THE BERLIN FILE starts off fairly badly purely because it's so convoluted. It's a German-set spy thriller featuring about half a dozen different factions all involved in a conspiracy plot. For the first hour you'll be scratching your head, trying to work out who's who, who the protagonist is meant to be, and just exactly what's going on. It's well made, certainly, with style to spare, but I admit that confusing plotting leaves me, well, confused.

My advice? Stick with it. Because at around the hour mark, things suddenly become VERY clear. Crystal clear, in fact. Suddenly, the narrative simplifies down and it all becomes very straightforward; THE BERLIN FILE is a Bourne-style action movie that outplays Hollywood at its own game. The action scenes are extremely intense and realistic, and very well handled by cast and crew. This is exciting, frenetic film-making at its best.

Ha Jung-woo (THE YELLOW SEA) makes a fine job of playing the sympathetic North Korean spy who finds himself mixed up in events beyond his control, and Han Suk-kyu makes for a delightfully weaselly villain. But the real winner is director Ryoo Seung-wan, who in the last hour of his movie has made one of the best action films of the year. I can't wait to rewatch it!

I was actually quite impressed by this film, probably since it caught me off guard. Because Korea comes out with some good and even great films but just not so much when it comes to action movies. Maybe just few. This is actually a really good action popcorn flick that is entertaining and enthralling most of the way through. It felt like it blends elements from the "Bourne" films but has enough of it's own elements to be it's own film. The actors in this is just fantastic with their roles. Ha Jung-Woo has really worked himself up to becomes one of the top stars of Korea. He may not be the best looking lead actor in movies but that is why his characters are more believable, plus he is a good actor and charismatic as well. Ryoo Seung-Bum is the show stealer in this film and just about every scene he is in is chilling and also entertaining to watch. Han Suk-Kyu is basically Han Suk-Kyu in just about every movie he is in. But he usually fits the role and he fits right in with this one as well. Gianna Jun is also in this but her role could have been played by almost anyone. This film is probably even good enough to go toe to toe with some Hollywood action movies. Even the fight sequences are second to none because it has that "Bourne" movie vibe going for it but it's not all choppy and crap. Even if few action parts doesn't make much sense. You can actually see everything that is going on. Overall if you like Korean films and also action movies than check this one out. If not, just check it out anyways.

7.8/10

I'm always surprised that other people are surprised that South Korea is capable of delivering good action movies. The action scenes/stunts from this movie alone put some American movies to shame! There is almost an insanity to some of them, but it comes across as really well executed (no pun intended).

Having said that, what I also like about movies from Korea, is their ability to make you invest into characters, while simultaneously keeping them mysterious or at least in grey areas as well. What is good and who is bad, could be a question, but what would be the answer? If you'd be able to answer that of course. Not all movies work with that formula, but this particular one does. You might have to wrap your head around this, so it might take a few minutes to get who is who and doing what, but once you are there (without the movie patronizing you),you will be able to really enjoy this