Korean Movie Review: The Negotiation (2018)
Themes of Honesty and Integrity
Hyun Bin’s character demands honesty, posing a significant challenge for the negotiators.
This theme of truthfulness resonates with fans of detective K-dramas and legal dramas, where the pursuit of truth, despite its costs, is a central value.
“The Negotiation” emphasizes this theme, showcasing how some characters go to great lengths to hide their secrets, while others risk everything for honesty.
The central question becomes how negotiators can maintain their integrity while navigating a web of lies to secure the release of hostages.
Contrasting Negotiation Styles
The film contrasts different negotiation styles — from subtle, nuanced approaches to frank and tough tactics. This dynamic is about laying all the cards on the table and seeing who comes out on top.
The burden on the negotiators is palpable as they navigate a landscape where transparency is restricted, and other entities’ actions further endanger the hostages. This heightens the stakes and adds layers to the plot.
Cultural Nuances and Relatable Details
As a Filipino, one of the standout moments in this movie is the classic line, “Wag, nandito na tayo eh,” which means, “No, we’re already here.” I even joked with a friend, “Kaya pala maganda ‘tong The Negotiation kasi Pinoy yung hostage taker” (“That’s why The Negotiation is good because the hostage taker is Filipino”), and, of course, we both laughed.
If you’ve watched a lot of crime dramas, you’ll notice that the Philippines often appears as a hiding spot for culprits. When the culprit emerges from hiding, they’re usually “coming back from the Philippines.” I won’t delve into how Koreans see our country as a prime spot for hiding criminals — that’s a discussion for another time.
The Thai bag captured on camera made me feel that the director pays attention to small, relatable details. I find that detail particularly charming as I own harlem pants and bags with the iconic blue and white elephant print.
The film showcasing three cultures in one storyline highlights the diversity of Asian culture.
Balanced Stereotyping and Setting Shifts
The film avoids the pitfalls of culprit stereotyping, notably steering clear of implicating the Philippines as a hideout for criminals, a trope often seen in Korean dramas.
Instead, the shift to using Thailand as the venue for the hostage scenario is a refreshing change that helps alleviate stereotypes associated with the Philippines.
Performances and Character Dynamics
Son Ye Jin’s performance is particularly notable, with her teary-eyed expressions evoking memories of her role in “Summer Scent.”
Her soft-spoken demeanor adds a unique dimension to her character, contrasting with the typical portrayal of tough policewomen. This gentleness, paired with Hyun Bin’s equally gentle voice, complements the two leads well.
However, her character’s motivations and internal conflicts could have been more explicitly developed to enhance audience understanding.
Clear-Cut Storytelling
The clear-cut storytelling is beneficial in making the scenes concise and packing the narrative into 1 hour and 54 minutes. At the 43-minute mark, Son Ye Jin steps out of the picture, setting the stage for the next half of the film with tougher decisions to make.
What intrigued me most was how normal military and police officials treat failed negotiations — as just another day on the job. This perspective contrasts with Son Ye Jin’s character, who seems more emotionally invested.
However, the film could have delved deeper into why her character opposes certain decisions — whether it’s due to natural stubbornness or a soft-hearted nature that can’t bear to see dying hostages. Her desperation, though expressed in her lines, lacked the depth needed to fully engage the audience.
Overall Impression
While “The Negotiation” is a good movie, it lacks the intense scenes that would make viewers desperately root for the hostages’ release. After some reflection, it feels like each scene gives away too much, making it predictable. For those who don’t watch too many crime series, this movie may still be interesting. However, for avid fans of the genre, it doesn’t provoke much disturbance or deep thinking.
Rating: 7/10
