Now this is something different, that is one thing I can assure you. I didn't know what to expect from this piece. So let's start somewhere. If you like original movies, this one qualifies! It is a weird (but good) mix of different genres here, and all in all it is one superb hybrid film. It has it what it takes to keep you focused, changing rapidly between some more thriller/horror moments and all of a sudden there is a large dose of a more comedy touch - all blended with a feeling of sci-fi. Ha-Kyun Shin makes a superb performance here, and you develop some kind of hate-love for his character. South Korea keeps supplying us with great movies, and here's a solid 8/10. If you like "Oldboy" and familiar stuff, I bet you will like this one. At least give it a try.
58 Reviews
It might take some time ...
kosmasp21 July 2007
I watched this movie quite some time ago. And I have to admit, that I wasn't so sure about the movie or how I should feel about it! I originally would've only have given it 6/10, if I had voted for it back then.
I don't think that there are many people who know this little gem, outside from Korea! And it's almost impossible to recommend it to somebody. Because it's a very special movie. It does go against the flow and it's not at all a Blockbuster! What it is, is unique, thought provoking, always challenging and disturbing. But mostly in a good way (even if it takes you longer to figure out, how you feel about it, as was the case with me)! To tell you anything at all about the story would be spoiling the fun of discovering it on your own ... If you think you can handle a movie, where you just don't know what to make of it ... watch this! That's all I'm going to say ...
I don't think that there are many people who know this little gem, outside from Korea! And it's almost impossible to recommend it to somebody. Because it's a very special movie. It does go against the flow and it's not at all a Blockbuster! What it is, is unique, thought provoking, always challenging and disturbing. But mostly in a good way (even if it takes you longer to figure out, how you feel about it, as was the case with me)! To tell you anything at all about the story would be spoiling the fun of discovering it on your own ... If you think you can handle a movie, where you just don't know what to make of it ... watch this! That's all I'm going to say ...
Twisty Twisty Twisty
teh_mode14 July 2006
I love Korean cinema. Even when it makes as little coherent sense as this, you still come out of it really refreshed and humbled by the sheer weirdness of it all. When you think you know what is coming you are driven right back to the park of the unknown. This bizarre story of a nobody who deems it a good idea to kidnap a successful businessman he believes to be an alien, incorporating torturous sanity, vigilante gumshoes and lots and lots of nastiness will stretch your basic emotions beyond their thresholds, making a mockery out of them in the latter acts. Usually when a film is as blatantly silly as this it would be easy to dismiss it as nonsensical whiff that was probably made up on the spot as the film went on. And believe me, you won't get much of an argument from me about that. Yet despite the obvious obscenity of the screenplay 'Save The Green Planet' never seems like a movie that wants to satisfy your expectations. It wants to throw them in the river and have them chewed up by sharks. The ride, itself, is a fantastically demented one, so if you can stomach the nastiness of it all, you shouldn't be hateful towards its blatant weirdness. You may even embrace it. Having you guessing right up until the final head-scratching scenes, the movie will leave you bewildered as whether to cry, laugh, shout or scream. Trying all four at once will probably give you the most satisfaction.
Amazing Korean Film
zandert3322 May 2004
How many films can have you laughing one minute and totally freaked out the next? This movie, "Save the Green Planet", is not for the faint of heart. There are tons of disturbing scenes, but if you able to take everything in you will find an amazing piece of cinema. It's a shame that Hollywood wouldn't have the gall to but out something as amazing as this. This movie will twist your emotions like none other. You will not know who to cheer for, who's doing good, and who's evil. It's a crime to list this movie as a true comedy, it doesn't even fit the mold of "dark comedy", it's a true hybrid of multiple movie styles, only the Korean movie makers have been able to pull this off flawlessly. This isn't a film for everybody, however if you have a true passion for movies, and want to find out what the hype concerning Korean movies is all about, this is the place to go.
Damn the Man
bleachbypass4 May 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Warning: Possible Spoilers
While 'Save the Green Planet' does a nice job of combining humor, horror and science fiction elements it is, in its heart, a frustrated lashing out against society and extreme revenge fantasy against every shitty boss you've ever had.
The twist-turney ending and perpetual question of whether Kang is actually a malign alien or not is enjoyable but somewhat predictable. The systematic torture of Kang takes center stage and is the most meaningful part of the film. This is Jeong's pop-punk MTV inspired "screw you" to the establishment. As Kang's trials become progressively more brutal it does not matter if he actually is an alien; there is nothing alien about his pain. And just as MTV, pop- punk, and alterna-Hot Topic culture are run by Kang-centric business outfits, Lee Byeong- Goo's unhinged fury is driven by a counter culture that ultimately let him down. His efforts are not an altruistic attempt to save the earth, but a misguided jaunt in bully comeuppance.
'Save the Green Planet' is a film where genres cross but never successfully mix. The detective angle, science fiction intrigue, comic falderal, and gory horror are all handled excellently, yet are isolated in specific microcosms within the film. The film is certainly satisfying when broken down to its individual elements and influences but fails to coalesce into the brilliant genre crossing stew it could have been.
While 'Save the Green Planet' does a nice job of combining humor, horror and science fiction elements it is, in its heart, a frustrated lashing out against society and extreme revenge fantasy against every shitty boss you've ever had.
The twist-turney ending and perpetual question of whether Kang is actually a malign alien or not is enjoyable but somewhat predictable. The systematic torture of Kang takes center stage and is the most meaningful part of the film. This is Jeong's pop-punk MTV inspired "screw you" to the establishment. As Kang's trials become progressively more brutal it does not matter if he actually is an alien; there is nothing alien about his pain. And just as MTV, pop- punk, and alterna-Hot Topic culture are run by Kang-centric business outfits, Lee Byeong- Goo's unhinged fury is driven by a counter culture that ultimately let him down. His efforts are not an altruistic attempt to save the earth, but a misguided jaunt in bully comeuppance.
'Save the Green Planet' is a film where genres cross but never successfully mix. The detective angle, science fiction intrigue, comic falderal, and gory horror are all handled excellently, yet are isolated in specific microcosms within the film. The film is certainly satisfying when broken down to its individual elements and influences but fails to coalesce into the brilliant genre crossing stew it could have been.
A Magnificent Piece of Work!
cremea12 January 2013
SPOILERS!
Save the Green Planet is 2003 Korean film that must be seen to be believed (or appreciated). Full disclosure: It's one of my all time favorite films (from any country).
I typically won't bother writing a review for something when so many people have already done so. I try to keep my reviews focused on little known or reviewed works, so as to try to help other viewers decide if it would be something they like (as so many other IMDb reviewers have done for everyone else in the past). But, I felt I almost owed it to this movie to post a review, and since this director (& writer of this film) is soon going to FINALLY work on a new feature film, there's no better time than now to review this puppy.
I realize this film is not going to be to everyone's tastes. It can be considered being all over the place in tone and story, and it will get violent at times. You will definitely want to ignore the whimsical poster & box art that makes you think this is going to be some lighthearted adventure tale; that is certainly not the case. What this film is about, however, is quite difficult to fully describe. In fact, you're probably better offer just watching it yourself without knowing anything in advance, and forming your own opinions. That's how I first saw it years ago (knowing nothing about it prior to viewing); it was real late at night back in '04 or so, and it was either this Korean film I somehow hadn't heard of, or a Lorenzo Lamas helmed low budget action flick. I clearly chose wisely that evening (sorry Mr. Latin Heartthrob). As the movie I chose played out, I went from: "this is OK enough to watch, to this is a pretty interesting film, to this is getting a little bizarre, to this a mesmerizing piece of cinema". In all honesty, after the credits rolled, I was simply awestruck by WTF I had just watched.
If you want to watch the movie as I first did without prior knowledge as to what it's about (which I fully recommend), DON'T READ THIS PARAGRAPH!...Your story involves a "slightly off" young man who is convinced there are aliens among us that mean to do us harm. With the help of his girlfriend, he's determined to rid the world of these aliens, and hence; 'save the green planet'. He kidnaps what he believes is the leader of these aliens on earth, and systematically tortures him to find the truth about the alien plans. Then, it's a matter of slowly uncovering whether this captor is just a delusional loon, or the key to saving the entire world, or somewhere in between.
This film runs the gamut from being a standard crime mystery thriller, to a torture flick, to a simple tale about life & love & humanity, to an outrageous sci-fi film about the beginnings & end of mankind. You name it, and this movie probably has it; it's as strange as it is grounded, as devious as it is poignant, as simple as it is complex, etc; it somehow manages to successfully juggle so many differing emotions, ideas, and stories together in an astonishingly effortless way that doesn't even seem possible.
As for the acting: Your lead actor is played Shin Ha-kyun. He's always been a really good actor, but, he gives a terrific performance here as the man who's determined to save Earth at all costs. The rest of the actresses and actors involved in this film are all solid to excellent in their performances as well. Job Well Done by everyone involved.
Look; I'd been a huge fan of Asian cinema in general long since prior to watching this film, and, it was pretty clear to me that Korea was starting to bring it big time back in the early 2000's; with Park Chan-wook's vengeance trilogy already under away, and a number of decent spy thrillers, love stories, and rom-coms in the bag, you couldn't help but notice the talent on display in the up and coming Hallyu industry at that time. But, Save the Green Planet was perhaps the final tipping point (in my opinion anyway) that convinced the "non believers" once and for all. Most people look to Old Boy's release a year later, which is also a movie I dearly love, as THE seminal Korean film from that era (and rightfully so), but, you'd be doing yourself a huge disservice if you didn't at least give this "somewhat overlooked" film a look see.
You might not like it, you may love it, you be 'meh' about it. Regardless, I consider this movie to be mandatory viewing for any cinephile, or, any random moviegoer for that matter!...I just watched it again a month or so ago, and it's as awesome as it ever was! If you haven't seen it, I implore you to check it out someday when you get a chance!
Bottom Line: 9 out of 10 stars!...HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
P.S. Save the Green Planet is the only feature film this director ever helmed. That alone is simply astonishing. Word is he's now back though, and has signed up one of Korea's highest profile actors to star in the new film he's directing. Hmmmm, CAN'T WAIT!!!
Save the Green Planet is 2003 Korean film that must be seen to be believed (or appreciated). Full disclosure: It's one of my all time favorite films (from any country).
I typically won't bother writing a review for something when so many people have already done so. I try to keep my reviews focused on little known or reviewed works, so as to try to help other viewers decide if it would be something they like (as so many other IMDb reviewers have done for everyone else in the past). But, I felt I almost owed it to this movie to post a review, and since this director (& writer of this film) is soon going to FINALLY work on a new feature film, there's no better time than now to review this puppy.
I realize this film is not going to be to everyone's tastes. It can be considered being all over the place in tone and story, and it will get violent at times. You will definitely want to ignore the whimsical poster & box art that makes you think this is going to be some lighthearted adventure tale; that is certainly not the case. What this film is about, however, is quite difficult to fully describe. In fact, you're probably better offer just watching it yourself without knowing anything in advance, and forming your own opinions. That's how I first saw it years ago (knowing nothing about it prior to viewing); it was real late at night back in '04 or so, and it was either this Korean film I somehow hadn't heard of, or a Lorenzo Lamas helmed low budget action flick. I clearly chose wisely that evening (sorry Mr. Latin Heartthrob). As the movie I chose played out, I went from: "this is OK enough to watch, to this is a pretty interesting film, to this is getting a little bizarre, to this a mesmerizing piece of cinema". In all honesty, after the credits rolled, I was simply awestruck by WTF I had just watched.
If you want to watch the movie as I first did without prior knowledge as to what it's about (which I fully recommend), DON'T READ THIS PARAGRAPH!...Your story involves a "slightly off" young man who is convinced there are aliens among us that mean to do us harm. With the help of his girlfriend, he's determined to rid the world of these aliens, and hence; 'save the green planet'. He kidnaps what he believes is the leader of these aliens on earth, and systematically tortures him to find the truth about the alien plans. Then, it's a matter of slowly uncovering whether this captor is just a delusional loon, or the key to saving the entire world, or somewhere in between.
This film runs the gamut from being a standard crime mystery thriller, to a torture flick, to a simple tale about life & love & humanity, to an outrageous sci-fi film about the beginnings & end of mankind. You name it, and this movie probably has it; it's as strange as it is grounded, as devious as it is poignant, as simple as it is complex, etc; it somehow manages to successfully juggle so many differing emotions, ideas, and stories together in an astonishingly effortless way that doesn't even seem possible.
As for the acting: Your lead actor is played Shin Ha-kyun. He's always been a really good actor, but, he gives a terrific performance here as the man who's determined to save Earth at all costs. The rest of the actresses and actors involved in this film are all solid to excellent in their performances as well. Job Well Done by everyone involved.
Look; I'd been a huge fan of Asian cinema in general long since prior to watching this film, and, it was pretty clear to me that Korea was starting to bring it big time back in the early 2000's; with Park Chan-wook's vengeance trilogy already under away, and a number of decent spy thrillers, love stories, and rom-coms in the bag, you couldn't help but notice the talent on display in the up and coming Hallyu industry at that time. But, Save the Green Planet was perhaps the final tipping point (in my opinion anyway) that convinced the "non believers" once and for all. Most people look to Old Boy's release a year later, which is also a movie I dearly love, as THE seminal Korean film from that era (and rightfully so), but, you'd be doing yourself a huge disservice if you didn't at least give this "somewhat overlooked" film a look see.
You might not like it, you may love it, you be 'meh' about it. Regardless, I consider this movie to be mandatory viewing for any cinephile, or, any random moviegoer for that matter!...I just watched it again a month or so ago, and it's as awesome as it ever was! If you haven't seen it, I implore you to check it out someday when you get a chance!
Bottom Line: 9 out of 10 stars!...HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
P.S. Save the Green Planet is the only feature film this director ever helmed. That alone is simply astonishing. Word is he's now back though, and has signed up one of Korea's highest profile actors to star in the new film he's directing. Hmmmm, CAN'T WAIT!!!
A rather surprisingly good movie...
paul_haakonsen19 July 2013
I had no idea what I went into here when I sat down to watch "Save the Green Planet!" "(Jigureul jikyeora!"). But let me just say right now, that I am very glad that I did sit down to watch the movie.
"Save the Green Planet!" has it all; comedy, drama, Sci-Fi, and even a bit of horror. It does sound like a strange combo, yes, but ultimately it worked out quite well.
The story is about Byeong-gu (played by Ha-kyun Shin) who believes aliens are planning to invade Earth and he is the one chosen to protect planet Earth against the alien invaders. He kidnaps and tortures Kang Man-shik (played by Yun-shik Baek) whom he believes is the leader of the aliens. Helping Byeong-gu is his girlfriend Su-ni (played by Jeong-min Hwang).
The characters in the movie are really deep, with lots of characteristics, and they are so very well portrayed on the screen, which makes it so easy to submerge yourself into the storyline and the universe portrayed in the movie. And hats off to Ha-kyun Shin for his portrayal of Byeong-gu, he was just amazing.
"Save the Green Planet!" surprised me with the torture scenes that were in it. I hadn't expected anything like that from the movie. But it worked very well, especially because it was very crucial to the storyline. It is quite graphical at times, so be warned.
If you enjoy Korean movies, then you definitely have to watch "Save the Green Planet!", because it is well worth the time and effort. This movie is a rather amazing surprise.
"Save the Green Planet!" has it all; comedy, drama, Sci-Fi, and even a bit of horror. It does sound like a strange combo, yes, but ultimately it worked out quite well.
The story is about Byeong-gu (played by Ha-kyun Shin) who believes aliens are planning to invade Earth and he is the one chosen to protect planet Earth against the alien invaders. He kidnaps and tortures Kang Man-shik (played by Yun-shik Baek) whom he believes is the leader of the aliens. Helping Byeong-gu is his girlfriend Su-ni (played by Jeong-min Hwang).
The characters in the movie are really deep, with lots of characteristics, and they are so very well portrayed on the screen, which makes it so easy to submerge yourself into the storyline and the universe portrayed in the movie. And hats off to Ha-kyun Shin for his portrayal of Byeong-gu, he was just amazing.
"Save the Green Planet!" surprised me with the torture scenes that were in it. I hadn't expected anything like that from the movie. But it worked very well, especially because it was very crucial to the storyline. It is quite graphical at times, so be warned.
If you enjoy Korean movies, then you definitely have to watch "Save the Green Planet!", because it is well worth the time and effort. This movie is a rather amazing surprise.
Insane, and insanely funny
poikkeus17 May 2005
The set-up alone for Save the Green Planet demands your attention.
When a drugged up, marginalized bee-keeper (Ha-kyun Shin) researches the background of a powerful industrialist (Yun-shik Baek), he can draw only one conclusion: the latter is an alien from Andromeda with designs on taking over the Earth on the next eclipse. And he does what any paranoid, stimulant-addled citizen might do -- kidnap the man, shackle him in his basement, and torture the truth out of him.
From this wacky premise comes one of those rare films that successfully mixes dark comedy with true pathos. But the real excitement comes with the film-making, which offers cinematic parodies, inventive plotting, and some penetrating commentary on the evolution of humankind. If Charlie Kaufman were South Korean, this would be the kind of film he'd make.
Alternative history fans will roll in the aisles with the film's wry treatment of UFOs, the death of the dinosaurs, alien abduction, and all sorts of science fiction clichés. Save the Green Planet is just plain fun -- scary fun, uncomfortable fun -- but you won't dare doze off for even an instant.
When a drugged up, marginalized bee-keeper (Ha-kyun Shin) researches the background of a powerful industrialist (Yun-shik Baek), he can draw only one conclusion: the latter is an alien from Andromeda with designs on taking over the Earth on the next eclipse. And he does what any paranoid, stimulant-addled citizen might do -- kidnap the man, shackle him in his basement, and torture the truth out of him.
From this wacky premise comes one of those rare films that successfully mixes dark comedy with true pathos. But the real excitement comes with the film-making, which offers cinematic parodies, inventive plotting, and some penetrating commentary on the evolution of humankind. If Charlie Kaufman were South Korean, this would be the kind of film he'd make.
Alternative history fans will roll in the aisles with the film's wry treatment of UFOs, the death of the dinosaurs, alien abduction, and all sorts of science fiction clichés. Save the Green Planet is just plain fun -- scary fun, uncomfortable fun -- but you won't dare doze off for even an instant.
A Deeply Engrossing Film, Spoilt By Its Own Indecision
benjamin_lappin11 April 2007
Warning: Spoilers
NO EXACT DETAILS HAVE BEEN MENTIONED WITHIN MY REVIEW, BUT I HAVE TICKED THE SPOILER BOX BECAUSE MY QUALMS DERIVE FROM THE FILMS FINAL TEN MINUTES...
Rarely do we see films that blend together so many elements and genres into one single spectacle, however 'Save The Green Planet' manages to achieve this near impossible feat successfully...until the end.
Fusing elements of science fiction and comedy with notably darker moments of psychological tension, Save The Green Planet is an extremely watchable film, which will have you hooked right from the get-go, the unfortunate issue being that by the films conclusion you may end up like myself being completely and totally revolted.
My revulsion does not derive from the perceived "torture" scenes, which are notably not as grim as other reviewers would have you believe (infact the graphic nature almost pales in comparison to "Sympathy For Mr Vengeance), but from the films conclusion, but we shall come to that during my own conclusion.
Save The Green Planet, for one hour forty minutes is a superb film, the fusion of the genres while possibly seeming far-fetched is an utter success but more importantly the narratives and sub plots which drive the story forward are plausible and engaging. The tri-tiered nature of the film stems from Byung-Gu's internal angst with his history, his insanity and his prisoner, and carries on throughout the film with Byung-Gu's abduction of the alleged alien, his mentally underdeveloped 'girlfriend' and her questioned loyalty to him and the police forces attempts to find Byung-Gu (not to mention the internal angst within various elements of the department).
The film is gripping, engaging and thoroughly enjoyable which keeps you hanging on til the end, when everything crumbles like a house of cards caught in a gust of wind, and the problem stems from everything that is so successful with this film. While Save The Green Planet has managed to fuse several styles, the director decides at the last minute to change direction and completely shift the dynamic of the film, so what works unravels. The point of Byung-Gu throughout the film is that due to the harsh upbringing he received, through all the violence that was bestowed upon him and the lack of love he received (tipified by his "losing it" when his mother dies) becomes a shell of a man who treads into insanity and is addicted to drugs which only further his delusions. However, after the twist everything is shattered. Byung-Gu's actions them become entirely justified, and all momentum all point and purpose of the film is lost. Those who have seen the film will know of what I speak, and some may derive enjoyment from the somewhat geeky twist, but I felt it spoilt what was turning out to be a riproaringly successful film, and trivialised it. Yes, you could say it's more in tune with the comedic nature of the film, but for me the comedy was only present to provide relief from the excessive tension and furore that was stemming from the battles within Byung's mind and his "laboratory".
I apologise for the somewhat disjointed nature of my review, but then the entire nature of Save The Green Planet is disjointed. It manages to fuse together so many genres and yet at the end, does not know what genre it wishes to be. There are so many possible endings for this film (and having noticed there are deleted scenes on the DVD, hazard a guess at one or two being alternate endings), but even if there are not the film should have stuck to its path. It was successful merely by the incorporation of the styles, without a need to chop and change between them, it worked well as a whole, but the director in the films finale breaks them up, throws away all the elements which were brought together and focuses on one. This film would have been an eight or higher had the ending just not been so damned infuriating. It does not make it funny nor poignant, and to be frank I don't want to have to watch this film again and be on the side of Byung knowing the outcome. This film had such promise and it pains me to be so scathing of it, I really enjoyed watching this film, but the ending for me has Spoilt The Green Planet.
Rarely do we see films that blend together so many elements and genres into one single spectacle, however 'Save The Green Planet' manages to achieve this near impossible feat successfully...until the end.
Fusing elements of science fiction and comedy with notably darker moments of psychological tension, Save The Green Planet is an extremely watchable film, which will have you hooked right from the get-go, the unfortunate issue being that by the films conclusion you may end up like myself being completely and totally revolted.
My revulsion does not derive from the perceived "torture" scenes, which are notably not as grim as other reviewers would have you believe (infact the graphic nature almost pales in comparison to "Sympathy For Mr Vengeance), but from the films conclusion, but we shall come to that during my own conclusion.
Save The Green Planet, for one hour forty minutes is a superb film, the fusion of the genres while possibly seeming far-fetched is an utter success but more importantly the narratives and sub plots which drive the story forward are plausible and engaging. The tri-tiered nature of the film stems from Byung-Gu's internal angst with his history, his insanity and his prisoner, and carries on throughout the film with Byung-Gu's abduction of the alleged alien, his mentally underdeveloped 'girlfriend' and her questioned loyalty to him and the police forces attempts to find Byung-Gu (not to mention the internal angst within various elements of the department).
The film is gripping, engaging and thoroughly enjoyable which keeps you hanging on til the end, when everything crumbles like a house of cards caught in a gust of wind, and the problem stems from everything that is so successful with this film. While Save The Green Planet has managed to fuse several styles, the director decides at the last minute to change direction and completely shift the dynamic of the film, so what works unravels. The point of Byung-Gu throughout the film is that due to the harsh upbringing he received, through all the violence that was bestowed upon him and the lack of love he received (tipified by his "losing it" when his mother dies) becomes a shell of a man who treads into insanity and is addicted to drugs which only further his delusions. However, after the twist everything is shattered. Byung-Gu's actions them become entirely justified, and all momentum all point and purpose of the film is lost. Those who have seen the film will know of what I speak, and some may derive enjoyment from the somewhat geeky twist, but I felt it spoilt what was turning out to be a riproaringly successful film, and trivialised it. Yes, you could say it's more in tune with the comedic nature of the film, but for me the comedy was only present to provide relief from the excessive tension and furore that was stemming from the battles within Byung's mind and his "laboratory".
I apologise for the somewhat disjointed nature of my review, but then the entire nature of Save The Green Planet is disjointed. It manages to fuse together so many genres and yet at the end, does not know what genre it wishes to be. There are so many possible endings for this film (and having noticed there are deleted scenes on the DVD, hazard a guess at one or two being alternate endings), but even if there are not the film should have stuck to its path. It was successful merely by the incorporation of the styles, without a need to chop and change between them, it worked well as a whole, but the director in the films finale breaks them up, throws away all the elements which were brought together and focuses on one. This film would have been an eight or higher had the ending just not been so damned infuriating. It does not make it funny nor poignant, and to be frank I don't want to have to watch this film again and be on the side of Byung knowing the outcome. This film had such promise and it pains me to be so scathing of it, I really enjoyed watching this film, but the ending for me has Spoilt The Green Planet.
so shocking and good
kleaner7 April 2003
This is one of the most unprecented korean films I've ever seen. It contains almost every film genre, horror, comedy, action, thriller and so on. The story is very rare to find in the main stream movis. The plot was so surprising. Acting, and cinematography were also superb. Assuming that it's the director's dubut film, I expect that he becomes a great master as he keeps making movies. This is a true rule breaker. Other Korean fist timer directors, who made such crap as "Jungle Juice" and "My wife is a gangster" and there are so many, should reflect on themselves.
Sci-fi comedy or bitter social satire?
guilhem_nou28 July 2007
Great science-fiction cum thriller Korean comedy which actually ends up as a bitter social satire of South Korea's recent history. The film starts as the hero, a deranged beekeeper, kidnaps the wealthy CEO of a chemical conglomerate because the former believes that the latter is an evil alien. Then there a two stories unfolding in parallel: the criminal investigation by the Seoul police, and the confrontation between the kidnapped CEO and his abductor. During the time of the abduction, we slowly realise that the CEO and the deranged beekeeper have known each other for a while, and that the most wicked is not the one we thought... When the police finally find the CEO and his kidnapper, all hell breaks loose the ending was the one part of the film I liked least. The film is still a must see. Very recommended.
Ahead of it's time
ben_kim11 May 2004
Very strange film.. It's a comedy, drama, sometimes serious sometimes not.. And sad.
Anyone who is a true fan of film will find this interesting at worst..
UFO/Sci-fi fans stay away... This isn't an Alien film and you won't find what you're looking for.
The film tells the story of a fanatic who tracks down aliens that are living in our society. He comes across an important business man and keeps him in his basement to force him to give up information about his alien race.
Anyone who is a true fan of film will find this interesting at worst..
UFO/Sci-fi fans stay away... This isn't an Alien film and you won't find what you're looking for.
The film tells the story of a fanatic who tracks down aliens that are living in our society. He comes across an important business man and keeps him in his basement to force him to give up information about his alien race.
Disturbing scenes - not for the weak hearted
zhixiong29 May 2005
Warning: Spoilers
In case you have not watched 'My Sassy Girl', which was made in 2001... 'Save the Green Planet' is not the first Korean film to mix multiple genres into one movie.
'Save the Green Planet' wrongfully marketed as a comedy in Korea, flopped in the silver screens. It did badly in box office sales because people were expecting a family orientated comedy movie while eating their popcorn.
The talented lead actor, Shin Ha-kyun, has also acted in Joint Security Area, Guns & Talks, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and My Brother (some of the more popular movies). He portrays a believable eccentric man who is desperate to keep his brain-dead mom alive and stop aliens from destroying Earth.
Music wise, this movie does not score well. It was unbearable for me to watch during some of the scenes which was totally music-less. This sacred art of silence is not easy to engineer and the director has failed.
I would recommend 'Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance' and 'Oldboy'. Both are Park Chan-wook's revenge films and Oldboy won Jury Grand Prize in the Cannes Film Festival 2004 after high praises by Quentin Tarantino. Of course not to forget the all-time popular romance comedy 'My Sassy Girl' that took Asia by storm in 2001 and made people sit up and embrace Korean movies.
Hope you enjoy Korean movies as much as I do.
Mao points: 6/10
'Save the Green Planet' wrongfully marketed as a comedy in Korea, flopped in the silver screens. It did badly in box office sales because people were expecting a family orientated comedy movie while eating their popcorn.
The talented lead actor, Shin Ha-kyun, has also acted in Joint Security Area, Guns & Talks, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and My Brother (some of the more popular movies). He portrays a believable eccentric man who is desperate to keep his brain-dead mom alive and stop aliens from destroying Earth.
Music wise, this movie does not score well. It was unbearable for me to watch during some of the scenes which was totally music-less. This sacred art of silence is not easy to engineer and the director has failed.
I would recommend 'Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance' and 'Oldboy'. Both are Park Chan-wook's revenge films and Oldboy won Jury Grand Prize in the Cannes Film Festival 2004 after high praises by Quentin Tarantino. Of course not to forget the all-time popular romance comedy 'My Sassy Girl' that took Asia by storm in 2001 and made people sit up and embrace Korean movies.
Hope you enjoy Korean movies as much as I do.
Mao points: 6/10
Mismarketed and gory.
kyrat2 May 2006
As others have mentioned this film is marketed incorrectly. From the cover and the write up (having nothing else to go on), I thought it looked like a comedy. I expected more sci-fi, less sadism. I was thinking something like Brazil, odd, twisted, but not something where I had to close my eyes and/or fast forward through parts. I don't mind a little violence, but this was tasteless and unending!
I did kind of like the ending, but I only got there because I refuse to stop watching films. Otherwise I'd have been out of there after the first 20 minutes.
I wanted to like this film, to recommend it to friends, but I find myself unable to. I want to write a warning on the DVD case for the next deluded person who picks it up at the library and misinterprets the film.
I did kind of like the ending, but I only got there because I refuse to stop watching films. Otherwise I'd have been out of there after the first 20 minutes.
I wanted to like this film, to recommend it to friends, but I find myself unable to. I want to write a warning on the DVD case for the next deluded person who picks it up at the library and misinterprets the film.
A Movie I Almost Wanted To Show Everyone
nihaofarwest-11 December 2004
Warning: Spoilers
But Ended Up Not Wanting To Show Anyone.
It's too bad really. Save the Green Planet has a lot of things going for it. The characters are so good they should be transplanted into another movie, a kinder, gentler movie that doesn't lose it's brains (and force you to eat them from a dirty dogbowl) in the third act. Why do I think so? That requires a spoiler disclosure.
SPOILER WARNING: Do Not Pass (Kapu!)
You can call me a wimp for not lapping up all the gratuitous torture as form of entertainment and/or comedy but a steam powered dildo torture device is not as funny as you might think, really. No, really! Okay, maybe a little bit at first, but then it gets scary. Ouch ouch ouch. When CrazyTortureDude's stocky yet delightful girlfriend hits the road, you probably should too. And if you're still around by the time she returns, watch out because the movie shifts gears from really painful to truly retarded. The homage to 2001: A Space Odyssey? Oh my god, send that sh*t back to film school. Why did the director think he needed to justify Byeong-Gu with a sappy montage of his traumatic childhood? Naively crafted and a poor apology. The point where I could have sympathized with Byeong-Gu had it's head smashed on a rock and eaten by bees. AND The twist at the end was lame. :p
If you're into painful movies, but don't like them to be painfully stupid pick up Old Boy or better yet, Sympathy for Mr Vengeance.
....
One thing I wondered about, and perhaps someone could clear up. At first, I thought this movie was by the same director as "Attack the Gas Station" and there seemed to be references to it in the script. Is there a connection?
It's too bad really. Save the Green Planet has a lot of things going for it. The characters are so good they should be transplanted into another movie, a kinder, gentler movie that doesn't lose it's brains (and force you to eat them from a dirty dogbowl) in the third act. Why do I think so? That requires a spoiler disclosure.
SPOILER WARNING: Do Not Pass (Kapu!)
You can call me a wimp for not lapping up all the gratuitous torture as form of entertainment and/or comedy but a steam powered dildo torture device is not as funny as you might think, really. No, really! Okay, maybe a little bit at first, but then it gets scary. Ouch ouch ouch. When CrazyTortureDude's stocky yet delightful girlfriend hits the road, you probably should too. And if you're still around by the time she returns, watch out because the movie shifts gears from really painful to truly retarded. The homage to 2001: A Space Odyssey? Oh my god, send that sh*t back to film school. Why did the director think he needed to justify Byeong-Gu with a sappy montage of his traumatic childhood? Naively crafted and a poor apology. The point where I could have sympathized with Byeong-Gu had it's head smashed on a rock and eaten by bees. AND The twist at the end was lame. :p
If you're into painful movies, but don't like them to be painfully stupid pick up Old Boy or better yet, Sympathy for Mr Vengeance.
....
One thing I wondered about, and perhaps someone could clear up. At first, I thought this movie was by the same director as "Attack the Gas Station" and there seemed to be references to it in the script. Is there a connection?
with a little less blood and gore, this could have been perfect
planktonrules11 July 2006
Warning: Spoilers
WARNING--THIS MOVIE CONTAINS EXTREME VIOLENCE AND BLOODSHED
I really wanted to love this movie. After all, it has one of the most inventive plots I have ever seen--a man is convinced that there are invaders from Andromeda and he kidnaps the highest-ranking one of them! The problem, though, is late in the film this quirky comedy becomes a giant bloodbath! You find out this crazy but likable kidnapper had killed and dismembered a dozen others AND the movie itself becomes unrelentingly violent and bloody! The gore level is so high, that I have great reservations recommending you watch it--kids should definitely NOT watch the film. And that's really too bad, as the performances are excellent and the story takes so many delightful twists and turns--especially with the amazing ending to the film. With a re-editing and getting rid of the gratuitous gore, it could have easily scored a 10. I would really love to see this movie remade with this in mind.
I really wanted to love this movie. After all, it has one of the most inventive plots I have ever seen--a man is convinced that there are invaders from Andromeda and he kidnaps the highest-ranking one of them! The problem, though, is late in the film this quirky comedy becomes a giant bloodbath! You find out this crazy but likable kidnapper had killed and dismembered a dozen others AND the movie itself becomes unrelentingly violent and bloody! The gore level is so high, that I have great reservations recommending you watch it--kids should definitely NOT watch the film. And that's really too bad, as the performances are excellent and the story takes so many delightful twists and turns--especially with the amazing ending to the film. With a re-editing and getting rid of the gratuitous gore, it could have easily scored a 10. I would really love to see this movie remade with this in mind.
Well Crafted Film
porsche9889200017 November 2003
This movie was quite a shock, when I first watched it. It did very badly in the Korean Box office. But however, this films has some elements that I've never seen in a film before. It has almost all the genre you could think of. Its funny, serious, thrilling, sad, shocking, and the plot that will grab your attention from beginning of the movie. However, some people might not like it... because they might think is some stupid sci-fi junk that has been made before. But I strongly disagree. Watch this film! and you won't regret!
I liked it better when it was titled "Misery"
fuzzy_wunz5 June 2005
Kathy Bates made audiences cringe with her portrayal of a fanatic woman gone mad. In later years, the formula was revisited to provide commentary and critique on obsessive behaviors. In "Save The Green Planet" the fanaticism centers around someone obsessed with UFOs and aliens, but the formula basically remains the same, though there are a few absurd twists to make it palatable to people who thrive on absurdity.
The acting is adequate, the production is slick and the mood is consistently stifling and dark. The requisite torture scenes are there as well as the brilliant sleuths who turn into bumbling idiots at convenient moments. Most of the plot is okay if not formulaic, but it's been done before and better. Lee Byeong-gu and Kang Man-shik both do great jobs and, for me, they're about the only things that save this movie from mediocrity.
I'd easily recommend this flick as it doesn't disappoint, but it's not entirely brilliant either. In fact, it's quite the opposite, yet it still manages to retain some desperate, silly charm. At moments it feels derivative--almost like a collection of movies were thrown into a permutation machine to produce this outcome--but over-analysis aside, it's mildly entertaining.
The acting is adequate, the production is slick and the mood is consistently stifling and dark. The requisite torture scenes are there as well as the brilliant sleuths who turn into bumbling idiots at convenient moments. Most of the plot is okay if not formulaic, but it's been done before and better. Lee Byeong-gu and Kang Man-shik both do great jobs and, for me, they're about the only things that save this movie from mediocrity.
I'd easily recommend this flick as it doesn't disappoint, but it's not entirely brilliant either. In fact, it's quite the opposite, yet it still manages to retain some desperate, silly charm. At moments it feels derivative--almost like a collection of movies were thrown into a permutation machine to produce this outcome--but over-analysis aside, it's mildly entertaining.
A stunning film which successfully crosses genres with ease
hoggaglust-114 August 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Save The Green Planet was one of those films that kept 'looking' at me from the shelves whilst DVD shopping. Usually, I only collect Asian horror movies, but (as with the equally bizarre Happiness of the Katikuris) I couldn't resist taking a look at this one. I'm so glad I did.
I know that you should never judge a book by its cover, but looking at the Green Planet's sleeve notes, you'd be forgiven for assuming this was a lighthearted, screwball comedy with the trademark 'bonkers' story line and characterisations. How wrong you would be. Whilst many of the elements in Green Planet are about as bonkers as bonkers gets, the film is intrinsically a touching, sad and fulfilling piece of cinema. There are some truly horrifying moments too, and it's only when we realise the truth behind the protagonist's irrational and violent behaviour that we can feel heartfelt sympathy for his empty, one man crusade against 'alien' invaders. The tension in the scenes where the protagonist's hostage tries; (and almost succeeds) to escape from his underground dungeon is about as effective as anything you will witness in a movie.
At once funny, tense, horrifying, and inevitably tragic, Save The Green Planet is a strange, sad but uplifting film well worth a place in your DVD collection.
I know that you should never judge a book by its cover, but looking at the Green Planet's sleeve notes, you'd be forgiven for assuming this was a lighthearted, screwball comedy with the trademark 'bonkers' story line and characterisations. How wrong you would be. Whilst many of the elements in Green Planet are about as bonkers as bonkers gets, the film is intrinsically a touching, sad and fulfilling piece of cinema. There are some truly horrifying moments too, and it's only when we realise the truth behind the protagonist's irrational and violent behaviour that we can feel heartfelt sympathy for his empty, one man crusade against 'alien' invaders. The tension in the scenes where the protagonist's hostage tries; (and almost succeeds) to escape from his underground dungeon is about as effective as anything you will witness in a movie.
At once funny, tense, horrifying, and inevitably tragic, Save The Green Planet is a strange, sad but uplifting film well worth a place in your DVD collection.
Crazy Environmentalists Unite!
davidbello77725 November 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Jang Joon-hwan's Save the Green Planet is a jet black comedy with a serious message. Through the veil of farce, scenes containing high-intensity drama can easily be upstaged if not careful about their comedic approach in this 2003 South Korean film. Although Joon- hwan's portrayal of a descent into madness keeps us guessing and excited over which side to support, Save the Green Planet is really a story with a moral call-to-arms about saving the earth. The main character is falsely convinced that the end is coming from aliens, when it is really from us humans.
Lee Byeong-gu is a man who's lost a lot and replaced it with insanity and conspiracy. Dressed in a makeshift Ghostbusters-meets-Back-to-the-Future type of gadget suit, complete with accessory belt and makeshift body bag poncho, we can easily recognize that a screw or two is loose in his brain. After convincing his dimly-lit bulb of a girlfriend that aliens are planning to destroy the earth in a week's time, he informs her of his plan to kidnap the CEO of a large chemicals company, who is believed to be an impostor in human skin; a high- ranking alien official from Andromeda who communicates with "The Prince" of his race concerning the destruction of the Earth. This is where we begin our drama. Through scenes of abundant energy and boundless ambition, the interrogation of, and police search for, CEO Kang begins.
But we discover that Kang is not Lee's first victim. In our era of modernity we find many innovations in cinema. As the plot progresses, Korean genre-bending takes full hold to balance scenes of emotional genuinity contrasting farce, futility and madness. Of course Kang is just a prickish CEO and underneath the quest to save the Earth by killing aliens, Lee also has a bone to pick with the president of the company his mother worked for until an accident comatized her, but what really makes this film memorable is its intertwining of dramatic pull for both sides. We want to sympathize with the wounded Lee, whom society has wronged all his life, but we want to see justice brought to the victims of his murders and Kang released.
There is a touching scene in which the second police officer is thwarted and Kang admits to being an alien and tells the story of their presence on the planet. He explains that humans are dangerous, destructive, just as violent as they are powerful and have carefully been given another chance. As the decision approaches to keep or destroy humanity, Kang reveals that Lee's comatose mother is one of their many experiments. Whether or not this is a ploy to buy time or remains to be seen. There is a nostalgic musical motif that follows the images of the destructive humanity which has been seen in many flashbacks of Lee's life and how it made him a psychotic killer.
There is a visually stunning scene of a detective being attacked by bees kept by Lee, in which he tries to shoot the swarm of bees with his revolver, only killing one or two. in the midst of this futility and comic outcome, there is a stark parallel to Lee's attempts to save the earth by killing alien suspects, most of whom he has ultimately determined were in fact human. The aim of the criticism Lee unleashes is very anti-capitalistic, as Kang has no sympathy for idiots like him that try to come on top. After the death of his mother, Lee leaves all of his books of research and information on the aliens to a tied-up detective and says that if he fails in defeating them the responsibility lies in detective's hands. Lee's tenacity shows itself in the several times he is seemingly killed during the climax of the film, but always gets another hit out on Kang. The police ultimately catch up with them and finish Lee off.
Upon Kang's narrow escape and multiple wounds, he is once again treated as royalty by the police who escort him to the car and all is well. Or is it? Unexpectedly, but not all unpredictably, Kang is whisked off to an alien spaceship, the details of which corroborate with his story perfectly. Disgusted by the torture and corruption of the humans which have even sickened the planet's core, he then sentences the earth to destruction as he says it is a "failed experiment." After its brief destruction, the credits roll alongside a television projecting the happy memories of Lee's childhood, once more with the nostalgic motif playing.
Lee's last words are "Now who will save the Earth?" As they appear to be the stubbornness of his madness unto death, we are left to peer past the words of the madman and ask ourselves the same question. The detective, representing the archetypal every man, is left with the responsibility of being the catalyst to the change which may yet be barely enough to save the earth.
Lee Byeong-gu is a man who's lost a lot and replaced it with insanity and conspiracy. Dressed in a makeshift Ghostbusters-meets-Back-to-the-Future type of gadget suit, complete with accessory belt and makeshift body bag poncho, we can easily recognize that a screw or two is loose in his brain. After convincing his dimly-lit bulb of a girlfriend that aliens are planning to destroy the earth in a week's time, he informs her of his plan to kidnap the CEO of a large chemicals company, who is believed to be an impostor in human skin; a high- ranking alien official from Andromeda who communicates with "The Prince" of his race concerning the destruction of the Earth. This is where we begin our drama. Through scenes of abundant energy and boundless ambition, the interrogation of, and police search for, CEO Kang begins.
But we discover that Kang is not Lee's first victim. In our era of modernity we find many innovations in cinema. As the plot progresses, Korean genre-bending takes full hold to balance scenes of emotional genuinity contrasting farce, futility and madness. Of course Kang is just a prickish CEO and underneath the quest to save the Earth by killing aliens, Lee also has a bone to pick with the president of the company his mother worked for until an accident comatized her, but what really makes this film memorable is its intertwining of dramatic pull for both sides. We want to sympathize with the wounded Lee, whom society has wronged all his life, but we want to see justice brought to the victims of his murders and Kang released.
There is a touching scene in which the second police officer is thwarted and Kang admits to being an alien and tells the story of their presence on the planet. He explains that humans are dangerous, destructive, just as violent as they are powerful and have carefully been given another chance. As the decision approaches to keep or destroy humanity, Kang reveals that Lee's comatose mother is one of their many experiments. Whether or not this is a ploy to buy time or remains to be seen. There is a nostalgic musical motif that follows the images of the destructive humanity which has been seen in many flashbacks of Lee's life and how it made him a psychotic killer.
There is a visually stunning scene of a detective being attacked by bees kept by Lee, in which he tries to shoot the swarm of bees with his revolver, only killing one or two. in the midst of this futility and comic outcome, there is a stark parallel to Lee's attempts to save the earth by killing alien suspects, most of whom he has ultimately determined were in fact human. The aim of the criticism Lee unleashes is very anti-capitalistic, as Kang has no sympathy for idiots like him that try to come on top. After the death of his mother, Lee leaves all of his books of research and information on the aliens to a tied-up detective and says that if he fails in defeating them the responsibility lies in detective's hands. Lee's tenacity shows itself in the several times he is seemingly killed during the climax of the film, but always gets another hit out on Kang. The police ultimately catch up with them and finish Lee off.
Upon Kang's narrow escape and multiple wounds, he is once again treated as royalty by the police who escort him to the car and all is well. Or is it? Unexpectedly, but not all unpredictably, Kang is whisked off to an alien spaceship, the details of which corroborate with his story perfectly. Disgusted by the torture and corruption of the humans which have even sickened the planet's core, he then sentences the earth to destruction as he says it is a "failed experiment." After its brief destruction, the credits roll alongside a television projecting the happy memories of Lee's childhood, once more with the nostalgic motif playing.
Lee's last words are "Now who will save the Earth?" As they appear to be the stubbornness of his madness unto death, we are left to peer past the words of the madman and ask ourselves the same question. The detective, representing the archetypal every man, is left with the responsibility of being the catalyst to the change which may yet be barely enough to save the earth.
Courageous and highly diversified avant-garde cinema that remains coherent, accessible and easy to understand
kluseba11 November 2011
This is one of the most unusual, diversified and courageous movies you might ever see in your life. Don't get fooled by the silly trash cover or the strange movie title, the Korean cinema delivers once again a new masterpiece that easily beats any Hollywood movie. This flick is beyond compare and completely unique.
It mixes several genres such as comedy, drama, psychological thriller, investigation suspense, horror, science-fiction and more. This movie never fails to surprise and switches from slapstick elements and situation comedy to a dark criticism of modern society and melodramatic drama sequences. In one moment, you have a quite rough torture scene in a basement with a lot of blood and in the next minute, a completely ridiculous science-fiction tale will be told with a lot of entertaining absurdity. This experimental style fits surprisingly well and the movie doesn't seem incoherent. Everything remains clear and easy to follow which is not always the case in modern Asian cinema. The first fifteen minutes or so may seem strange because this movie is very unique but once you're into it which happens extremely fast, you will get drowned into a fantastic story. The movie is funny, sad, brutal, romantic and always energizing.
Maybe the ending was a little bit too predictable for me but most of the people who have the courage to check this movie out may still be surprised. There are still tons of surprises, twists and special events featured in this stunning flick. The rest of the movie is so close to perfection that I didn't want to give a lower rating than the perfect one. The acting is amazing and diversified. The movie is full of original ideas and surprises. The camera work is very well done and the music is also great. Anybody who likes the world of cinema must adore this maybe with the exceptions of more conservative science-fiction maniacs as this movie has not a lot to do with aliens, spaceships and invasion. It's in fact a very human and somewhat touching film.
If you like any kind of original and experimental cinema that is not too surreal and abstract but rather fast paced and diversified, this movie is your new bible. This is one of those movies which I would suggest you to see once in a lifetime.
It mixes several genres such as comedy, drama, psychological thriller, investigation suspense, horror, science-fiction and more. This movie never fails to surprise and switches from slapstick elements and situation comedy to a dark criticism of modern society and melodramatic drama sequences. In one moment, you have a quite rough torture scene in a basement with a lot of blood and in the next minute, a completely ridiculous science-fiction tale will be told with a lot of entertaining absurdity. This experimental style fits surprisingly well and the movie doesn't seem incoherent. Everything remains clear and easy to follow which is not always the case in modern Asian cinema. The first fifteen minutes or so may seem strange because this movie is very unique but once you're into it which happens extremely fast, you will get drowned into a fantastic story. The movie is funny, sad, brutal, romantic and always energizing.
Maybe the ending was a little bit too predictable for me but most of the people who have the courage to check this movie out may still be surprised. There are still tons of surprises, twists and special events featured in this stunning flick. The rest of the movie is so close to perfection that I didn't want to give a lower rating than the perfect one. The acting is amazing and diversified. The movie is full of original ideas and surprises. The camera work is very well done and the music is also great. Anybody who likes the world of cinema must adore this maybe with the exceptions of more conservative science-fiction maniacs as this movie has not a lot to do with aliens, spaceships and invasion. It's in fact a very human and somewhat touching film.
If you like any kind of original and experimental cinema that is not too surreal and abstract but rather fast paced and diversified, this movie is your new bible. This is one of those movies which I would suggest you to see once in a lifetime.
What a shocker
eiratan25 January 2004
I've been wanting to see this for a little while, knowing that it was just one of those films that didn't fit a category and was hard to describe. After having seen it I'm forced to agree with just about everybody in that it's impossible to describe per genre. It's got a bit of everything, so defining the film is nearly impossible. That doesn't really get me at all, What really gets me here is just how well the director seems to scooch around these genre blurring pieces and present such a deep, emotional story. After you dig through all the little jokes, the amazing cinematography and stylish editing, and the wonderful performances in this film you still have a very moving if not jarring plot that really uses its own devices and with out apologizing for any of the darker points, tells this guys story.
Despite my inability to really describe this film, I do have to say that is truly amazing. I haven't been this impressed with a film in a good long time. This is definately something special and I hope that it finds a following somewhere. It deserves to been seen by more people.
Despite my inability to really describe this film, I do have to say that is truly amazing. I haven't been this impressed with a film in a good long time. This is definately something special and I hope that it finds a following somewhere. It deserves to been seen by more people.
Terrible!!
chris-251226 July 2005
I saw this movie last night at the cinema and boy was it awful. It's basically a cross between Haneke's Funny Games and Peter Jackson's Dead Alive. You'd think that would make the quality of this film a no-brainer, but Save The Green Planet has no sense of irony or intelligence whatsoever.
A young man named Lee abducts the CEO of a chemical company thinking the businessman's leading an alien invasion. This would have been a great premise, except over 2/3's of the film is simply interested in figuring out whether Lee is right or just insane. Trust me, he's nuts and frankly, who cares? I was expecting a no-holds barred sci-fi blow-out but instead I got a tired hostage-drama that runs out of ideas before the opening credits even roll.
The 'shock-twist' at the conclusion of the film is pointless because it should have set up the film's SECOND ACT!! (Duh!)
The movie is salvaged by pretty good performances and the camera work is competent and sometimes inventive. Some of the production design is pretty great too, but you know the story's trash when you find yourself admiring a chair.
I also have a very serious problem with the use of real-death footage in the film's last reel. This includes actual scenes of concentration camp victims and race riots. This type of material was also used at the beginning of a very interesting Spanish horror film called "Who Could Kill A Child?" but was cut from most prints for obvious reasons. I feel that's a shame though, because in the context of WCKAC, it provides a sincere subtext to the story and the particular time it takes place. In STGP the death footage seems to be used for shock value and despite the film's super heavy-handed message about the nature of evil, I found it ridiculous and highly offensive.
It's amazing that the animal slaughter footage from Cannibal Holocaust draws so much ire even today, whereas this film, which flippantly displays vintage footage of concentration camp victims being bulldozed into a mass graves is a-OK! What nonsense! Maybe we are so desensitized to this kind of material that we don't even pay attention to it anymore. Or maybe we've gotten so soft as a society we can't even imagine relating to this kind of terrible suffering.
Sad.
A young man named Lee abducts the CEO of a chemical company thinking the businessman's leading an alien invasion. This would have been a great premise, except over 2/3's of the film is simply interested in figuring out whether Lee is right or just insane. Trust me, he's nuts and frankly, who cares? I was expecting a no-holds barred sci-fi blow-out but instead I got a tired hostage-drama that runs out of ideas before the opening credits even roll.
The 'shock-twist' at the conclusion of the film is pointless because it should have set up the film's SECOND ACT!! (Duh!)
The movie is salvaged by pretty good performances and the camera work is competent and sometimes inventive. Some of the production design is pretty great too, but you know the story's trash when you find yourself admiring a chair.
I also have a very serious problem with the use of real-death footage in the film's last reel. This includes actual scenes of concentration camp victims and race riots. This type of material was also used at the beginning of a very interesting Spanish horror film called "Who Could Kill A Child?" but was cut from most prints for obvious reasons. I feel that's a shame though, because in the context of WCKAC, it provides a sincere subtext to the story and the particular time it takes place. In STGP the death footage seems to be used for shock value and despite the film's super heavy-handed message about the nature of evil, I found it ridiculous and highly offensive.
It's amazing that the animal slaughter footage from Cannibal Holocaust draws so much ire even today, whereas this film, which flippantly displays vintage footage of concentration camp victims being bulldozed into a mass graves is a-OK! What nonsense! Maybe we are so desensitized to this kind of material that we don't even pay attention to it anymore. Or maybe we've gotten so soft as a society we can't even imagine relating to this kind of terrible suffering.
Sad.
wow!
skydancer7916 September 2003
I have been a fan of Asia movies for a while now, but this still came as a surprise. This film has it all, and the actors are simply incredible. I've seen two of them in Boksuneun naui geot and have only high praise for them. This movie stars of a bit funny I guess, all the silly suits for hounting aliens, etc. It soon becomes quite disturbing with all the torchering of the "alien" victim. You start to feel how disturbed this guy is. After a while, you start to feel sorry for him. And the end is totally unexpected. You simply must see this movie. You won't see anything like it coming from Hollywood. Or anywhere else I guess.
grrreeeaat movieeee!!
aubad25 June 2003
Save the Green Planet! by Jang, Junwhan is my "first" movie of my life. Gang, Mansik is the alien. Gang, his surname means that he is strong ('gang'hada) and he has the power. Lee, Byunggu was born to good man, but he lives in tragic cause of tragedy of the world. Lee, his surname means this. Byunggu, his personal name means save('gu'hada) the ill('byung'deun) green plnet(ji'gu'). So he planned to save this planet from alien, the power of tragic. Sooni is his girl friend. We don't know her surname from the movie. Her name, Sooni means that she is naive and weak. But she gets the courage from love of or to Byunggu. Maybe This movie is kind of love story. Maybe love will save us. Anyway, I wish this movie become known to the world in Moskva.
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