The Seoin company has been secretly doing stem cell research for over a decade, and has successfully created the first “human” clone. But unlike real humans, Seobok (Park Bo-Gum) is immortal. His cells have the ability to cure any disease, which could also help others live forever. The only problem is that Seobok’s cells grow at an alarming rate, twice that of a normal human, and so he requires a daily inhibitor shot. The cloning process has also given Seobok some other extraordinary powers, such as the ability to control the air pressure around him, which he can use to manipulate objects and people, redirect projectiles coming at him, and so on. There are some who fear that Seobok’s existence will disrupt the natural order of life and death, or give people less urgency to make something of their life if they know they will never die. And so Seobok is in danger—something that is confirmed when Seoin’s lead American scientist is murdered via a drone strike. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) is called in to help protect Seoin’s creation as Seobok is transported from the company’s floating cargo ship lab to a new, safer location.
Min Ki-han (Gong Yoo) is a former intelligence officer for the NIS. He regrets some of the bad things he has done in the past in the name of his country, and now feels like he is paying for it. He has an inoperable brain tumor, and has been given only 6 months to live. However, Director Ahn (Woo-jin Jo) offers him one last enticing mission. In exchange for helping with Seobok’s transport, Ki-han will become Seoin’s first clinical trial patient, and could possibly be cured using Seobok’s unique bone marrow cells. And so he takes the job, but quickly learns that getting Seobok to his new destination is not going to be as easy as it seems—there are several groups who want this medical marvel—some to destroy him, and others to take advantage of his healing powers.
Despite having been created just 10 years ago, Seobok looks like more of a young man. He has spent his entire life in the lab, having his special bone marrow harvested like milk from a cow or insulin from a pig. When he begins this road trip with Ki-han, he is finally experiencing the outside world for the very first time. While Ki-han is more concerned with protecting this young man who could possibly save his life, Seobok wants to explore and find what his purpose is in life, like other humans. But both of them are running against the clock. Seobok is past due on his daily injection, and Ki-han needs to get him to his destination before his own time runs out.
When I first read the premise of the film, I was expecting it to be more of a non-stop action/sci-fi thriller, with this agent trying to protect a supernatural being from an endless onslaught of enemies pursuing them. While there are certainly several exciting, action-packed chases and shootouts, with a Midnight Run meets Matrix kind of vibe, the film also takes a deeper, more dramatic and philosophical turn. At the core, there is this road trip element as Seobok and Ki-han bond and get to know each other better along the way. They contemplate themes of life, death and one’s purpose. Both of the men kind of wish they were in each other’s shoes. Ki-han is dying, and Seobok holds the solution to his problem—are his motives more concerned with saving Seobok for his own good, or for Seobok’s? At the same time, Seobok wonders what his purpose is in life. His mother’s purpose was to be a doctor to create him, but how can he find his own purpose—it can’t just be to be a life-saving caged animal. Being immortal, he also wonders what it is like for Ki-han as he experiences dying. He hears people compare sleep with death, but he has never even experienced sleep either. Seobok wants to stop and ponder all these things, but the men are also being pursued by those trying to kill them. It is up to Ki-han to decide their fate—does he help Seobok get some of the answers he seeks and possibly risk his own chance at a cure, or does he play it safe and just get him to his destination ASAP? The more they are out on the road, the more dangerous their situation gets.
While I probably would have preferred a more straight-forward sci-fi action film, I still found this to be quite entertaining, and somewhat thought-provoking. The film finds a nice blend between the more cerebral and dramatic moments and the fast-paced action. It does a nice job of fleshing out these two different men, and making the audience care about them, and the friendship and bond that forms between them.
Well Go’s Blu-ray release includes both the original Korean soundtrack as well as an English dub, though there is also some native English spoken near the beginning of the film. With all of these foreign Well Go releases, I usually try the English track first—I found the dub to be really well done, with strong, natural-sounding performances. I never felt the need to switch over to the original Korean track. The dialogue remains clear throughout, and the audio track makes excellent use of the surround and stereo channels to provide a more immersive feeling, especially as the bullets start flying, explosions occur, and Seobok utilizes his kinetic powers. The disc’s video presentation is also quite good, with an overall pleasant, clean and detailed picture throughout. The effects generally look quite good, though a little garbled when we first meet Seobok and he’s standing in front of a giant curved video screen in the lab.
The Blu-ray release includes about 7 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, along with some trailers and previews for some other Well Go releases. The disc comes packed in a locking HD keepcase with a cardboard slipcover.
What’s Included:
Film: (1:54:31)
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Blu-ray:
- 1080p / Widescreen 2.39:1
- Audio: Korean DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Korean Stereo, English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, English Stereo
- Subtitles: English
Extras:
All remaining bonus material plays back-to-back after starting playback for one item.
- Making Of (4:01)
The cast and director talk about the film’s premise, characters, sets, working with the other actors, and more. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with stars Gong Yoo (“Ki-hun”) & Park Bo Gum (“Seobok”), and director Lee Yong Zoo. Presented in a Korean with English subtitles. - The Characters (3:27)
Star Park Bo Gum narrates this rundown of the film’s characters over clips from the movie. Presented in a Korean with English subtitles. - International Teaser (1:13)
- International Trailer (1:50)
- U.S. Trailer (1:37)
- Previews
- Project Gemini (1:52)
- Spirit Walker (:37)
- Escape From Mogadishu (1:58)
Final Thoughts:
Seobok combines the fast-paced action of the sci-fi film with a more cerebral character drama, resulting in something more thought-provoking and unique. Leads Park Bo-Gum and Gong Yoo give captivating performances and have great on-screen chemistry. Well Go’s Blu-ray release looks and sounds great, and provides an excellent English dub option for those who would prefer not to read subtitles. The bonus material is minimal but entertaining. The film comes recommended for anyone looking for a new sci-fi thriller that’s more than just a typical fast-paced shoot-em up.
Seobok: Project Clone
54% Off $29.98 $9.94 (as of November 25, 2024 16:34 GMT -05:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Seobok: Project Clone
$13.50 $12.50 (as of November 25, 2024 16:34 GMT -05:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
