The pathologist Kang Min-ho, one of the first to apply rigorous scientific procedure in autopsies, working for some time with the police investigation. Just when his daughter is coming back from a long period of study in the United States, he was given the mandate to examine the corpse of a girl brutally mutilated. Kang applies to the case with diligence sailed, but his professional detachment disintegrates when connecting the late arrival of his daughter with alleged murderer. The prime suspect is a radical environmentalist, Yoon Jong-gang, who quietly admits that he kidnapped the girl, but he tells Kang Min-ho that his daughter will only be free, if your doctor will be able to clear him of murder and bring back to freedom. Kang is forced to tamper with evidence, in a desperate attempt to free his daughter.
Indeed, if viewed as a whole, the film directed and written by Kim Hyeong-joon is probably still a little under the films like, I saw the devil, Vengeance Trilogy, Memories of murder, but that does not mean his work is not to present the same sensation. Yes, you could say to this year's No Mercy which is actually less audible echo is one of South Korea's best thrillers. With a great cast, intelligent plot, incorporating elements such as investigation style of forensic investigators on the U.S. television series, CSI or Bones in the first minute and then immediately 'sharp turn' when entering the main conflict. The series of scenes race against time and combined with the ability to control the situations.
Kim Hyeong-Jun presented the resolutions which are well measured at frequent intervals, so we are surprised from one turn to the next, from one voltage level to the next point.
Not many movies dare to fundamentally depress their audience: NO MERCY is not a happy movie and hence it doesn't gear towards a commercial happy end. Instead the reward for the open-minded audience is a sharp story with a determined, rational and yet surprising (more or less) ending that doesn't compromise. So if you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen.
Kim Hyeong-Jun was so kind though as to present us NO MERCY wrapped in gorgeous visuals and a formidable soundtrack – it's almost like a concession to ease the viewer's pain. Even if it doesn't really make NO MERCY more comfortable to watch – other than Kang at least the audience receives a bit of mercy after all.
