Trailers
Description
Min-tae, a once-notorious gangster who now leads a peaceful retired life, discovers the bloody corpse of his only next of kin: his younger brother Seok-tae. With his brother’s missing wife Moon-young as the prime suspect, Min-tae uncovers a suspicious last phone call between her and a mysterious novelist, sparking a vicious hunt for the truth despite his seemingly deceitful former crime syndicate and the police in hot pursuit.
Starring
Key opinion
Broken (Nocturnal) is a gritty, violent South Korean thriller that succeeds in establishing a dark, atmospheric underworld aesthetic through its cinematography and performances. However, the film is hampered by a weak narrative structure, a predictable climax, and a disjointed final act that fails to provide a satisfying resolution.
| Cinematography | The cinematography effectively captures the grim, dark atmosphere of Seoul's back alleys. | |
| Acting | The lead performances provide a solid anchor for the revenge-driven narrative, reminiscent of established genre archetypes. | |
| Direction | The violent, visceral action sequences are well-executed and fit the film's gritty tone. | |
| Screenplay | The adaptation of the underlying source material and the broader screenplay struggle to deliver a cohesive or fulfilling conclusion. | |
| Originality | The English title 'Nocturnal' creates a disconnect with the audience, as its misleading nature leaves viewers feeling that the third act is incomplete or unsatisfying. |