J.S.A.: Joint Security Area

Name: J.S.A.: Joint Security Area
Genre: Drama, Thriller, War
Released: June 15, 2005
Duration: 110 min
Rating: 58

2005

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 7 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 46 Ratings

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7.7

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7.7	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 46 Ratings

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J.S.A.

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Movie Details & Credits

Palm Pictures | Release Date: June 15, 2005

Summary: Joint Security Area is the "Apocalypse Now" of the Korean War -- a shimmering, hyper-real epic that charts the spiritual fallout of international politics. (Subway Cinema)

Director: Chan-wook Park

Genre(s): Drama, Thriller, War

Runtime: 110 min

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Critic Reviews

David Sterritt

Suspenseful and psychologically rich. Read full review

Dana Stevens

This warm, sorrowful film plays like a downbeat variation on an old World War II picture from Hollywood. Read full review

Noel Murray

The new English track is predictably clumsy, but the story and images overcome it. Read full review

TV Guide Magazine Maitland McDonagh

A blockbuster hit in Korea, Park's feature debut is a beguiling mix of the generic and the unfamiliar, and it ends on a shot that's nothing short of heartbreaking. Read full review

Derek Elley

Despite its merits, is neither an art movie nor an out-and-out, propulsive actioner like "Shiri." Read full review

V.A. Musetto

Scenes of the probe are less successful. They feel contrived, and actress Lee Yeong-ae is not especially effective as Major Jang. Read full review

Chuck Stephens

Politically, psychologically, and aesthetically schizophrenic. Read full review

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User Reviews

ZiggyStardust

Jun 17, 2011

Simply a masterpiece of a film. A tremendous story told by Park Chan-wook. I can just encourage everybody to watch this movie and enjoy the hell out of it.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

OwenB.

Sep 19, 2005

Fantastic. Moving, stylish and original.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

John_T_Brooke

May 25, 2015

An utterly fantastic film, with great direction from the director of Oldboy, Park Chan Wook and fantastic performances, most notable Mr Song Kang Ho. A tale of friendship between fellow 'brothers' on opposite sides of the Korean border. Shows a different perspective on the Korean conflict. IAn utterly fantastic film, with great direction from the director of Oldboy, Park Chan Wook and fantastic performances, most notable Mr Song Kang Ho. A tale of friendship between fellow 'brothers' on opposite sides of the Korean border. Shows a different perspective on the Korean conflict. I highly recommend this film for those getting into Korean cinema. Start with either this, Memories of Murder or The Host (Directed by Bong Joon- Ho) or The Good The Bad The Weird directed by Kim Jee- woon (You might notice all those films star Song Kang- Ho)… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

Xan_Ryil

Dec 6, 2015

JSA is both a crowd pleaser and deeply sentimental film. Some people might think that it's an underdeveloped commercial film but considering the storyline and early direction work of Park Chan Wook, its a great effort to make film on such sensitive matter and be neutral after all.
EveryJSA is both a crowd pleaser and deeply sentimental film. Some people might think that it's an underdeveloped commercial film but considering the storyline and early direction work of Park Chan Wook, its a great effort to make film on such sensitive matter and be neutral after all.
Every interaction of both side soldiers is so intense and convincing that one holds his breath and waits for something to go wrong as it's all in flashback. Over the years many movies have taken inspiration from NSA. Two sequences are worth praise, the first one where three soldier meet at mine field and final one when all four are by chance in one snapshot taken by a tourist. Very strong and active screenplay and very good performances.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

Meth-dude

Dec 24, 2019

Director Park Chan-Wook's breakthrough film "Joint Security Area" is not only one of his best , but it's also one of the best war films to ever come out of Korea. Supported by great acting performances, very good cinematography, a more than decent soundtrack and a superb ending, the movieDirector Park Chan-Wook's breakthrough film "Joint Security Area" is not only one of his best , but it's also one of the best war films to ever come out of Korea. Supported by great acting performances, very good cinematography, a more than decent soundtrack and a superb ending, the movie deserves to be watched and appreciated.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

dajhorn

Jan 20, 2014

JSA is a story about an unlikely friendship between soldiers on opposite sides of the Korean border. The dialog is hokey and the plot is contrived, but JSA might appeal to an audience that romanticizes or is emotionally invested in the conflict between the DPRK and the ROK.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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