Broker

Neon | Release Date: December 26, 2022

8.0	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 4 Ratings

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TVJerryJan 16, 2023

The sensational aspect of this film is the "baby box," where a young woman leaves her infant to be adopted. Taking it a step further, 2 men take the baby to sell it. While this sounds like a trip into the Korean underworld, it's actually aThe sensational aspect of this film is the "baby box," where a young woman leaves her infant to be adopted. Taking it a step further, 2 men take the baby to sell it. While this sounds like a trip into the Korean underworld, it's actually a road movie about a quartet of misfits (including the mother) who manage to bond. The director is Hirokazu Koreeda, whose last film was Shoplifters (my review). Some of my comments from that review work here: "The performances are reserved, yet compelling. The film is quietly paced and develops their connections with patience. Low-key by American standards, but sweetly sensitive and ultimately touching." What starts as a criminal undertaking ends up as a somewhat too talky, but eventually engaging approach to family.… Expand

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Brent_MarchantJan 7, 2023

When we look to get the best out of life for ourselves, we often need to “broker” a deal to fulfill that goal. Which is precisely what an unlikely group of seemingly unrelated happiness seekers do in this heartbreaking and heartwarming newWhen we look to get the best out of life for ourselves, we often need to “broker” a deal to fulfill that goal. Which is precisely what an unlikely group of seemingly unrelated happiness seekers do in this heartbreaking and heartwarming new comedy-drama from acclaimed writer-director Hirokazu Kore-eda. While the film initially hooks viewers with a scenario involving a literal interpretation of the word that comprises its title – those who deal in black market babies – it skillfully moves on to explore how we attempt to get what we want out of life by brokering circumstances to our advantage, whether or not infants are part of the equation. In taking this unexpected turn, the story shows how such endeavors have both their unsavory qualities, as well as heartfelt, sincere intentions (their inherently questionable actions and manipulative practices conveniently notwithstanding). The filmmaker accomplishes this by deftly weaving gentle humor, genuine emotion and a moving soundtrack into the narrative, taking the edge off the primary troubling story thread and adding a sense of warmth that tenderly humanizes the picture’s overall direction. Thus what may be perceived beforehand as a dark and sinister tale tactfully guides audiences down a different (and heart-tugging) path. This is perhaps one of Kore-eda’s best and most personal offerings, featuring a well-crafted script and what is arguably a cast of Korean all-stars who deliver touching and delightful performances. There are admittedly a few points in the picture where the pacing sags a bit, but they’re more than made up for by its many strengths, making for a surprisingly satisfying watch, one of the most heartening releases of 2022.… Expand

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AncientAmberFeb 25, 2023

Basically Shoplifters but not quite as good. I thought that, at times, the movie was a bit too saccharine, too feel-good considering the subject matter. It all ends a touch too neatly.

The film kept threatening to emotionally destroy me, butBasically Shoplifters but not quite as good. I thought that, at times, the movie was a bit too saccharine, too feel-good considering the subject matter. It all ends a touch too neatly.

The film kept threatening to emotionally destroy me, but never quite did, and I'm not sure why. The score was sometimes great, but sometimes heavy-handed. Acting ranged from good to outstanding, if perhaps a little too reserved occasionally. It may seem like I'm being a bit too critical for an 8/10, but understand that the film is quite close to being a masterpiece, but there's just a few missteps in tone and pacing that are glaring in the light of that. PS: Does Song Kang-ho ever miss?… Expand

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