GetPapa Far from Perfect, Far from Terrible

Dynamixor The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

Izzy Adkins The movie is surprisingly subdued in its pacing, its characterizations, and its go-for-broke sensibilities.

Phillipa Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

paulclaassen Well, this was fascinating! The film effectively demonstrates the power of the media - radio, in this instance. This was very realistic and suspenseful, and became more and more intriguing as it progressed. Some really good visuals as well, especially the awesome ending! Loved it!

RealDuality The Terror Live is not a film Hollywood is capable of making these days. It is the type of introspective, awe inspiring work that was plentiful in the 70's, but with the control from corporate executives now, it no longer exists there. The movie doesn't follow a politically correct or stereotypical path that they find necessary for deep themes. And, it is a real shame that this class of film is absent in LA, because most Americans don't watch many foreign movies, plus the country has struggled with understanding certain important issues, like the one this film has.The incredible picture will move an audience with the terror, but it is the dialogue that makes the insides jump. Quentin Tarantino would be envious of its quality. The terrorist, who begins by blowing up a bridge, speaks in short, simple bursts. His anger is palpable, as is his singular focus. The news personality, who tries to take advantage of the opportunity to speak to him, has ambitions that cloud his mind, but his strong will gains one's sympathies. Ha Jung-woo, known for his work in The Chaser and The Yellow Sea, as this radio talk show host, is able to show us the character's great difficulties in his bout to maintain his professionalism while he and his love are in danger. He provides a window into seeing that these media folk are real people whose emotions are forced to be controlled in the name of journalism or impartiality subtly with great skill. The terrorist desperately wants the former anchor to show that he doesn't share everyone else's apathy, as well as expose the corruption in the media and government. Their battle mainly takes place in words, which are the real ultimate weapon.Kim Byeong-woo's direction is almost on par with his writing. That the cuts come quickly in some moments and don't make the viewer dizzy, is a testament to his discipline. He uses it to heighten the suspense, choosing precise times and interesting angles. His take with news footage and shots of TV's gives the spectator the feel of what this aspect of the world is really like; and, even more compellingly, his selection of the look behind cameras at a couple turning points is inspired. The film starts out fast, making it captivating right away, but it is the second and ultimately the third act, that makes this movie so special. The places that it manages to go is amazing, and the ending will leave one breathless.9.5/10

Mastur Batsler The movie has some serious potential, it is shot in one room (radio station) and I like those kinds of movies (Buried, Man from earth, Phone booth, even Pontypool ) because they are focused on the story rather than showing giant CGI robots fighting each other while the audience doesn't care about any of them, this one is prime example of how it is done.This one starts with a bang, it quickly sucks you in and it doesn't get boring even for a minute. Through interesting story it critiques media and government showing what happens behind the curtains in one media house, and displays other side of the story that public is usually deprived of. There are only a few characters but they seem awfully real, throughout the movie you learn more about the anti-hero protagonist, who is really the highlight of the movie and of course he should be, might I add that Jung-woo Ha rose to the occasion. Though there are couple of cameras (in-movie cameras) in the room they are rarely used especially when the things get dramatic, thus creating more drama with the shaky cameras, good thing they didn't go for the trendy "found footage" nuisance. Sound editing, which is naturally important in movie based in radio station is good, music isn't over used, isn't cheesy and is it's great, gave me goose bumps. Unfortunately after one moment it becomes comically ridiculous, I really wish I could have just shut my brain and enjoy the rest. Movie goes overboard and all I could think is that it would never happen in real life, it is like the script writer just didn't have time to work out the realistic aspect. I get that it is difficult to put a good idea in real life situation but that is what separates great movies from average ones. It starts good, ends good, but messes up somewhere in the middle.

gothic_a666 The Terror Live is a very tight thriller in the best Korean tradition. It follows a former successful TV news anchor Yoon who has been demoted to a radio host. One day an upset caller threatens to blow up a bridge only to be dismissed, needless to say it was no mere idle threat and in a matter of seconds after the call is over a bridge does did explode.Thus begins a tense back and forth between Yoon and the terrorist while the nation watches in growing horror.There are many good things going for this movie. The real time format never gives the viewer a break and the tension builds up to such a pitch as to be almost palpable. This comes across through the main's superb acting, the actor's voice and demeanor carry his distress as he scrambles for self-mastery in facing the cameras installed in his radio studio. What at first seemed like the chance of a lifetime as Yoon puts it, the perfect opportunity for going back to his television stardom, degenerates into a veritable nightmare on all fronts. Yoon pays greatly for his choice of exploiting the terrorist attack for his career.It is interesting how The Terror Live focuses exclusively on domestic terror. The highly contentious neighbor country of North Korea is not even mentioned, the movie is firmly steeped in a South Korean reality through and through. The very premise of the media having such a swaying control fits well with South Korean society.Strangely enough social media plays no part in this movie but it does feel very modern. The shooting style, with well thought out closeups to heighten intensity and almost exclusively centered on the studio, creates an atmosphere of claustrophobia.This is a very Korean movie so one should expect a great blurring of the line between terrorism and highly corrupt authorities, there are no heroes here to speak of but the human element comes across through the haze of panic.A few minor plot points keep this from reaching perfection but it is a remarkably well crafted movie and well worth watching. And it could happen in real life. Almost.