A gripping tale of rebellion: ‘Harbin’ reimagines history with style
A journey through icy landscapes and political intrigue
In the visually striking period drama Harbin, director Woo Min-ho takes us on a journey through the life of Korean independence activist Ahn Jung-geun, portrayed by Hyun Bin. Set against the backdrop of Korea’s annexation by Japan in 1909, the film follows Ahn as he meticulously plans the assassination of Japan’s Prime Minister. The plot is a complex web of moving parts, involving numerous trains and covert operations, culminating in a gripping final act that is both thrilling and historically imaginative.
The icy hellscape and the freedom fighters
From the very beginning, Woo’s eye for stunning vistas is evident. The film opens with lonely shots of Ahn traversing an icy hellscape, a scene that is later contextualized within the broader narrative. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to Ahn and his fellow freedom fighters, each with their own backstory and motivations. The events that led them to this daring scheme, and the mistrust that festers among them, are depicted in stark and often brutal detail. The wartime sequences are messy and visceral, with characters frequently bathed in blood and dirt, highlighting the personal and up-close nature of the violence.
A controversial act of mercy
One of the film’s most controversial moments comes when Ahn decides to spare a vicious Japanese major, Mori Tatsuo, played by Park Hoon. This act of mercy has far-reaching consequences, leading to suspicion among Ahn’s superiors, who are eager to root out any potential turncoats within their ranks. As Ahn continues to lead the assassination plot with a small group of rebels, including notable Korean stars Park Jeong-min, Jo Woo-jin, and Jeon Yeo-been, the possibility of a mole within their midst induces a gradual paranoia. The freedom fighters move covertly between countries, seeking assistance from underground Russian and Chinese allies, all while trying to stay one step ahead of their enemies.
A simple yet compelling plot
Despite the complexity of the assassination plan, the plot of Harbin remains relatively straightforward. The group often finds themselves in need of allies, shelter, or weaponry, and they usually manage to move from one place to the next, albeit with a few setbacks. These setbacks are often courtesy of Mori, whose obsession with capturing Ahn stems from the shame of having been spared. Ahn becomes a constant topic of conversation, and despite the repetitive nature of their cat-and-mouse game, the film never feels mechanical. This is largely due to Woo’s knockout stylization.
A neo-noir aesthetic
The film’s deep shadows and low gaslights create a mysterious atmosphere, turning this historical piece into a thrilling neo-noir. The characters’ black trench coats and low-brimmed hats add to the film’s stylish aesthetic, making it hard to look away as they wrestle with moral quandaries. These moral dilemmas often revolve around the reasons behind their goals and the people and ethics they are willing to discard along the way. While these ideas may not be particularly challenging—once a character’s principles are established, they are usually set in stone—the film coasts on broad sentiments of liberation and the debts owed to fallen comrades.
A rhythmic unfurling of action and drama
At no point does Harbin become an uninteresting watch. The actors’ calibrated melodrama contributes to the film’s allure as a work of straightforward, patriotic sentiment. This is only enhanced by Woo’s finely-tuned action sequences, which feature frequent peaks and valleys that create a rhythmic unfurling of the narrative. The film never slows down, offering reliable entertainment throughout its runtime via an aesthetically debonair repackaging of historical events.
For those interested in exploring more about Harbin, you can watch the trailer here.
Harbin is a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the enduring appeal of historical dramas. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and stunning cinematography, it offers a fresh take on a pivotal moment in history, making it a must-watch for cinema enthusiasts.