‘A Man Of Reason’ Review – Jung Woo-sung’s Stellar, Enthralling Debut Thriller

The world seems to be oversaturated with bloated thrillers these days, which can make these films a tough hang. Whether it’s following subplots that don’t add much to the overall narrative or having someone deal with the traumas of their past over and over again, these extra scenes and moments add up. Fortunately, first-time writer-director Jung Woo-sung doesn’t fall for these mistakes in A Man of Reason. The film also stars Jung Woo-sung as Soo-hyuk, a former hitman who has just been released from prison. He quickly discovers that he has a daughter and tries to ensure his way out of the crime lifestyle so that he can be there for her. As is to be expected, however, the crime bosses of his past don’t take too kindly to his request, seeking to hunt him down and put his family in danger.

While this is Jung Woo-sung’s directorial debut, there’s nothing in the film that would indicate this. The camera moves freely, not feeling like it must be set in stone for each shot. Slow pans down the street or around the room allow for the spaces to be lived in as opposed to perfectly staged for maximum efficiency. These are the tricks typically found in more seasoned directors, but Woo-sung is already in mid-career form here. The camera work is especially impressive in action sequences, of which there are fewer than you might expect in a thriller like this. One of the coolest scenes in the whole film is when one of the characters cuts out the lights and waltzes into the mob boss’s club, fighting off multiple opponents with just a flashlight and a knife. Powerful camera positioning and strong lighting come together to create an intense and exciting fight. 

Both the script and the score for A Man of Reason are phenomenal. The script is tight, with no fat that you could consider trimming. Each scene has a purpose and leads into the grand finale of the story. Nothing is wasted, even the dialogue is short, crisp, and to the point. Soo-hyuk wants out of the crime world and knows long monologues or debates won’t help him out very much. The score is understated for most of the film but includes an instrumental version of the “old classic” tune, “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye. At first, it takes you out of the film, but after the first time, it’s incredibly effective. The notes of this song make up most of the score in some way or another, creating a wide variety of sonic emotions depending on the moment happening on screen. 

Jung Woo-sung’s narrative here is not going to blow anyone’s mind but is still incredibly engaging and potent. Few things are more compelling than one man against the world trying to protect the ones he loves. He adds a good bit of his own style in the direction without becoming overindulgent. He also refrains from keeping his character from taking too much of the spotlight. Plenty of time is given to the other characters so that they have some depth. It’s not just a well-explored hero against one-dimensional villains. Soo-hyuk’s silent, contemplative way of being that he developed in prison helps allow other performers to add some flare and humor to every scene. 

It’s truly hard to believe that this is Jung Woo-sung’s debut from behind the camera, and it’s exciting to think about what kind of director he can become if this is the starting point. A Man of Reason is a highly effective thriller that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat and satisfy the adrenaline junkies out there.

A Man of Reason is currently playing in select theaters and is available on VOD courtesy of Epic Pictures.