Asura: The City of Madness
Asura: The City of Madness

Movie spotlight

Asura: The City of Madness

2016
Movie
136 min
Korean

A shady cop finds himself in over his head when he gets caught between Internal Affairs and the city’s corrupt mayor.

Insights

IMDb6.6/10
Google Users78%
Director: Kim Sung-sikGenres: Action, Crime, Fantasy, Thriller

Plot Summary

In the crime-ridden city of Asura, detective Han Do-kyung is caught between a corrupt mayor seeking re-election and a ruthless crime boss. Under pressure from both sides and a prosecutor investigating corruption, Han must navigate a web of deceit and violence to survive. His choices lead to escalating chaos, forcing him to confront his own morality as the city teeters on the brink of collapse.

Critical Reception

Asura: The City of Madness received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising its intense atmosphere, strong performances, and gritty portrayal of corruption. However, some found the plot convoluted and the violence excessive. It was a commercial success in South Korea.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its dark, atmospheric depiction of urban decay and corruption.

  • Hailed for the powerhouse performances, particularly from lead actor Hwang Jung-min.

  • Criticized by some for its relentless brutality and complex, sometimes hard-to-follow narrative.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's intense and gritty storytelling, its strong acting ensemble, and the dark, immersive atmosphere. Some viewers found it overly violent and appreciated its exploration of moral ambiguity.

Fun Fact

Director Kim Sung-sik reportedly spent over a decade developing the concept for 'Asura: The City of Madness', aiming to create a uniquely bleak and realistic crime epic.

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