'Broken' Chillingly Confronts The Lengths A Father Will Go To Avenge His Daughter
Revenge thrillers are often a cliched genre, with plots which clearly draw the line between good and evil. “Broken” departs from the sensationalism contained in films such as “Taken," while embracing the gritty realism which popularized the 1974 film “Death Wish”. “Death Wish” received harsh criticism for glorifying vigilante violence and its portrayal of an inept criminal justice system. By contrast, “Broken” explores the nuances which can drive an innocent man to seek vengeance and the responsibility of law enforcement to deliver justice unto all criminals.
“Broken” is an adaptation of “The Hovering Blade," the 2004 Japanese novel by Keigo Higashino. Actor Jung Jae Young leads the predominantly male cast as Lee Sang Hyeon, an overworked and overwrought widower. The film opens with a wintery scene, in which Sang Hyeon appears to have become detached from reality. The setting then shifts to one in which Sang Hyeon drunkenly arrives home. Like many single fathers, Sang Hyeon struggles to maintain an emotional connection with his adolescent daughter, Su Jin (Lee Soo Bin). Su Jin is dismissive of her father, but respectful.
The oppressive desolation of snow and rain are actively employed throughout the film. Su Jin attempts to make her way home from school, as a downpour envelopes the city. As she attempts to navigate through the streets without an umbrella, a car is seen driving slowly behind her. Sang Hyeon continues his work, without realization of the fate which will befall his daughter.
While the primary focus of “Broken” is the revenge story of an enraged father, some of the most compelling scenes are delivered by the detectives who are responsible for mitigating justice against Sang Hyeon and a ragtag group of teenage hooligans. Lee Sung Min is brilliant as Jang Eok Gwan, a stalwart detective who continues to uphold the law while empathizing with the conflicted Lee Sang Hyeon.
Jang Eok Gwan is assisted by Park Hyeon Soo (Seo Jun Young), whose sympathy lies more with Lee Sang Hyeon than the teenage criminals. Throughout “Broken” viewers are forced to confront the same conflict as the detectives. Is Lee Sang Hyeon more evil than the teenagers who murdered his adolescent daughter? As the plot unfolds, the detectives and Lee Sang Hyeon are aided by anonymous tips that are delivered by an unlikely source.
The performance by Jung Jae Young is superb. Jung Jae Young also leads the cast of the upcoming historical film “The Fatal Encounter”, with “Broken” setting the stage for positive reception of acting within the film. “Broken” opened in second place within the Korean box office and is a gripping thriller whose plot transcends cultures.
“Broken” is non-rated, however caution should be exercised for younger audiences due to the nature of the plot. “Broken” opens on May 7 at CGV Cinemas in Los Angeles.
Run Time:122 Min. Rating: Non-Rated
