Carter (2022) on Netflix: the Korean action film built as one take, cast and verdict

The blood-soaked motel room in Seoul sets the stage for Jung Byung-gil’s “Carter,” an action thriller that throws us headfirst into a pandemic-ravaged world where amnesia meets explosive violence. Joo Won, as Carter Lee, is a man with a cross-shaped scar on his head and a bomb in his mouth, guided by a mysterious voice (Jeong So-ri) that promises answers if he survives long enough to hear them.

Byung-gil’s film is a relentless assault on the senses, with action sequences that are as ambitious as they are dizzying. The fight scenes, particularly Carter’s brutal takedown of a gang in a public bath, are visceral and kinetic, showcasing Joo Won’s physicality and the director’s penchant for high-octane set pieces. The cinematography is sleek, with rapid cuts and dynamic angles that heighten the film’s frenetic energy. Yet, this style-over-substance approach comes at a cost.

The plot, while intriguing in its premise—a man with no memory navigating a deadly mission—quickly unravels under the weight of its own convolutions. The narrative is packed with exposition dumped through voiceovers and awkward dialogue exchanges, making it feel more like a video game cutscene than a cohesive story. Carter’s journey from Seoul to North Korea is filled with twists and turns, but they often serve as mere excuses for the next action set piece rather than meaningful developments.

Joo Won delivers a committed performance, embodying Carter’s lethal efficiency and quiet desperation. His physicality is a highlight, particularly in the film’s numerous fight scenes where he takes on hordes of adversaries with a mix of brute force and precision. The character of Carter, however, remains a blank slate for much of the film. While this amnesia-driven mystery could have been compelling, the constant action leaves little room for introspection or emotional depth.

Lee Sung-jae, as Kim Jong-hyeok, provides a compelling antagonist, though his character arc is underdeveloped. His presence adds a layer of political intrigue to the story, but his motivations and backstory are glossed over in favor of more explosive set pieces. Jeong So-ri’s voice work as Han Jung-hee adds a layer of intrigue, but her character, like many others, feels more like a plot device than a fully realized persona.

The film’s attempts at emotional weight feel tacked on, overshadowed by the relentless pursuit of the next adrenaline rush. The relationship between Carter and his daughter, Yoon-hee, is meant to be the heart of the story, but it’s underdeveloped and rushed. The revelation that Carter is driven by a desire to save his infected daughter is a late addition to the narrative, and it lacks the emotional resonance needed to make it impactful.

One of the film’s standout features is its cinematography. The use of rapid cuts and dynamic angles creates a sense of urgency and chaos that fits the film’s tone. However, this visual style also contributes to the film’s disjointed pacing. Scenes often feel rushed, with important plot points hurriedly explained through exposition rather than organically developed.

The sound design is another strong point, with a pulsating score that amplifies the tension and excitement of the action sequences. The use of silence in key moments, such as during Carter’s escape from the motel room, adds a layer of suspense that is effective but short-lived.

“Carter” is not without its flaws, but it has some strengths. The film’s action sequences are undeniably impressive, and Joo Won’s performance is a highlight. However, the film’s relentless pace and lack of emotional depth make it difficult to fully invest in the story or characters. It’s a film that prioritizes style over substance, delivering thrills in spades but little else.

The film’s genre fit is clear—it’s an action thriller through and out—but it struggles to stand out in a crowded field. Comparisons to other South Korean action films like “The Villainess” or “A Bittersweet Life” are inevitable, but “Carter” lacks the narrative depth and character development that make those films memorable.

In the end, “Carter” is a film that will appeal to fans of high-octane action sequences and visceral fight scenes. It’s a visual spectacle that doesn’t shy away from its more explosive moments, but it’s also a film that sacrifices emotional depth for style. For viewers looking for a mindless thrill ride, “Carter” delivers.