Today’s quick review: The Target. When his pregnant wife Jung Hee-joo (Jo Yeo-jeong) is kidnapped, Dr. Lee Tae-joon (Lee Jin-wook) is blackmailed into helping Baek Yoo-hoon (Ryu Seung-ryuong), a gunshot victim and suspected murderer, escape from police custody. In the aftermath, Senior Inspector Song Gi-cheol (Yoo Jun-sang) leads the manhunt for the fugitives, while Inspector Jung Young-joo (Kim Sung-ryung) investigates Baek’s motive for the murder.
The Target is a Korean action thriller based on the French movie Point Blank. The movie is about the unlikely partnership between a wanted fugitive and a doctor trying to get his wife back. The situation quickly devolves into chaos as Baek escapes from Lee and tries to find the men who framed him. The Target’s intricate plot, sharp twists, and healthy amount of action make it a satisfying pick for fans of the genre.
The Target has just the right amount of complexity. There are always a couple of mysteries in play at any given time, and the drip-feed of information keeps the audience engaged from beginning to end. Moreover, the story accomplishes the difficult feat of being chaotic and unpredictable while still wrapping up neatly. Topping it all off, The Target does a capable job with its action, using chases, brawls, and shootouts to keep the tension high.
The Target is an action thriller that shows unusually good judgment. The plot hangs together at every stage, many different characters are given a say in the events, and the action is always used to good effect. Fans of lighter action movies may find it a little serious, and the movie will not change the minds of any critics of the genre, but anyone interested in what the movie has to offer should give it a try.
For an American remake of the same film, try Point Blank starring Anthony Mackie and Frank Grillo. For another thriller about a criminal in the hospital, try Three. For a crime drama about corruption in the police force, try Training Day, Street Kings, or Pride and Glory.
[6.3 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3634940/). I give it a 7.0 for solid execution and a strong plot.