Confidential Assignment" may not be particularly original, but is an impressive, funny, and very stylish action comedy that is bound to entertain its audience

Many South Korean films are about the relationship between North Korea and South Korea.While some of them are understandably tragic and devastating, this film is not too serious. Like so many films, this is story about unlike friendship between people from two very different background- in this case Hyun Bin, mysterious detective from North Korea who seeks revenge and always fun to see Hae-jin Yoo, South Korean average detective with charming family, slowly bonding with each other (As is always the case with South Korean films, child actor is really good). Jumping from buildings, shooting, hand-to-hand combat, car chase, action sequences are bright with Hyun Bin and Hae-jin Yoo is perfect as a comedy relief. Entertaining to the end with some tear-jerking moments.

The actor who played the villain looked familiar. I was surprised to find out that he is actually late Ju-hyuk Kim, who was fantastic as crazy drug dealer in another South Korean gem Dokjeon. In this film too, he is a villain I love to hate. Rest in peace.

This is an interesting action thriller, but felt unnecessary detail got in the way of a film that could and should have been significantly faster paced, and could have cut the running time. Honestly, there were scenes that made me wonder why they were added to the final cut. Towards the end it does gain pacing and it is an exciting thrill ride.

Hyun Bin was excellent as Detective Lim Cheol - sleek, classy and tough. I really enjoyed him in the lead. Hae-jin Yoo was a bit too tongue-in-cheek-ish, although his performance was very good during the climatic final battle. The two actors did complement each other, though, and the trust issue between the two was effectively done, being North and South Koreans. In general, this was a good film.