The Coast Guard/Hae anseon (2002)

Summary: Private Kang loves his job in the South Korean military. He patrols the coast looking for North Korean spies. Despite the fact it’s been awhile since anything has happened, he’s convinced on a daily basis some spy is sneaking through and he’ll be the one to find them. However one night, he mistakes a couple in the midst of some sexual encounter, for some North Korean spies and ends up killing the man. Kang starts to lose his mind over the guilt and the woman who watched her boyfriend die, ends up completely insane. The descent into madness is slow and steady for Kang but the problem is, he might do more damage within his country than any North Korean could.           Overall: Well let me start off by saying the films is more thriller than anything but does have a fair amount of thrills and action. And also, being that I am not Korean, I did have to take a few things at face value concerning the soldier’s feelings and attitudes towards North Korea and possible reunification. Given all that, it is hard to fully analyze a film where frankly you can’t weigh in on some stuff because you frankly don’t know.           I will throw in my 2 cents anyway. I found the reactions by the Korean military to Kang’s madness to be quite ignorant at first and then later on to be totally unrealistic. I can’t imagine him constantly sneaking in, harassing fellow soldiers, etc. without getting arrested or placed in jail or something. I just didn’t buy that everyone would let this guy go around without any worries. And then the idea of half of the military troupe getting it on with the delusional woman gone out of her mind, also seemed quite far-fetched. And the way they reacted to her being pregnant, punishing the troops with runs, then doing a forced abortion...no, I don’t think so.           I thought the film brought up some interesting ideas concerning world affairs and reminding America that there is still a major problem abroad and that this divided country might need to reunify again at some point. It sure made me think.           Comparison: Stripes meets Full Metal Jacket

Links to other sites at The Sinning Room

Horror Films A-K Review Page

Horror Films Review Page