Golden Slumber

Golden Slumber is a 2018 South Korean action thriller film directed by Noh Dong-seok and starring Gang Dong-won, Kim Eui-sung, and Kim Seong-gyoon. It is based on a novel of the same name by Kotaro Isaka.

The story follows Gun-woo (Gang Dong-won), a deliveryman who becomes the prime suspect in a conspiracy to assassinate the President of South Korea. When his childhood friend, Mr. Min (Kim Eui-sung), sets him up and frames him for the murder, Gun-woo goes on the run and must fight for his life while trying to clear his name and uncover the truth behind the conspiracy.

The film opens with Gun-woo's seemingly normal life as a deliveryman, before quickly descending into chaos when he is framed for the assassination. From the moment the police start chasing him, the pace and intensity of the film never let up. Through a series of flashbacks, we learn about Gun-woo's relationship with Mr. Min and how it becomes intertwined with the conspiracy.

As he navigates the dangerous world he finds himself in, Gun-woo must rely on his wits and his physical capabilities to survive. The action sequences are expertly choreographed and keep the audience on the edge of their seat. Gang Dong-won gives a compelling performance as the protagonist, expertly portraying the fear and desperation of a man on the run.

Kim Eui-sung is equally impressive as Mr. Min, the childhood friend whose betrayal sets the events of the film into motion. He is cold and calculating, a master manipulator who always seems two steps ahead of Gun-woo. Kim Seong-gyoon also delivers a strong performance as the police detective tasked with tracking down Gun-woo, despite growing increasingly suspicious of the official story.

One of the strengths of Golden Slumber is its exploration of the themes of friendship and betrayal. Gun-woo's relationship with Mr. Min is complicated and nuanced, and the film does a good job of exploring the emotions that drive their actions. It also touches on the theme of government corruption and the idea of the ordinary person being caught up in political machinations beyond their control.

The film's visual style is also noteworthy, with a muted color palette that lends a sense of darkness and danger to the proceedings. The use of shadow and light is particularly effective, adding depth and texture to the scenes. The score, composed by Jo Yeong-wook, is equally impressive, heightening the tension and drama of the film.

Overall, Golden Slumber is a gripping and intense action thriller that keeps the audience hooked from start to finish. It is an expertly crafted film that explores complex themes with a deft hand, while delivering thrilling action and solid performances from its cast. Highly recommended for fans of the genre.