Cold Eyes

Cold Eyes hits the ground running with a gripping opening sequence. We move through subway cars and parking lots, convenience stores and high-rise rooftops, down the grid of streets that make up Seoul's core. Suddenly there is an explosion. Elsewhere a heist is underway. Soon a multi-car pileup will block a vital urban artery. In the midst of this mystery and mayhem each of the major characters is introduced. It's a bravura opening that beautifully sets up the story.

Co-directed by Cho Ui-seok and Kim Byung-seo, this reimagining of 2007's Eye in the Sky centres on the world of modern surveillance and its utility for both fighting crime and committing it.

Ha Yoon-ju (Han Hyo-joo) is the new recruit in Seoul's crack police surveillance team. As the murderously efficient criminal mastermind James (Jung Woo-sung, from The Good, The Band and The Weird) stage-manages that opening heist from a watchful distance, Yoon-ju is tested by her new boss, Detective Hwang (Seol Kyung-gu). She follows him through the city and is expected to see — and remember — not only everything he does but also everything that occurs around him. In their line of work, perception is an asset to be honed to perfection. As James and his cohorts embark on the proverbial one last job, Hwang's team is determined to bring an end to James's activities. What Hwang doesn't know is that James's secret employer has plans of his own.

Cho and Kim are able to draw from a seemingly infinite number of viewpoints to construct their mesmerizing sequences. As Cold Eyes builds to its thrilling climax, one thing is certain: you won't be able to tear your eyes away.