Kingmaker Film Review: Full Of Intrigue But Not Convoluted

Lee Sun Kyun (CJ Entertainment)

JAKARTA - Five years after The Merciless, director Byun Sung Hyun presents a new film titled Kingmaker. He again appointed actor Seol Kyung Gu as the main character in this film.

Kingmaker tells the story of Kim Woon Bum (Seol Kyung Gu), a politician from the opposition party who wants to become president. However, he always fails to be elected in the nomination for regional head which then attracts the attention of Seo Chang Dae (Lee Sun Kyun).

Seo Chang Dae is a strategist who is interested in advancing Kim Woon Bum. Over time, Kim Woon Bum won the election which further advanced his name in the presidential election seat.

On the other hand, Kim Woon Bum begins to experience conflict when differences in views and ideas arise between him and Seo Chang Dae. One time, a fire broke out at Kim Woon Bum's house and Seo Chang Dae was suspected of being the culprit.

Political films, especially from South Korea, often highlight interactions between players. This also happened through the film Kingmaker which highlighted the acting of Seol Kyung Gu and Lee Sun Kyun.

The story itself focuses more on the friendship between the two than the political side. The ideological friction that changes the two main characters creates its own tension and emotion.

In addition, the story line also runs slowly but remains solid. However, unfortunately in the final act, the intensity between the two oppositions decreased so that the audience might lose their curiosity.

The production design also deserves thumbs up. Set in the 60s, viewers can see how politics developed in the country.

In the end, Kingmaker became a light political film with a solid story. The chemistry between Seol Kyung Gu and Lee Sun Kyun adorns this two-hour film.

The Kingmaker film can be watched exclusively through the Video on Demand service from Catchplay starting today, Friday, March 25, 2022.