• Mystery
• Thriller

Nocturnal (Beurokeun) 2025

Nocturnal (Korean title: Broken, Beurokeun) is a 2025 South Korean neo-noir crime thriller written and directed by Kim Jin‑hwang. It stars Ha Jung‑woo, Kim Nam‑gil, Yoo Da‑in, and Jung Man‑sik, and was released in South Korea on February 5, 2025 (premiering domestically on January 22 has been reported in some early listings).🎬 Plot Overview Ha Jung‑woo plays Bae Min‑tae, a former gangster turned construction worker who embarks on a relentless investigation after discovering his brother’s corpse and noticing his sister-in-law has disappeared. Along the way, he crosses paths with Kang Ho‑ryeong (Kim Nam‑gil), a bestselling novelist whose work seemingly predicted the crime. As the layers unravel, the intertwined relationships between crime lords, the police, and Min‑tae bring him closer to a brutal climax.📝 Critics Box Office & Releases Debuted at #1 in South Korea on opening day with over 42,000 admissions, but quickly declined and ended with modest attendance figures (approximately 128,926 admissions and a gross around $1.2 million). Previewed at the Glasgow Film Festival and ultimately screened in 158 countries, including India.Praise Ha Jung‑woo’s performance is frequently highlighted as the film’s strongest asset, commanding attention even when the character is morally ambiguous. Stylistically, the film’s depiction of gritty urban noir—with tense fight scenes, muted soundtrack contrasts, and moody visuals—has been noted as atmospheric and evocative.Criticisms Many reviewers labeled the pacing as slow and dragging, pointing out a lack of emotional investment or narrative propulsion until late in the film. The story’s moral ambiguity—particularly Min‑tae’s refusal to empathize with his abusive brother’s victim—is framed by some critics as problematic and unexamined. Secondary characters, including the novelist and police figures, are seen as underdeveloped, contributing little beyond plot mechanics.🎯 Opening Weekend Released on February 5, 2025 (limited release, ~818 screens) Debuted at #3 during the weekend of February 7–9, earning approximately $620,000 USD (~KRW 1.93 billion), with 94,267 admissions, capturing about 13% market share.🧾 Cumulative Performance Grossed around $1.03 million USD by the second weekend (~161,000 admissions). Ultimately closed with a total domestic gross of approximately $1.24–$1.27 million USD across ~128,926 to 161,000 admissions.📌 Conclusion Nocturnal is a stylish but uneven South Korean noir thriller that excels in atmosphere and lead performance, especially through Ha Jung‑woo’s gripping portrayal of a haunted man seeking truth and vengeance. While its gritty visuals and somber tone deliver the noir experience, the film is weighed down by slow pacing, underdeveloped side characters, and unresolved moral ambiguity. It’s a compelling watch for fans of dark, brooding crime dramas, but may frustrate viewers looking for emotional depth or narrative clarity. Read More

• 2025
• 1 h : 39 min
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