Films about violent characters have a default setting which invariably leads to violence being played out repeatedly on screen. During the course of this film we get to see this in almost stereotypical proportions.

Everyone displays some level of victim/aggressor mentality and the lead character is arguably one of the most reprehensible and unlikable creations put on screen. He is violent towards women, intimidates his elderly father (beating him senseless in the process) and even verbally abuses his young nephew. Into this caustic environment enters a young girl who has as many problems of her own...  

The winner of numerous international film awards in 2009, including the Tiger Award at the Rotterdam International Film Festival, the Jury Prize for Best Film and Best Male Performance at Montreal's Fant-Asia Film Festival and the Best Film award and Critics' Prize at the Deauville Asian Film Festival, the debut feature from South Korean writer-director and star Yang Ik-june, BREATHLESS is a brutal, uncompromising and profanity-filled look at the cause and effect of domestic violence.

Giving a stunning performance in the film's lead role, Yang Ik-june stars as Sang-hoon, a deeply troubled man prone to violent outbursts, who freelances as a hired thug at his friend's debt collecting firm. His private life revolves around his extremely strained relationship with his ex-convict father, who was directly responsible for the tragic breakdown of their family, and a slightly more subdued, but still difficult, connection with his stepsister and her young son.

Seemingly possessed by the pent-up rage caused by the domestic events from his past, Sang-hoon finds an opportunity for salvation when he encounters a similarly emotionally damaged schoolgirl (Kot-bi Kim), who is as foul-mouthed, headstrong and fearless as he is. The two begin an offbeat and touching friendship, not realising that their lives are already connected in ways that will have a profound effect on both their fates.

It is a sneering look at the lives of these sorts of individuals and ends up becoming a story of redemption. This may seem impossible to believe for the first half of the film as Sang-Hoon shows no signs of cracking or even showing remorse for his actions. Soon though we learn more about him and his childhood which shows us what has caused his penchant for uncontrollable rage.

It's a familiar story thereafter and the action becomes less daring when faced with the more softer moments the plot demands. The performances manage to keep the momentum going and never betray their origins, which thankfully keeps us attached until the return to form towards the climax.

Breathless is the sort of unapologetically brutal and utterly uncompromising film that Hollywood tends to shy away from. So despite it's faults, as a movie that it comes with a guarded recommendation.

Not to everyone's tastes for sure and bordering on unoriginal at times, you still won't find a more unabashed and singular focus cinematic experience for a while yet.

Rating: ***

Release date: 29th January 2010
Certificate: 18
Running time: 130 mins
Director: Yang Ik-june
Stars: Yang Ik-june

Review: Cassam Looch