When it comes to Korean cinema, I am definitely an amateur viewer. But I don't think much was lost on me with this film as far as cultural context. Shin Hye-sun is a very versatile and expressive actress who carried the protagonist role with equal parts grace and humor.
For me, the film hearkened back to the classic Bruce Lee movies like The Big Boss in that we have a reluctant hero(ine) who spends the majority of their time trying to avoid conflict, only to take a stand when cruelty and injustice become intolerable.
This is an excellent watch by any measure, and I highly recommend it. You will hate the villains, love the heroes, and laugh at the antics of both. The climax delivers, and the ending is more than satisfying. I would love to see a sequel!
Side Note: I am curious if Shin Hye-sun did her own stunts and fight choreography, if so, she deserves a place amongst other queens of martial arts cinema like Michelle Yeoh and Cynthia Rothrock. The fights were fast paced, fierce, and brutal.
Brave Citizen
2023 [KOREAN]
Action / Comedy / Drama
Plot summary
An expelled boxing champion, who now is a high-school teacher, witnesses intolerable violence and throws her first punch to build justice against it, while putting on a mask.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
August 24, 2024 at 06:09 PM
Director
Top cast
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Funny, Thought Provoking, and Inspiring
Anyone can be a hero!
There is no need for heroes to be surreal.
Although the story is very long, it shows very beautifully that if we are not indifferent to those around us, and accept our responsibility, we are heroes.
There is no need to create imaginary heroes. The hero can be one of us. He just needs to know what he wants from life.
If you are looking for a movie with a real hero, I suggest you watch this movie. It is fun and has good action, but it is unfortunate that these things happen in schools.
Although the exaggeration of the film is a bit too much, it does not reduce the charm of the film, especially the fighting part, which has good excitement.
Let's be crystal clear - great concept, poor execution
The Korean entertainment industry produces some of the best rom-coms in the world. They did not invent the genre, but they darn well perfected it. They also produce some of the best horror in the world. But when it comes to these sorts of "social justice tales," things get complicated. The concept is brilliant. But, almost from the first scene, the story gets bogged down in Korean social structures. The bully is not merely a bully, he also has powerful parents. Seriously? The female teacher is not merely a teacher, she really really really needs the job. Complicating a simple story never works out. If you want to see this story done right, check out THE SUBSTITUTE 1996. If you want see a Korean "justice" story done right, check out THE MAN FROM NOWHERE, on my list of all-time best films. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))