A Man of Reason (2022)

A Man of Reason (2022). 1h 43m

“Jung Woo-sungu0026#39;s directorial debut is a passable action thriller about a former mob enforcer trying to live a normal life, but his violent past wonu0026#39;t just leave him be…u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eItu0026#39;s a familiar premise for sure, and one that might inspire a few groans knowing how many films used it for the most basic of plotlines. Thereu0026#39;s even a little girl our tough antihero needs to worry about… However, while the film does leave a lot to be desired regarding its script, it makes up for it in the purely cinematic department. Thereu0026#39;s a bunch of visually inspired scenes here with some great camerawork, following all the action with gusto. Jung knows what heu0026#39;s doing for sure, spicing things up regularly with stuff like high-powered nailguns and homemade bomb devices. There is a pretty well done car chase too.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eNot much to say about the characters, though… Theyu0026#39;re all archetypes and cardboard cutouts just there to serve their purpose, although most of the actors play it well. Jung is relatively subdued here in the dramatic scenes, a bit surprising given that heu0026#39;s also the director. The plot is just very average overall, and I believe it wonu0026#39;t be long before I forget all about it.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIn short, A Man of Reason is an entertaining crime thriller that serves as a calling card for Jungu0026#39;s directorial chops, but I just canu0026#39;t see it attracting a wider audience. The action sequences do stand out a bit, but they shouldnu0026#39;t be the only thing to carry a film to its finish.”