For the Emperor (2014)

For the Emperor: Directed by Sang Jun Park. With Lee Min-ki, Park Sung-woong, Tae-im Lee, Jae-young Han. Lee Hwan is out of professional baseball after being involved in match fixing. He is recruited by gangster boss Jung Sang Ha to work for him as a loan shark. Over time Lee Hwan climbs the ranks of Jung Sang Ha’s company as the game becomes one of blood, money and sex.

“I had thought the Korean studios had turned the corner a year or so ago and started to produce intelligent action crime/thriller films, but this title is a throwback to the old days. Robotic and stereotyped acting (and appearance) for everyone from criminals, to hookers, to cops; to storyline; itu0026#39;s like they were uncreatively formed from a mold of typecast characters of previous similar films. Disgraced former baseball pitcher, Hwan, accused of throwing games for money turns into an enforcer for organized crime including, of course, sports betting as well as the other standard crime-of-the-day activities. Hwan, despite being skinny and probably having spent most of his young life playing baseball suddenly acquires the skills to turn into a martial arts beast taking multiple baddies down (most much bigger, with knives, and practiced at their art) – in other words incredulity follows Hwan for the remainder of the film. He does have a badass stare down though. The film is basically knife stabbing and martial artsu0026#39; throw downs (e.g through windows, tables, the usual). Suggestion: If looking for crime/action film that puts films like this to shame I suggest checking out the u0026quot;Justifiedu0026quot; series. LIke comparing junk food to the highest Michelin rated restaurant, u0026quot;exceptional cuisine, worth a special journeyu0026quot;.”