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Amazon.com
Korea's top box-office draw for 2010, the stylish and violent crime drama The Man from Nowhere is a high-octane adrenaline rush for fans of Asian action cinema. South Korean superstar Won Bin (Mother) made his comeback after military service as "Ajeossi" (or "Mister," the film's original title), a pawnbroker in Seoul's vice district who allows only young So-mi (Kim Sae-ron) into his reclusive life. When her mother (Kim Hyo-seo), an exotic dancer saddled with a habit, steals a package of heroin belonging to second-tier gangster Oh (Song Yeong-cheong), the thug retaliates by abducting her and her daughter, sending Ajeossi on a blood-soaked search for the girl. As the pawnbroker racks up an astonishing body count, the facts about his past come to light, which send both the police and the mob on his trail. Director Lee Jeong-beom pitches his film at the same breakneck pace as Ajeossi, pausing only briefly to allow audiences to catch their breath between feverish fight scenes; as an action star, Won Bin displays both impressive athletics and a magnetic screen presence. The violence hews towards the extreme, as does one particularly unsavory aspect about the gangsters' drug trade, so Nowhere is best suited for mature audiences. The DVD includes a making-of featurette and trailers. --Paul Gaita
Product Description
Taesik, a former special agent becomes a loner after losing his wife in a miserable accident and lives a bitter life running a pawn shop. He only has a few customers and a friend name Somi, a little girl next door. As Taesik spends more time with Somi, he befriends her. When Somi is kidnapped by a gang, Taesik tries to save her by becoming deeply associated with the gang. Will his mysterious past get revealed?
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
135 of 142 people found the following review helpful
By YoboDiver
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
WATCH THIS MOVIE!
Won't ruin it for you, but the basic premise is that someone gets kidnapped and this bad a@@ guy saves her. AWESOME! But not for little kids to watch as there is ALOT of violence and a lot of profanity. Action, Action, Action!
One of the best Korean movies that I have EVER SEEN. Won Bin is great in this movie and I have found a new found respect for the guy.
The theme song for the movie is by a Korean band called Mad Soul Child and it's called Dream...awesome song as well.
Won't ruin it for you, but the basic premise is that someone gets kidnapped and this bad a@@ guy saves her. AWESOME! But not for little kids to watch as there is ALOT of violence and a lot of profanity. Action, Action, Action!
One of the best Korean movies that I have EVER SEEN. Won Bin is great in this movie and I have found a new found respect for the guy.
The theme song for the movie is by a Korean band called Mad Soul Child and it's called Dream...awesome song as well.
76 of 82 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: Riveting, pulse-pounding action and drama. "The Man From Nowhere" is simply magnificent!
March 16, 2011
Format:Blu-ray
Riveting, pulse-pounding action and drama. "The Man From Nowhere" is simply magnificent!
The winner of seven Korea Film Awards (the most awards ever received for a film in Korea) and multiple awards worldwide, the 2010 film "The Man From Nowhere" will be released on Blu-ray and DVD in the US on March 8th!
"The Man From Nowhere" was written and directed by Jeong-beom Lee ("Cruel Winter Blues") and stars popular Korean actor Won Bin ("Guns & Talks", "Mother", "Taegukgi", "My Brother").
VIDEO:
"The Man From Nowhere" is presented in 1080p High Definition and is presented in 16:9 widescreen. The picture quality of this film is absolutely wonderful as grime, blood and scars can be seen with detail on the characters. You can see the detail of the suit and clothing of various people, including the buttons on their clothing.
It's important to note that this is a bloody film known for its spectacular knife fight and its violence but by no means is it sadistic in a horror-film type of way.
While a film that does showcase a lot of black and does take place during the nighttime, during the day-time scenes or neon-light club scenes, you do see the vibrant colors. As for the action sequences, no blurring or any interlacing. I saw no compression artifacting, DNR or any significant visual problems. A pretty solid release PQ-wise from Well Go USA.
AUDIO & SUBTITLES:
"The Man From Nowhere" is presented in Korean and English 5.1 DTS-HD Surround Sound. While there is an English dub version of the film, I do not listen to English dubs for live action Asian films and prefer to watch the film in its original language, Korean dialogue with English subtitles. So, I can't comment on the quality of the English dub for this film.
But as for the lossless audio, the dialogue is clear and there are a good amount of action scenes with car chases, car crashing, gunshots and action-sequences which can be heard through the surround channels. While not a film that does have repetitive action that utilizes the surround sound and LFE to create an immersive soundscape, the lossless audio fits this film quite well and is pretty much crystal clear.
The only audio that sounds distorted is the special features but overall, the film sounds great in HD on Blu-ray!
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"The Man From Nowhere" comes with the following special features in standard definition:
[...]
[...]
[...] Teaser - (1:08) A teaser trailer for "The Man From Nowhere"
[...] Full Trailer- (1:42) The original theatrical trailer for "The Man From Nowhere".
[...] Highlights - (5:11) A feature that focuses on the important scenes between Cha Tae-sik and So-mi.
[...] Making Of - (17:23) The making of the action-based sequences. No dialogue but pretty much we can see how those scenes were created with the talent and the crew around them.
EXTRAS:
"The Man From Nowhere" comes with a slipcover case.
JUDGMENT CALL:
I have been highly anticipating to watch this movie. Having heard how it won all these awards in Korea and the fact that I have seen a good number of Korean films and very good ones that never won as many awards as "The Man From Nowhere", you can't help but think that this film must be special.
And after watching it, I can definitely say that this film was truly one of a kind. Stepping away from typical gangster or revenge films by focusing on the characters but also delivering in the action.
I have watched Won Bin grow from Korean dramas and seeing him become a film star, but "The Man From Nowhere" is a film where he truly shines and what best than to have a story where you play this character that seems quite stoic but then seeing him as an individual with emotions that he has dragged on all these years because of a tragic circumstance.
Also, the film does shed some light on the underground of Korea (which also happens in other countries of Asia) and where this film could have truly been hampered by terrible child acting, young actress Kim Sae-ron who plays So-mi, does it with so much emotion and adds to the film's efficacy.
And while the dramatic portions are well-done, you have or will probably read how "The Man From Nowhere" has one of the best knife fighting scenes in a film. As some Asian cinema fans may be used to seeing in samurai films with sword vs. sword battles, "The Man From Nowhere" is just impressive with its fight choreography that I was amazed. There is no cheapening of the scenes, you are made to feel that the fight scenes look at feel right and never come out feeling disappointed by the results.
This is classic planning and excellent execution when it comes to the action and in balance with great performances, well-written dramatic elements, "The Man From Nowhere" was just magnificent to watch and I enjoyed this film extremely.
Granted, it is bloody and it is violent but the violence are nothing compared to a slasher, horror film, so it's easily tolerable and not scary at all. But if you are sensitive to bloody violence, this film may not be for you. But if you are open to it, this film delivers in riveting, pulse-pounding action and drama. "The Man From Nowhere" is simply magnificent!
So far, Well Go USA has delivered with its Blu-ray release of "Ip Man" and now with "The Man From Nowhere" and with the Asian films that they brought to the U.S. thus far, I'm excited to see what other films they tend to bring in the near future.
Overall, there is really nothing for me to complain about this Blu-ray release. Granted, I wish there were more special features and wish the features were in HD but other than that, "The Man From Nowhere" is a film that I can easily give my highest recommendation.
The winner of seven Korea Film Awards (the most awards ever received for a film in Korea) and multiple awards worldwide, the 2010 film "The Man From Nowhere" will be released on Blu-ray and DVD in the US on March 8th!
"The Man From Nowhere" was written and directed by Jeong-beom Lee ("Cruel Winter Blues") and stars popular Korean actor Won Bin ("Guns & Talks", "Mother", "Taegukgi", "My Brother").
VIDEO:
"The Man From Nowhere" is presented in 1080p High Definition and is presented in 16:9 widescreen. The picture quality of this film is absolutely wonderful as grime, blood and scars can be seen with detail on the characters. You can see the detail of the suit and clothing of various people, including the buttons on their clothing.
It's important to note that this is a bloody film known for its spectacular knife fight and its violence but by no means is it sadistic in a horror-film type of way.
While a film that does showcase a lot of black and does take place during the nighttime, during the day-time scenes or neon-light club scenes, you do see the vibrant colors. As for the action sequences, no blurring or any interlacing. I saw no compression artifacting, DNR or any significant visual problems. A pretty solid release PQ-wise from Well Go USA.
AUDIO & SUBTITLES:
"The Man From Nowhere" is presented in Korean and English 5.1 DTS-HD Surround Sound. While there is an English dub version of the film, I do not listen to English dubs for live action Asian films and prefer to watch the film in its original language, Korean dialogue with English subtitles. So, I can't comment on the quality of the English dub for this film.
But as for the lossless audio, the dialogue is clear and there are a good amount of action scenes with car chases, car crashing, gunshots and action-sequences which can be heard through the surround channels. While not a film that does have repetitive action that utilizes the surround sound and LFE to create an immersive soundscape, the lossless audio fits this film quite well and is pretty much crystal clear.
The only audio that sounds distorted is the special features but overall, the film sounds great in HD on Blu-ray!
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"The Man From Nowhere" comes with the following special features in standard definition:
[...]
[...]
[...] Teaser - (1:08) A teaser trailer for "The Man From Nowhere"
[...] Full Trailer- (1:42) The original theatrical trailer for "The Man From Nowhere".
[...] Highlights - (5:11) A feature that focuses on the important scenes between Cha Tae-sik and So-mi.
[...] Making Of - (17:23) The making of the action-based sequences. No dialogue but pretty much we can see how those scenes were created with the talent and the crew around them.
EXTRAS:
"The Man From Nowhere" comes with a slipcover case.
JUDGMENT CALL:
I have been highly anticipating to watch this movie. Having heard how it won all these awards in Korea and the fact that I have seen a good number of Korean films and very good ones that never won as many awards as "The Man From Nowhere", you can't help but think that this film must be special.
And after watching it, I can definitely say that this film was truly one of a kind. Stepping away from typical gangster or revenge films by focusing on the characters but also delivering in the action.
I have watched Won Bin grow from Korean dramas and seeing him become a film star, but "The Man From Nowhere" is a film where he truly shines and what best than to have a story where you play this character that seems quite stoic but then seeing him as an individual with emotions that he has dragged on all these years because of a tragic circumstance.
Also, the film does shed some light on the underground of Korea (which also happens in other countries of Asia) and where this film could have truly been hampered by terrible child acting, young actress Kim Sae-ron who plays So-mi, does it with so much emotion and adds to the film's efficacy.
And while the dramatic portions are well-done, you have or will probably read how "The Man From Nowhere" has one of the best knife fighting scenes in a film. As some Asian cinema fans may be used to seeing in samurai films with sword vs. sword battles, "The Man From Nowhere" is just impressive with its fight choreography that I was amazed. There is no cheapening of the scenes, you are made to feel that the fight scenes look at feel right and never come out feeling disappointed by the results.
This is classic planning and excellent execution when it comes to the action and in balance with great performances, well-written dramatic elements, "The Man From Nowhere" was just magnificent to watch and I enjoyed this film extremely.
Granted, it is bloody and it is violent but the violence are nothing compared to a slasher, horror film, so it's easily tolerable and not scary at all. But if you are sensitive to bloody violence, this film may not be for you. But if you are open to it, this film delivers in riveting, pulse-pounding action and drama. "The Man From Nowhere" is simply magnificent!
So far, Well Go USA has delivered with its Blu-ray release of "Ip Man" and now with "The Man From Nowhere" and with the Asian films that they brought to the U.S. thus far, I'm excited to see what other films they tend to bring in the near future.
Overall, there is really nothing for me to complain about this Blu-ray release. Granted, I wish there were more special features and wish the features were in HD but other than that, "The Man From Nowhere" is a film that I can easily give my highest recommendation.
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Random Acts of Kindness Make A "Good Action Picture" Into A "Great Action Picture" In THE MAN FROM NOWHERE
April 13, 2011
By Edward Lee
Format:Blu-ray
Random acts of kindness make a `good action picture' into a `great action picture' with THE MAN FROM NOWHERE
South Korea's mega-popular THE MAN FROM NOWHERE was successful for very good reasons, so many that there's no way I could touch upon all of them in a single review. Suffice it to say that it's an action picture whose formula is broad enough to appeal to men (once the action starts, there's never a dull moment), women (there's a strong through-line about caring for society's lost children), male teens (who wouldn't want to be as coolly quiet as the film's lead), and female `tweens' (I've been assured by ladies that star Bin Won is very `easy on the eyes'). If that winning combination isn't enough, then add to the mix the social messages and perhaps a metaphor on "random acts of kindness" and it's no wonder that the film was a huge hit overseas.
Bin Won stars as Tae-sik Cha, who, quite literally, is the film's "man from nowhere." As our story opens, he's seen doing his best to blend into the landscape, buying some sausage to eat in his small apartment. He's treated like anyone on the street who has his slightly disheveled appearance: mostly ignored but slightly suspect due to his unkempt guise. Arriving back home where he runs a pawnshop shop out of his apartment in a quiet, rundown tenement building (the place looks much like he does), he meets the young So-mi hiding in the darkness at the bottom of the stairs. We soon learn that they're begrudging friends (of sorts), with Cha not taking any responsibility for the young girl (whose mother has essentially abandoned her to a life on the streets) but feeling tied to her more as the only responsible adult in her life.
But So-mi's mother is guilty of more than being a bad mother. In an attempt to make a big score selling drugs, she's stolen a small supply from the wrong people; and, when they show up looking for the stash, they're more than happy to take So-mi off the woman's hands because there's a big demand for black market body parts. Who would miss one more deserted child?
The mob never counted on Tae-sik Cha.
Truth be told, Cha is a former government assassin, living a life of self-imposed exile after seeing his wife killed by one of his former enemies. Now that he genuinely has nothing to lose, Cha realizes the only tether keeping him in this world is the young So-mi, so he makes it his personal mission to get her back alive no matter the cost.
The story doesn't stop there, and the plot is developed on several layers. There are competing mobs vying for control of the city's drugs and prostitutes, as well as the supply of human body parts, and, of course, the police can't be far behind. What unfolds is an incredible tale of one man's spirit sinking to the depths of despair and rising to the challenge when he realizes that no one else - not the government, not the police, not anyone - is willing to do what's absolutely necessary to bring down the thugs who snatched So-mi away from her sad life.
There's action a'plenty, and, in several daring twists of direction, not all of it takes place on scene. In fact, Cha's opening salvo against one of the heavies who shows up looking for the stolen drugs doesn't even appear on screen; cleverly, we're only shown a window shattering from outside, and when the camera is back on Cha's apartment, the heavy is out cold on his kitchen floor. Director Jeong-beom Lee clearly knows when to "play the action" and when to pull it back, providing the audience with sufficiently masterful hints as to what happened where we couldn't see. The film remains taut throughout, right up until what is, arguably, one of the most incredible knife fights you'll see on film EVER. I'm not talking samurai swords. I'm not talking fencing. I'm talking down-n-dirty knife fights. Watch closely because you won't forget this choreography any time soon.
Still, what surprised me most about THE MAN FROM NOWHERE isn't so much its penchant for violence, for which there's plenty but decidedly necessary given the circumstances. What surprised me was the underlying message about hidden acts of kindness. The story sprinkles them throughout - Cha allows the neglected So-mi to share a meal with him; So-mi gives Cha a funny little manicure while he's asleep; a kindly old store clerk who turns his head the other way so that the streetwise youth can shoplift some meaningless merchandise; So-mi puts a bandage on an injured killer's forehead cut; a grizzled police detective who grants Cha a parting wish - so much so that I can't help but think that they're all deliberate. Each and every one of these moments is crafted in such a way to deliver a happy message in a film rife with grim elements: you will be repaid for that random act of kindness. You will reap benefits from doing something good for strangers. Your reward may not come instantly, and it probably won't announce itself with any pomp and circumstance, but it'll be there, and you'll know it when you see it.
That's the hidden beauty of THE MAN FROM NOWHERE. The gift of such a great film is far from hidden. It's right there when you see it - laced with gunplay and plenty of derring-do - but you can't escape it.
South Korea's mega-popular THE MAN FROM NOWHERE was successful for very good reasons, so many that there's no way I could touch upon all of them in a single review. Suffice it to say that it's an action picture whose formula is broad enough to appeal to men (once the action starts, there's never a dull moment), women (there's a strong through-line about caring for society's lost children), male teens (who wouldn't want to be as coolly quiet as the film's lead), and female `tweens' (I've been assured by ladies that star Bin Won is very `easy on the eyes'). If that winning combination isn't enough, then add to the mix the social messages and perhaps a metaphor on "random acts of kindness" and it's no wonder that the film was a huge hit overseas.
Bin Won stars as Tae-sik Cha, who, quite literally, is the film's "man from nowhere." As our story opens, he's seen doing his best to blend into the landscape, buying some sausage to eat in his small apartment. He's treated like anyone on the street who has his slightly disheveled appearance: mostly ignored but slightly suspect due to his unkempt guise. Arriving back home where he runs a pawnshop shop out of his apartment in a quiet, rundown tenement building (the place looks much like he does), he meets the young So-mi hiding in the darkness at the bottom of the stairs. We soon learn that they're begrudging friends (of sorts), with Cha not taking any responsibility for the young girl (whose mother has essentially abandoned her to a life on the streets) but feeling tied to her more as the only responsible adult in her life.
But So-mi's mother is guilty of more than being a bad mother. In an attempt to make a big score selling drugs, she's stolen a small supply from the wrong people; and, when they show up looking for the stash, they're more than happy to take So-mi off the woman's hands because there's a big demand for black market body parts. Who would miss one more deserted child?
The mob never counted on Tae-sik Cha.
Truth be told, Cha is a former government assassin, living a life of self-imposed exile after seeing his wife killed by one of his former enemies. Now that he genuinely has nothing to lose, Cha realizes the only tether keeping him in this world is the young So-mi, so he makes it his personal mission to get her back alive no matter the cost.
The story doesn't stop there, and the plot is developed on several layers. There are competing mobs vying for control of the city's drugs and prostitutes, as well as the supply of human body parts, and, of course, the police can't be far behind. What unfolds is an incredible tale of one man's spirit sinking to the depths of despair and rising to the challenge when he realizes that no one else - not the government, not the police, not anyone - is willing to do what's absolutely necessary to bring down the thugs who snatched So-mi away from her sad life.
There's action a'plenty, and, in several daring twists of direction, not all of it takes place on scene. In fact, Cha's opening salvo against one of the heavies who shows up looking for the stolen drugs doesn't even appear on screen; cleverly, we're only shown a window shattering from outside, and when the camera is back on Cha's apartment, the heavy is out cold on his kitchen floor. Director Jeong-beom Lee clearly knows when to "play the action" and when to pull it back, providing the audience with sufficiently masterful hints as to what happened where we couldn't see. The film remains taut throughout, right up until what is, arguably, one of the most incredible knife fights you'll see on film EVER. I'm not talking samurai swords. I'm not talking fencing. I'm talking down-n-dirty knife fights. Watch closely because you won't forget this choreography any time soon.
Still, what surprised me most about THE MAN FROM NOWHERE isn't so much its penchant for violence, for which there's plenty but decidedly necessary given the circumstances. What surprised me was the underlying message about hidden acts of kindness. The story sprinkles them throughout - Cha allows the neglected So-mi to share a meal with him; So-mi gives Cha a funny little manicure while he's asleep; a kindly old store clerk who turns his head the other way so that the streetwise youth can shoplift some meaningless merchandise; So-mi puts a bandage on an injured killer's forehead cut; a grizzled police detective who grants Cha a parting wish - so much so that I can't help but think that they're all deliberate. Each and every one of these moments is crafted in such a way to deliver a happy message in a film rife with grim elements: you will be repaid for that random act of kindness. You will reap benefits from doing something good for strangers. Your reward may not come instantly, and it probably won't announce itself with any pomp and circumstance, but it'll be there, and you'll know it when you see it.
That's the hidden beauty of THE MAN FROM NOWHERE. The gift of such a great film is far from hidden. It's right there when you see it - laced with gunplay and plenty of derring-do - but you can't escape it.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
The most electrifying movie ever!!! 4****
This movie has all the action, suspense, twists, and turns.
The best movie I've seen from Dragon Dynasty.
Must by Blu Ray or DVD
The best movie I've seen from Dragon Dynasty.
Must by Blu Ray or DVD
Published 9 hours ago by George
4.0 out of 5 stars
It was nice, but a little predictable
It was nice, but a little predictable plot . Also it was slow in the middle. But on the whole I liked it
Published 9 hours ago by Anand
4.0 out of 5 stars
Powerful, well-done movie
This was an excellent movie. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because the plot was relatively simple: good guy vs. bad guys. Read more
Published 9 days ago by splanky57
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good but very violent!
This movie is really violent. Sometimes unnecessarily so. But if you can look beyond violence and blood, this is a good movie. A bit dark, yes. But overall good.
Published 12 days ago by Grace Ha
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Action Movie I've Ever Seen
Let me start off by saying I'm an action, horror, martial art, revenge, and lone wolf/assassin movie lover. This movie has all that and the occasional humor and teary eye scenes. Read more
Published 18 days ago by MORNING LU
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome
This movie is incredible. One of my favorites immediately. Despite having to watch it with subtitles, this movie is simply stunning.
Published 21 days ago by Lee Olivares
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome awesome movie
Great movie...came in perfect condition obviously because it was brand new. Best knife fight scene ever in a movie! Thanks!
Published 22 days ago by Joseph Peterman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it
This is a very different type of action movie than most American made action films. They did a great job of developing the relationship between the Man and the young girl. Read more
Published 24 days ago by Stephen Choy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hurry Up And Rent This
This movie is friggin great; the plot, characters, acting, Bravo!!! If you like suspense, action, plot twister, this is your turn off the lights, popcorn ready, comfy clothes on, &... Read more
Published 25 days ago by S. donaven
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant
This is easily one of the best movies I have ever watched; the dvd quality is fantastic; shipping was prompt - no complaints whatsoever.
Published 26 days ago by Lindsey Miller
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