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An ace crisis negotiator faces off against a cold-blooded hostage taker. Over the course of 21 hours, she attempts to crack his unusually calm demeanor and force him to reveal his motivations.
Duration: 114 min
Released: 2018
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10 (973 Votes)
Stars: Ye-jin Son, Hyun Bin, Sang-ho Kim, Gwang Jang
Directors: Jongsuk Lee
Writers: Sung-Hyun Choi, Park Myeong-Chan
Year: 2018
Also Known As: Hyeob-sang
The Negotiation (2018) is a South Korean action-crime thriller that grips audiences with its intense storyline, intricate character dynamics, and thrilling sequences. Directed by Lee Jong-seok, the film stands out in the genre for its emotional depth and taut narrative, making it one of the memorable Korean movies released in 2018.
Plot Summary:
The film centers around Ha Chae-yoon (played by Son Ye-jin), a skilled crisis negotiator in the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. She is called in to handle a tense hostage situation involving a ruthless arms dealer, Min Tae-gu (played by Hyun Bin), who has taken several hostages and seems to have a hidden agenda. Unlike standard hostage scenarios, the situation escalates quickly due to Min Tae-gu’s cryptic demands and personal motivations.
As Ha Chae-yoon engages in delicate negotiations with Min Tae-gu, she discovers that the crisis is not just about monetary ransom or political leverage; there is a stabbing secret behind the entire event that links both their pasts in unexpected ways. The story unfolds to reveal a layered narrative involving corruption, betrayal, and the lengths people go to protect their secrets. The tension continually builds as Ha negotiations teeters on a razor’s edge—one wrong move could lead to disaster.
Main Cast:
Director and Writer:
The film is directed by Lee Jong-seok, known for his ability to craft suspenseful and character-driven narratives. The screenplay was penned by Jung Byeong-sun, who successfully combines action elements with psychological tension, resulting in a tight and compelling script that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish.
Style and Reception:
The Negotiation expertly balances gripping action sequences with intense psychological drama. The film’s cinematography employs close-ups and claustrophobic framing during negotiation scenes, enhancing the feeling of tension and urgency. The direction focuses on character interplay, particularly the verbal sparring between the negotiator and the kidnapper, which reveals their backstories and motivations gradually.
Upon its release, the movie was praised for its suspenseful storyline, strong performances—particularly from Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin—and well-executed action scenes. It also touched on themes like morality, justice, and the darker side of the arms trade, making it more than just a straightforward thriller.
Conclusion:
The Negotiation is a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers and Korean cinema. Its blend of intense action, psychological drama, and stellar performances by two of South Korea’s biggest stars make it stand out as a highly engaging movie. Whether you're drawn by the suspenseful hostage negotiation plot or the emotional depth of the characters, this film offers a gripping experience from beginning to end.
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