With Korean cinema setting exceptional standards for the crime genre, “Nocturnal,” directed by Kim Jin-hwang, stands out as a compelling addition. The director previously helmed “The Boys Who Cried Wolf,” and this time, he brings a more experienced crew to the helm. Ha Jung-woo leads the film, an actor well known for his powerful performances in “The Chaser,” “The Yellow Sea,” and “The Handmaiden.” In “Nocturnal,” he plays a ruthless gangster living a quiet life until a single, life-altering event pulls him back into a world of violence. That moment comes when he discovers his younger brother has gone missing. The search for his brother leads him down a path filled with bloodshed and increasingly darker turns.
It’s a familiar story for all because of popular films like “John Wick”. But one of the charms of the film is that it finds a way to make it look fresh and interesting. The film introduces multiple characters into the narrative aside from Ha Jung-woo’s reformed gangster. There’s the writer, the young brother’s wife, a gangster organization, and lastly, the police. The story weaves back and forth between these characters who are all involved in the brother’s disappearance. Since it moves at a leisurely pace and has a complex plot structure, it needs the audience to pay a little more attention to the details than usual to appreciate the film fully.
An interesting theme lies in the story revolving around the missing brother and his wife. Yoo Da-in plays Moon-Young, who is the victim of violence inflicted on her by Ha Jung-woo’s brother. From the moment she’s on screen until the very end, she faces pain for no reason except for the sin of living in the same world as these violent men. Her character quietly represents the suffering that comes from being surrounded by brutality.
Another powerful arc is the one showcasing Ha Jung-woo’s guilt in numerous ways. There is a weight to his silence and a tension in his actions that speaks more than any dialogue. The film never spoon-feeds his remorse, but you can feel it in every fight, every decision, and every quiet moment. These elements benefit from the film’s distinct story structure, which jumps between timelines and perspectives. But this same structure is also the reason why some characters get sidelined.
The writer character played by Kim Nam-Gil and the police detectives who are following the case are sacrificed with limited scope and characterization. Especially the parts concerning Kim Nam-Gil’s character feel chopped in the final cut, which lessens his overall impact on the story. His book becomes more of a plot device than a real window into his mind. It drives the story but never feels fully explored, which is a missed opportunity.
“Nocturnal” is the name of the book written by Kim Nam-Gil’s character in the movie. But in the Korean language, its title means “Broken”, which feels more appropriate to the mood and feel of the film. The cinematography by Park Jung-hun complements this tone with his noirish visuals. The film mostly takes place in seedy clubs, old restaurants, and narrow streets where Ha Jung-woo fights gangs of men using just a metal pipe. There are two standout setpieces that reminded me of “Oldboy’s” hallway fight sequence. These fights, along with the car chases, bring a pulse to the otherwise slow-moving story.
The upbeat music by Hwang Sang-Jun accompanies these action-heavy scenes, especially in building intrigue and coolness around Ha Jung-woo’s character. But interestingly, it’s the film’s use of silence that leaves a stronger impact. There are moments when the absence of music is deafening, especially when characters are caught in emotional turmoil or reflecting on their choices. That contrast gives more weight to their experiences.
While “Nocturnal” tries to bring a fresh approach to the traditional gangster genre, it doesn’t always succeed in handling its characters and story well. With too many story threads happening simultaneously, the narrative often becomes convoluted. Still, there are some really great ingredients that make it an engaging watch. The theme of how violence affects the family feels especially strong and clear.
But when you consider the potential of the film, it becomes apparent that a better focus and a more novel approach to the storytelling could have elevated it. It’s a shame, because at its core, “Nocturnal” is not just about a missing brother or violent men. It’s about the ripple effect of brutality, the silence of victims, and the guilt that follows even the most hardened men. In the end, it’s a great tragedy that a tale about the futility of violence loses itself within the web of its own doing. Yet, the film still offers enough to keep the viewer engaged, especially those willing to look beneath the surface and sit with the emotional undercurrents that quietly haunt every scene.
