The Man Standing Next

The Man Standing Next is a political thriller movie that was released in 2020. The movie is based on a novel of the same name by Kim Choong-sik which revolves around the assassination of South Korea's former president Park Chung-hee. The movie was directed by Woo Min-ho and stars Lee Byung-hun, Lee Sung-min, and Kwak Do-won in the lead roles.

Set in the early 1970s, the movie follows the life of Kim Gyu-peong (played by Lee Byung-hun), the director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA). Kim is a close confidant of the president and is responsible for protecting the country from any internal or external threats. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that he has become increasingly disillusioned with the president and is determined to take him down.

The movie opens with a scene of Kim Gyu-peong being shown the Presidential Palace for the first time. He is in awe of the grandeur and charm of the palace and is amazed at the amount of power the president wields. He soon learns that he has been appointed as the director of the KCIA and is forced to navigate the corridors of power in order to keep the country safe.

As the movie unfolds, we see the complex relationship between the president and his director of intelligence. The president is arrogant, overbearing, and paranoid, while Kim is calm, composed, and highly intelligent. While the two men work together to maintain the stability of the country, there is a clear sense of tension between them, and it soon becomes clear that they are on a collision course.

The political landscape of the time is highly unstable, with communist threats from North Korea and student protests rocking the country. Kim's job is to keep the president informed about the situation and to take decisive action when necessary. However, as he delves deeper into the president's inner circle, he begins to uncover a web of corruption and deceit that threatens to bring the entire country down.

The Man Standing Next is a movie that is punctuated by moments of high tension and suspense. The script is fast-paced, and the direction is tight, with each scene building on the one that came before it. The performances of the lead actors are outstanding, with Lee Byung-hun, in particular, delivering an exceptional portrayal of a man struggling with his own conscience.

In addition, the movie is beautifully shot, with incredible attention to detail paid to the costumes, sets, and locations. The soundtrack is also exceptional, with a mix of traditional South Korean music and contemporary tracks that add to the mood and tone of the movie.

Overall, The Man Standing Next is a gripping political thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The movie offers a fascinating insight into the complex world of South Korean politics and the lengths that people will go to in order to maintain power. If you are a fan of political dramas, then The Man Standing Next is a must-see movie that should not be missed.