Doctor Omega
Member: Rank 10
Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade
Director: Kim Jee-Woon (“I Saw the Devil,” “The Age of Shadows”)
Cast: Jung Woo-sung, Han Hyo-joo, Gang Dong-won, Han Ye-ri, Heo Jun-ho
Details: Right up there with Park Chan-Wook’s “Oldboy,” Kim Jee-Woon’s 2010 thriller “I Saw the Devil” gave us an honest to god fresh take on the cop hunts a serial killer formula and one of the most remarkable works of Asian cinema of the past decade. Now he returns with this live-action take on the iconic 1999 anime and manga franchise from “Ghost in the Shell” creator Mamoru Oshii – one that should avoid the pitfalls of THAT film’s Hollywood adaptation last year.
The story is set in an alternate history Korea where a member of an elite para-military police force has his life changed after witnessing a suicide bombing and then falling for the sister of the bomber. The original work was set in a dystopian future with a retro feel, whereas the film is being shifted to a 1950s Korea that has been reunited and which will blend noir, spy thriller and sci-fi elements. Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” is said to be a big influence on the tone and feel Kim wants to achieve.