“Believer 2” is an action South Korean movie directed by Baek Jong-Yeol starring Cho Jin-woong, Cha Seung-won, Han Hyo-joo, and Oh Seung-hoon.
“Believer 2” is an Asian action flick that, staying true to its genre, presents a gritty tale of drug trafficking, gangs, gunfights, and various cruelties surrounding a mysterious character, the enigmatic Mr. Lee, who eluded capture in the first installment.
Let’s see what happens in this one.
Plot
The unyielding detective relentlessly pursues the truth hidden behind the largest drug syndicate in Asia and its enigmatic and formidable leader, with whom he has unfinished business.
Movie Review
Impressive? Not really. It doesn’t surpass other action movies in terms of its script, characters, or action scenes. Entertaining? Yes, quite, almost on par with the first one.
Cinematographically, it is a sequel that fails to live up to its predecessor or establish its own style or distinguish itself from others in the genre. Perhaps we demand too much from a well-established genre in which, if the underlying structures are drastically modified, it may lose its strength and appeal.
Thus, “Believer 2” is content with delivering a continuation of the story and following the parameters of the first one, which was a success despite not being a high-budget film.
It is a dark but not gritty movie, filled with dialogues where, however, the characters do not go beyond the clichés of “cop,” “criminal,” “thug,” or “organization boss.” There are a couple of interesting characters, and the entire dramatic weight of the film relies on the performance of actress Kang Seung-hyun, who brings strength and enthusiasm to a character that every actor wants to portray.
Dramatically, it is the best aspect of the movie.
We would tell you if there will be a third installment (anything is possible), but in this sequel, at least in terms of the story, things become quite clear.
Our Opinion
Without reinventing the Asian action thriller, it is entertaining but does not stand out in its cinematography or surprise with its action scenes.