The Man From Nowhere (2010)

The Man From Nowhere (2010) IMDB Link

With 2010’s The Man From Nowhere, South Korea has proven yet again that outside of Hollywood they are far and away the country producing the most top quality films. Although said film is far from original and is littered with cliches it is made with skill and ingenuity that it’s streets of ahead of other films of the same ilk.

The plot revolves the relationship between a little girl named So-Mi, who has a drug addict for a mother, and a mysterious and lonesome pawnshop owner named Tae-Shik who she visits every day. On one of these visits the girl inadvertently hands over a camera case to Tae-Shik that her mother has hidden drugs she has stolen. The drug dealing gang finds out about this, kidnaps the mother and daughter and forces Tae-Shik into making a delivery for them which turns out to part of a much bigger plan. When the mother turns up dead and with so-Mi still missing, Tae-Shik takes it upon himself to bring down the drug gang and rescue the only friend he has.

The most recent film that The Man From Nowhere can be compared to plot wise is the Liam Neeson film Taken but really there is no comparison in quality. Where this film stands out from the rest is in the depth of the story, yes it’s incredibly violent and full of action but also has incredibly touching drama scenes and takes time build the central relationship between Tae-Shik and So-Mi. It’s by no means a mindless action film and will undoubtedly have you engrossed in the plotline. It’s still an incredibly action packed film though with jaw dropping fight scenes from hand to hand combat, shoot ups and chases. It’s all shot with real style and can be very violent and bloody at times. The director certainly doesn’t hold back making The Man From Nowhere definitely an adult action film but one with heart. Despite its 2 hours running time, it never drags as there is always something interesting happening whether it be dramatical or action packed. The final half an hour is just top class action filmmaking that will have you on the edge of your seat. The acting is also excellent with the child actor playing So-Mi being one of the better child actors and Bin-Won as Tae Shik being a real stand out and a future action star.

The Man From nowhere is just a thoroughly entertaining action film with lots of heart and jaw dropping action scenes. Great acting and a solid story make this film a must watch. Brilliant.

9/10