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Editorial Reviews
From South Korea comes this wild take on Sergio Leone s classic spaghetti Western The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. It s 1930s Manchuria and greed is in the air. A manic outlaw, a nasty holy man and a determined bounty hunter are all in hot pursuit of a treasure map. Throw in Chinese gangsters, the Japanese army and other rival factions also in pursuit of the invaluable map, and it all comes down to a you ve-got-to-see-it-to-believe-it showdown in the desert. One of the most expensive films ever made in South Korea, THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE WEIRD was the talk of festivals worldwide and won such prizes as the Asia Pacific Screen Award for its cinematography and the Asian Film Award for Best Supporting Actor (Jung Woo-sung).
Customer Reviews
“ Surf Manchuria!] If you like westerns, Asian cinema, great cinematography, nutty genre humor, or/and just a good old-fashioned fun movie, Good Bad Weird is for you. ”
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
47 of 49 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Small wonder that after director Kim Jee-Woon's magnificent "A Tale of Two Sisters" and the terrific "A Bittersweet Life" that his next film would be so eagerly anticipated. "The Good, The Bad, The Weird" has won numerous awards in Asia, achieved box-office acclaim in South Korea and has been selected for the Cannes film festival. I've said before that an Asian western isn't exactly an original concept; there was a video game called "Western Samurai", the Hong Kong produced "Peace Hotel" and most recently, Takashi Mike's "Sukiyaki Western Django" from Japan. Well, it seems like South Korea won't be left behind and with Kim Jee-Woon at the helm, expectations are rather high and the man doesn't disappoint.
A two-bit bumbling crook named Tae-Goo "The Weird" (Song Kang-Ho, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance) robs a train only to unintentionally make off with a Quing Dynasty treasure map. Everyone wants this map; the Japanese army, the Korean independence group as well as a lot of shady characters. On Tae-goo's tail is a relentless killer named Park Chang-Yi "The Bad" (Lee Byung-Hyun, A Bittersweet Life) who is also after the map and has a seemingly personal reason as to why he wants Tae-Goo's head on a plate. In hot pursuit for both of them is a bounty hunter named Park Do-Won (Jung Woo-Sung, The Restless) who can do nicely with the bounty for Chang-Yi's capture or the treasure itself. Now, these three men are on a collision course--who would win out in the end?
Kim Jee-Woon's "The Good the Bad the Weird" is an extremely well-made film and is a highly entertaining genre-busting affair. This chaotic period similar to the wild west in America, a Machuria-set "kimchi" western (as opposed to "sukiyaki") is a melting pot of all things awesome about westerns and looks like a homage to Sergio Leone's "spaghetti westerns". There's a train heist, lots of shoot-outs in a small town and cool characters. You'll see bits and pieces of "The Good the Bad and the Ugly" (so obvious with the film's title), "A Fistful of Dollars" and even Miike's "Sukiyaki Western Django". The film has a very large budget and it shows, the film is exquisitely shot and the superb style and camerawork reminded me of Ryuhei Kitamura (Azumi). Director Kim definitely knows his stuff in style and with the film's intriguing concept, Asian and Korean cinema fans have reason to see this film, and it is definitely something that a "solid" Asian film fan just can't miss.
The film's set designs and architecture maintain some of that "dynasty-era" Korean period but it does have a strong touch of the old west. It has some rather creative touches; there is some swordplay, knives used with brutality, there's a big guy with a huge hammer, a "sleeping Buddha" under construction, rifles with telescopes, motorcycles and jeeps, saloons and more--all these contribute to the film's "mixing of genres" style. Director Kim also seems to be having a lot of fun with the film, as he never forgets his touches of humor to help the film's pace and his stunning camerawork which proves to be the film`s showstopper. Explosions and gunfire are aplenty; highlights include a very cool town gunfight and a very long chase sequence with the ensembled cast supported by dozens of extras. I've read that Kim actually had cameramen hanging on wires to shoot the desert scenes--Kim Jee-Woon's talent shines through.
The action scenes are very exciting and exquisitely executed. It looks like director Kim took some pointers from Ryuhei Kitamura because they are just so full of "coolness" that can make action scribe John Woo a little jealous. Kim also avoids the use of CGI in the action and depends mostly on elaborate stunts and old-fashioned camera trickey; there is minimal use of CGI enhanced effects but only in the film's set designs. Ok, so some scenes required a large suspension of disbelief, I rather found Jung Woo-Sung's Do-Won's skills with a gun a little too over-the-top especially when he engages a large number of the Japanese army. He never even gets grazed by a bullet so either Do-Won is unbelievably good or these guys just supremely suck. But hey, this is a minor complaint, after all I don't think this film was meant to be taken seriously and more of a homage film. Hey, please take note that Kim doesn't hold back with the blood--and the way he executes it kept the film from having too much of that "comic bookish" feel. There is also a legend of a certain "Finger chopper" that gives some surprises and I felt that the screenplay played its cards well.
Song Kang-Ho's Tae-Goo arguably steals the show and proves to be the film's most interesting character--the actor also proves as to why he is one of South Korea's most sought after performers. The man can act in almost any film I've seen that further cements his reputation in versatility. Lee Byung Hyun does have the most intense presence onscreen, his character along with Song Kang-Ho's Tae-goo are the kind of characters that can elevate the film into "cult status". Jung Woo-Sung's "the Good" character feels a little too cool and lacks precision, but the actor does do the best with what he has. Still, the three popular actors mesh very well and has dynamic chemistry. Oh, the women are also great-looking and serves to titillate the male audience.
"The Good, The Bad, The Weird" is a very polished film that lived up to my expectations. The film's plot isn't too deep, but the film's "wow" factor is just so incredibly impressive that I can look pass the very simple plot which makes it essentially a chase film. It is a solid film, that exudes popcorn entertainment but its characters do carry much of the film's weight. It may be little too pre-occupied in becoming captivated with itself but its small flaws aren't really worth to nitpick. The film is an action-packed affair that action junkies will never become bored--as for the rest, they can find something else to like in the film--its characters, style and performers will definitely impress. I'm happy to say that Kim Jee-Woon's film lived up to the hype.
Highly Recommended! [4 ˝- Stars]
There are two versions of the film. The International version (the one presented in Cannes) is arguably the better paced, leaner film that maintains a touch of mystery at the end. The Korean 130 minute cut has more development to Tae-Goo's character and an extended climax that answers a lot of questions. The official U.S. version is expected to have the original 130 minute version.
A two-bit bumbling crook named Tae-Goo "The Weird" (Song Kang-Ho, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance) robs a train only to unintentionally make off with a Quing Dynasty treasure map. Everyone wants this map; the Japanese army, the Korean independence group as well as a lot of shady characters. On Tae-goo's tail is a relentless killer named Park Chang-Yi "The Bad" (Lee Byung-Hyun, A Bittersweet Life) who is also after the map and has a seemingly personal reason as to why he wants Tae-Goo's head on a plate. In hot pursuit for both of them is a bounty hunter named Park Do-Won (Jung Woo-Sung, The Restless) who can do nicely with the bounty for Chang-Yi's capture or the treasure itself. Now, these three men are on a collision course--who would win out in the end?
Kim Jee-Woon's "The Good the Bad the Weird" is an extremely well-made film and is a highly entertaining genre-busting affair. This chaotic period similar to the wild west in America, a Machuria-set "kimchi" western (as opposed to "sukiyaki") is a melting pot of all things awesome about westerns and looks like a homage to Sergio Leone's "spaghetti westerns". There's a train heist, lots of shoot-outs in a small town and cool characters. You'll see bits and pieces of "The Good the Bad and the Ugly" (so obvious with the film's title), "A Fistful of Dollars" and even Miike's "Sukiyaki Western Django". The film has a very large budget and it shows, the film is exquisitely shot and the superb style and camerawork reminded me of Ryuhei Kitamura (Azumi). Director Kim definitely knows his stuff in style and with the film's intriguing concept, Asian and Korean cinema fans have reason to see this film, and it is definitely something that a "solid" Asian film fan just can't miss.
The film's set designs and architecture maintain some of that "dynasty-era" Korean period but it does have a strong touch of the old west. It has some rather creative touches; there is some swordplay, knives used with brutality, there's a big guy with a huge hammer, a "sleeping Buddha" under construction, rifles with telescopes, motorcycles and jeeps, saloons and more--all these contribute to the film's "mixing of genres" style. Director Kim also seems to be having a lot of fun with the film, as he never forgets his touches of humor to help the film's pace and his stunning camerawork which proves to be the film`s showstopper. Explosions and gunfire are aplenty; highlights include a very cool town gunfight and a very long chase sequence with the ensembled cast supported by dozens of extras. I've read that Kim actually had cameramen hanging on wires to shoot the desert scenes--Kim Jee-Woon's talent shines through.
The action scenes are very exciting and exquisitely executed. It looks like director Kim took some pointers from Ryuhei Kitamura because they are just so full of "coolness" that can make action scribe John Woo a little jealous. Kim also avoids the use of CGI in the action and depends mostly on elaborate stunts and old-fashioned camera trickey; there is minimal use of CGI enhanced effects but only in the film's set designs. Ok, so some scenes required a large suspension of disbelief, I rather found Jung Woo-Sung's Do-Won's skills with a gun a little too over-the-top especially when he engages a large number of the Japanese army. He never even gets grazed by a bullet so either Do-Won is unbelievably good or these guys just supremely suck. But hey, this is a minor complaint, after all I don't think this film was meant to be taken seriously and more of a homage film. Hey, please take note that Kim doesn't hold back with the blood--and the way he executes it kept the film from having too much of that "comic bookish" feel. There is also a legend of a certain "Finger chopper" that gives some surprises and I felt that the screenplay played its cards well.
Song Kang-Ho's Tae-Goo arguably steals the show and proves to be the film's most interesting character--the actor also proves as to why he is one of South Korea's most sought after performers. The man can act in almost any film I've seen that further cements his reputation in versatility. Lee Byung Hyun does have the most intense presence onscreen, his character along with Song Kang-Ho's Tae-goo are the kind of characters that can elevate the film into "cult status". Jung Woo-Sung's "the Good" character feels a little too cool and lacks precision, but the actor does do the best with what he has. Still, the three popular actors mesh very well and has dynamic chemistry. Oh, the women are also great-looking and serves to titillate the male audience.
"The Good, The Bad, The Weird" is a very polished film that lived up to my expectations. The film's plot isn't too deep, but the film's "wow" factor is just so incredibly impressive that I can look pass the very simple plot which makes it essentially a chase film. It is a solid film, that exudes popcorn entertainment but its characters do carry much of the film's weight. It may be little too pre-occupied in becoming captivated with itself but its small flaws aren't really worth to nitpick. The film is an action-packed affair that action junkies will never become bored--as for the rest, they can find something else to like in the film--its characters, style and performers will definitely impress. I'm happy to say that Kim Jee-Woon's film lived up to the hype.
Highly Recommended! [4 ˝- Stars]
There are two versions of the film. The International version (the one presented in Cannes) is arguably the better paced, leaner film that maintains a touch of mystery at the end. The Korean 130 minute cut has more development to Tae-Goo's character and an extended climax that answers a lot of questions. The official U.S. version is expected to have the original 130 minute version.
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By Key Chung
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
I love this film. I am admittedly a junkie for Korean cinema, and this is one of the better films to come from that country in the past few years. A really exciting, action-filled "eastern" that takes place in the early 20th century in Manchuria. There are some flat-out great gun fights and chases throughout the entire film. Actually, the movie is like one giant chase with ample set pieces. The camera work and pacing is excellent and the performances are quite memorable. The tone is comically light, but never cartoonish. If you consider yourself a fan of action cinema, this is a must-watch.
BUT, the blu-ray is 1080i!! Most of the time when Asian films get a 1080i transfer, it's because that's the only one available and the studio releasing the film is lazy/cheap. Like with some of the HK/Chinese blus. What that means practically is that there was pixellating in the image when the camera panned slowly. Also, in wide shots with lots of little detail, the image gets kinda blocky. This is a particularly unforgivable offense as there is another, apparently great 1080p transfer available in other markets. Very lame IFC. Sorry.
BUT, the blu-ray is 1080i!! Most of the time when Asian films get a 1080i transfer, it's because that's the only one available and the studio releasing the film is lazy/cheap. Like with some of the HK/Chinese blus. What that means practically is that there was pixellating in the image when the camera panned slowly. Also, in wide shots with lots of little detail, the image gets kinda blocky. This is a particularly unforgivable offense as there is another, apparently great 1080p transfer available in other markets. Very lame IFC. Sorry.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good humored Asian Western with plenty of action and a fine blu-ray transfer
August 18, 2010
Format:Blu-ray
Sergio Leone on a bender in 1930s Manchuria.
Almost non-stop action, most of it tongue in cheek but nicely choreographed, lots of color and pizazz, and above all an endearing sense of absurdity make this a pleasure to watch. Director Ji-Woon knows the genre well and delights in subverting it without mercy; the guy in the diving helmet was one of my favorites. Any movie that takes itself this unseriously yet also delivers thrills and humor is a success by any measure; that it's Korean and does Hollywood one better makes it all the more fun.
Some of the violence is a little overdone, but it's all rather comic-bookish anyhow. The real highlight for me were the many incredibly long, tight tracking shots, full of wild angles and unexpected twists and turns of the camera. Shots like that take great care and preparation and for so many of them to work so well is no mean feat (the extras docs show just how wild some of these set-ups were). To have it all be this wacky and light-hearted yet also so breakneck is a real achievement. Plus the acting is both gleefully hammy and surprisingly well done: I never once thought, "What a crappy take." Somehow it all just fits, once again in the spirit of the best spaghetti westerns.
It does go on a little longer than it might have, with too much time spent pontificatin' to no real end, but that and the occasional gratuitously graphic violence were my only qualms. I loved that there was no English-language dubbing (which is so often so bad), just the original Korean and good subtitles full of flavor and colloquial feel. This is how it should be done. All in all, it's an over the top shoot-em-up and delivers on that promise in spades, diamonds and treasure maps.
The blu-ray is very nicely done, not a flawless transfer but very good, and there are a bunch of solid extras, including various interviews and making-ofs; it's a nice package and will no doubt contribute to this film's inevitable cult status. There've been a few other Asian westerns but this one is in a league of its own, and the quality of the image along with the color and the humor make it a real treat to watch. And it's almost all shot outdoors in natural light, often in gloriously huge mountainous wilderness, so it feels very real even with all its goofiness, and the final motorcycle/horse/jeep battle is a true classic.
[A note to any surfers out there: when you see the sea in the distance at 1:18:02, check out those insane, endless tubes peeling off in a perfect set. Surf Manchuria!]
If you like westerns, Asian cinema, great cinematography, nutty genre humor, or/and just a good old-fashioned fun movie, Good Bad Weird is for you.
Almost non-stop action, most of it tongue in cheek but nicely choreographed, lots of color and pizazz, and above all an endearing sense of absurdity make this a pleasure to watch. Director Ji-Woon knows the genre well and delights in subverting it without mercy; the guy in the diving helmet was one of my favorites. Any movie that takes itself this unseriously yet also delivers thrills and humor is a success by any measure; that it's Korean and does Hollywood one better makes it all the more fun.
Some of the violence is a little overdone, but it's all rather comic-bookish anyhow. The real highlight for me were the many incredibly long, tight tracking shots, full of wild angles and unexpected twists and turns of the camera. Shots like that take great care and preparation and for so many of them to work so well is no mean feat (the extras docs show just how wild some of these set-ups were). To have it all be this wacky and light-hearted yet also so breakneck is a real achievement. Plus the acting is both gleefully hammy and surprisingly well done: I never once thought, "What a crappy take." Somehow it all just fits, once again in the spirit of the best spaghetti westerns.
It does go on a little longer than it might have, with too much time spent pontificatin' to no real end, but that and the occasional gratuitously graphic violence were my only qualms. I loved that there was no English-language dubbing (which is so often so bad), just the original Korean and good subtitles full of flavor and colloquial feel. This is how it should be done. All in all, it's an over the top shoot-em-up and delivers on that promise in spades, diamonds and treasure maps.
The blu-ray is very nicely done, not a flawless transfer but very good, and there are a bunch of solid extras, including various interviews and making-ofs; it's a nice package and will no doubt contribute to this film's inevitable cult status. There've been a few other Asian westerns but this one is in a league of its own, and the quality of the image along with the color and the humor make it a real treat to watch. And it's almost all shot outdoors in natural light, often in gloriously huge mountainous wilderness, so it feels very real even with all its goofiness, and the final motorcycle/horse/jeep battle is a true classic.
[A note to any surfers out there: when you see the sea in the distance at 1:18:02, check out those insane, endless tubes peeling off in a perfect set. Surf Manchuria!]
If you like westerns, Asian cinema, great cinematography, nutty genre humor, or/and just a good old-fashioned fun movie, Good Bad Weird is for you.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
South Korea's Wild, Colorful Modern Homage to the Spaghetti Western
This self-dubbed "kimchee western" wears its inspiration on its sleeve, throws caution to the wind and just goes for it. And, unexpectedly, it's an almost-unanimous success. Read more
Published 13 days ago by drqshadow
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Korean Movie
This film will keep you entertained all the way when you talk about Kim Chee westerns this is what you mean ! Read more
Published 18 days ago by A. Sciuto
4.0 out of 5 stars
Title says it all
This was thoroughly enjoyable. Acting matched the title, The stunt work was outstanding,scary but believable. I would recommend this friends and enemies.
Published 19 days ago by arthur murata
5.0 out of 5 stars
Weird Gift for my Son
Thank goodness there is an Amazon for times which items on your family's Christmas Wish List contains items for which you have no clue as to where to begin a search for them. Read more
Published 1 month ago by KCWANGSVICK
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
I loved this movie so much. Despite having subtitles, this movie had my attention from start to finish. Five stars :)
Published 1 month ago by Timeka Porter
5.0 out of 5 stars
one of the greatest homages ever
In home to Sergio Leone's Man without a Name trilogy appears this beautifully shot and directed western that is filled with nonstop action and comedy. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Fernando Correa
5.0 out of 5 stars
Korean spaghetti....
It is what it is....not necessarily a great film, but certainly a great action film.... The story is decent: three characters in search of one treasure map in Japanese occupied... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Dr. Morbius
5.0 out of 5 stars
So aptly named!
Truly, the most bizarrely funny, violent and clever film, ever!
Chinese, Manchurian and Korean all tossed in together with, I have no idea how literal, great English... Read more
Chinese, Manchurian and Korean all tossed in together with, I have no idea how literal, great English... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Norman Lipson
4.0 out of 5 stars
crazy,funny,entertaining
im a fan of all movies. i must say i was entertained and laughed quite a bit. really good watch. will buy more from these actors/director.
Published 3 months ago by Frank Rodriguez
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great movie and a great price
I have seen the movie on netflix before and wanted to own this classic before it went into obscurity. It was cheap and came brand new like seller said in factory seal.
Published 3 months ago by justin seibert
