Japan’s occupation of Korea during the early 20th century resulted in a bloody, decades-long struggle for independence, and Woo Min-ho’s visually stunning historical thriller Harbin seeks to explore a particular set of events during the early years of the conflict. Centered on the daring exploits of Ahn Jung-geun (Hyun Bin), the film tells the story of a group of Korean freedom fighters plotting the assassination of Ito Hirobumi, the Japanese prime minister and architect of Korea’s annexation.
It’s been more than a month since Ahn’s rebel forces defeated a Japanese regiment, despite being outnumbered almost two-to-one, but his decision to spare the life of the vicious Major Mori Tatsuo (Park Hoon) results in a subsequent massacre of hundreds of Ahn’s comrades. With the remaining resistance fighters bitter and distrustful, resources dwindling by the hour and a spy possibly infiltrating their ranks, Ahn and his closest confidants hatch a plot to “kill the old wolf, no matter the cost.”
From close-quarters combat in a crowded train carriage to a shootout and chase sequence in the streets of Vladivostok, the action sequences in Harbin are thrilling and meticulously crafted, showcasing Woo’s talent for directing spectacle. Unfortunately, the quieter moments don’t always fare as well; the film touches on ideas of loyalty, betrayal, and the moral costs of resistance, but some of these threads feel underdeveloped. Woo seem content to focus on the logistics and drama of the mission itself, but the narrative might have been better served with more insight into the personal and political struggles driving its central characters.
Lensed by celebrated cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo, whose credits include Parasite and Snowpiercer, the film opens with stunning aerial shots of a sweeping frozen tundra, feeling at once both expansive and oppressive — a good match for the subject matter. Snow-covered landscapes, dimly lit interiors with deep shadows, crowded passenger trains and bustling cityscapes all serve as a richly textured backdrop for this tale of espionage, and the film remains a visual feast even when the narrative stumbles.
Hyun Bin portrays Ahn as a man weighed down by the enormity of his mission and the mistrust of his comrades, nevertheless remaining resolute in his determination to strike a blow for his country. It’s an impressively restrained performance, with Ahn keeping a firm grip on his emotions even as his allies grapple with their own; when the anger and fear and despair that he’s been repressing finally boils over late in the film’s third act, it’s remarkably impactful. Elsewhere, Park Hoon makes for a stellar screen villain as the chillingly relentless Mori, obsessively pursuing Ahn across the continent and lending Harbin an edge of suspense that rarely lets up.
With a healthy combination of action, atmosphere, and heart — not to mention a thrilling climax that might feel a bit heavy-handed were it not based on historical record — Harbin succeeds as a gripping thriller that sheds light on a pivotal moment in Korea’s history. Woo Min-ho has created a tense and immersive tale of espionage, sacrifice, and patriotism, and it’s difficult not to feel admiration for the courage on display.