Movie Review: The Villagers (2018)

Plot and Pacing

The Villagers (also known as Ordinary People) is a South Korean crime mystery thriller directed by Lim Jin-sun. The story follows an ex-boxer-turned-physical-education-teacher, Gi-cheol (Ma Dong-seok), who arrives in a small rural town and becomes entangled in a missing-person case involving a high school girl. While the film starts off slowly, it gains momentum in the middle, drawing viewers into its mystery. Though the story follows a familiar formula and remains somewhat predictable, it is still engaging enough to keep the audience invested.

Casting and Performances

• Ma Dong-seok (Gi-cheol) – Known for his commanding presence, Ma Dong-seok delivers another solid performance. While this role doesn’t demand intense emotional depth, his strong screen presence and physicality make him a convincing lead. His performance is effective, even if not his most memorable.
• Kim Sae-ron (Yu-jin) – Playing a determined student who refuses to accept the town’s silence regarding her missing friend, Kim Sae-ron brings depth to her character. She portrays Yu-jin’s resilience and emotional struggle well, making her a standout in the film.
• Lee Sang-yeob (Kang) – As the antagonist, Lee Sang-yeob does a good job of adding tension to the narrative. Though his character lacks complexity, he delivers a solid performance as a typical thriller villain.

Action and Suspense

This film does not rely heavily on action, though Ma Dong-seok’s character does get involved in some intense physical confrontations. The fight sequences, while limited, are impactful and play to Ma Dong-seok’s strengths. Instead of fast-paced action, the film leans more on suspense and atmosphere to build tension.

Cinematic and Technical Aspects

• Direction & Screenplay: The film includes classic elements often seen in Asian mystery thrillers, such as a small town hiding dark secrets and a protagonist uncovering the truth against all odds. However, some plot gaps and predictable twists slightly weaken the narrative.
• Cinematography: The visuals effectively capture the eerie and isolated atmosphere of the rural town. The dark, muted color palette enhances the film’s somber tone.
• Music & Sound Design: The background score helps maintain suspense but doesn’t stand out significantly.

Verdict

While The Villagers follows a familiar structure and doesn’t break new ground in the crime mystery genre, it remains a watchable thriller. The combination of Ma Dong-seok’s solid presence, Kim Sae-ron’s compelling performance, and the film’s suspenseful atmosphere makes it worth a watch. Despite some plot gaps and predictability, it keeps the viewer engaged.

Final Rating: 6.5/10 (rounded up to 7 for Ma Dong-seok’s performance and the film’s watchability).