plot: don't expect you're walking into a massive shoot-em-up and you'll be just fine.

Where the film does work is its acting. Probably best known from Lady Vengeance, Lee-ae Young is a great and capable officer who tries to figure everything out. The rest of the cast is memorable as well, including the leads from Mr. Vengeance. For those of you looking for iconic images a la corridor fight in Oldboy or dogboy in Lady Vengeance will find a couple but they're not as pronounced but I love the ending where we scan over a photograph.

The problem with the DVD is not with the picture but with the sound. First of all, it boots up with the 5.1 English dub, which as you can guess, is horrendous. Then of course there's some hilarious subtitle errors including my favorite. The opening text reveals Korea free from "Japaness rules". The big faux-pas is the Korean soundtrack which is in 2.0. Yes...measly piece of elephant crap 2.0. This is a big blemish, especially since it's supposed to be the first and main soundtrack of the film.

If you can find it, track this film down. It's no Oldboy so don't bother thinking it is. Walk into it cold with no preconceptions and you'll have a blast...remember to click the Korean dub first though.

Outstanding And Unforgettable Film!.......2006-12-16

This outstanding film takes place at the DMZ [Demilitarized Zone] separating North and South Korea. One of the worlds most sensitive military and political regions in the world. When two North Korean soldiers are discovered dead, and two South Korean soldiers suspected in their murders, a team of neutral countries are gathered to determine the cause of what has happened: in which the fate of renewed hostilities between the two countries becomes all too real. I don't want to give out any spoilers in this film, therefore, I must leave out important information which will ruin the film for you if I divulge too much.

There is more to the deaths of the two North Korean soldiers, and the two South Korean soldiers being questioned by the neutral investigators that makes this film so different and outstanding. This is one of the better films to tackle a suspenseful subject matter that I have seen in a long, long time. The film moves between the present and the past. Each giving the viewer vignettes of what has transpired that has caused this tragedy. And although the film is tragic, there is also hope in the film: Hope for those who wish to see a better tomorow between this divided nation.

The storyline and cinematography is excellent, and as usual, Park Chan-wook weaves a magical tapestry of a film. He is truly one of the greatest directors in the business today. In fact, he is a directorial artist. [If there is such a term] He has a vision of directing that very few in the business have today: Every subject matter he seems to tackle comes off brilliantly. I look forward to more of his films. [Take notice Hollywood!] I recommend the film highly, you will not be disappointed. Highly, highly recommended. [Stars: 5+]

suspenseful..........2006-10-05

very well made movie...it is amazing how fast the South Korean film industry has propelled themselves onto the world stage. even though this was made quite a few years ago, it is still worth buying for collection.

Incredible film.......2006-05-12

This is an incredible movie that tells a story of friendship against a political backdrop. One night shots break out at the JSA leaving 2 North Korean soldiers dead, one south korean soldier in a catatonic shock, and another southern soldier suicidal. A Korean-Swiss soldier is assigned to the case to find out what happened, all the while maintaining her neutrality.
What unfolds is the story of a complex friendship between a pair of northern soldiers with a pair of southern soldiers. Chan Wook Park is gaining fame for his Revenge Trilogy as well as his part in Three... Extremes, but out of all his work it is JSA that stands out for me.
He handles the friendship between the soldiers masterfully; they form a strong bond, looking at each other as brothers, but at the same time there is a sense that the bond will be easily broken.
At the end, when we see that a throw away scene actually has a meaning, it is enough to bring a person to tears.

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