It is a tremendously agonizing story that is unfortunately filled with the usual tropes that are so prevalent in many crime movies made in South Korea. It is understandable why they had to add the police padding, but I couldn't help rolling my eyes when I realized that it's the same old police incompetence presented in a way where officers go out of their way to show that they would rather be literally anywhere else than actually doing their job. Don't get me wrong; as far as I understand, they deserved such a portrayal because they have fumbled the case so hard that they couldn't organize a simple stakeout for a pick-up, and the guy got away with money never to be seen again, but it's not like the movie was trying to be realistic in showcasing how the 44 days went down. They make the kidnapper into a smooth criminal who follows everyone, knows everything, and is always several steps ahead. If the core idea, according to the director, was to shame and guilt-trip the perpetrator, then the only thing this movie is going to end up succeeding at is boosting his ego.
Of course, the main bulk of the movie shows the agony of the parents, who are progressively losing hope, sanity, God, and each other. They are played magnificently and will probably ignite so much empathy in anyone watching since you hardly even need to be a parent to strongly relate to something no one is safe from.
Of course, the main bulk of the movie shows the agony of the parents, who are progressively losing hope, sanity, God, and each other. They are played magnificently and will probably ignite so much empathy in anyone watching since you hardly even need to be a parent to strongly relate to something no one is safe from.