The latest offering from director Yeon Sang-ho, “JUNG_E,” now available on Netflix, combines elements of “The Terminator” and “Blade Runner” with deep philosophical explorations on the essence of humanity. While Yeon’s skill with action set-pieces remains impressive, the film suffers from a bloated and overlong middle section that delves too deeply into its themes at the expense of engaging storytelling.
Set in the year 2194, “JUNG_E” envisions a future where Earth has become uninhabitable, and the remnants of humanity reside in man-made shelters, divided into warring factions. A team of experts aims to create the ultimate killing machine by downloading the consciousness of the legendary soldier Yun Jung-yi (Kim Hyun-joo) into an AI named Jung_E. However, their attempts to recreate the day of Yun’s death repeatedly fail, hindering the project’s success.
Leading the project is Seohyun (Kang Soo-yeon), Yun’s daughter, who is emotionally invested in saving her mother’s consciousness and overcoming the circumstances that led to her demise. She is counterbalanced by the pragmatic and detached Sang-Hoon (Ryu Kyung-soo), who prioritizes the project’s continuation over moral considerations.
While “JUNG_E” presents interesting ethical dilemmas, such as economic inequity impacting one’s afterlife, the film’s focus on prolonged discussions between the characters bogs down the pacing and emotional resonance. The movie spends too much time confined to research chambers, diminishing the impact of its grand themes.
The few action sequences sprinkled throughout the film, especially the thrilling climax on a speeding train, showcase Yeon’s talent for action direction. However, these moments are overshadowed by excessive dialogue-driven scenes, leaving viewers yearning for a more evenly balanced experience.
Despite its shortcomings, “JUNG_E” lays the foundation for a potential sequel or expanded narrative set in its futuristic world. With more refined storytelling and a better balance of action and philosophical depth, future installments could capitalize on the film’s imaginative premise.
In conclusion, “JUNG_E” is a visually impressive sci-fi action flick that falls short of its potential due to its dialogue-heavy approach. Yeon Sang-ho’s directorial prowess is evident, but the film lacks the necessary emotional and philosophical weight to stand firmly on its own. While it sets the stage for broader storytelling possibilities, “JUNG_E” leaves audiences hoping for a more well-rounded and captivating exploration of its futuristic universe in the future.
