THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE WEIRD is an effective and fun-loving remake of the Sergio Leone classic THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY, ably transplanted to early 20th century Manchuria and featuring a cast of lovable rogues. It tells a sprawling and elaborate, almost fairy tale, about the hunt for buried treasure and the bizarrely diverse characters caught up in the chase.
Of the central threesome, Jung Woo-sung bags the least interesting role as 'the Good'; he reminded me of the bounty hunter from MILLIONAIRE'S EXPRESS, and has little to do other than point and shoot. As 'the Bad', Lee Byung-hun (A BITTERSWEET LIFE) fares better, playing up to his role as a slick character you love to hate. Inevitably, though, acting honours go to Kang-ho Song as 'the Weird', who is once again unrecognisable and completely compelling. Song is an actor who screams entertainment value whatever kind of film he's in, the camera loves him and his eccentric character is by far the most engaging part of the entire movie.
On the whole, the whole eastern-western storyline works well and Kim Jee-woon's (I SAW THE DEVIL) stylish direction adds immeasurably to the experience. The movie is action-packed with lots of elaborately staged shoot-outs and crazy chase sequences that really work, none of them disappoint. And even if, come the end, you realise it's all been an entirely lightweight and inconsequential affair, then so what? THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE WEIRD sets out to entertain and it does that in spades.
Of the central threesome, Jung Woo-sung bags the least interesting role as 'the Good'; he reminded me of the bounty hunter from MILLIONAIRE'S EXPRESS, and has little to do other than point and shoot. As 'the Bad', Lee Byung-hun (A BITTERSWEET LIFE) fares better, playing up to his role as a slick character you love to hate. Inevitably, though, acting honours go to Kang-ho Song as 'the Weird', who is once again unrecognisable and completely compelling. Song is an actor who screams entertainment value whatever kind of film he's in, the camera loves him and his eccentric character is by far the most engaging part of the entire movie.
On the whole, the whole eastern-western storyline works well and Kim Jee-woon's (I SAW THE DEVIL) stylish direction adds immeasurably to the experience. The movie is action-packed with lots of elaborately staged shoot-outs and crazy chase sequences that really work, none of them disappoint. And even if, come the end, you realise it's all been an entirely lightweight and inconsequential affair, then so what? THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE WEIRD sets out to entertain and it does that in spades.