Starring: Hide and Seek-Korean (See cast list here) and Hide and Seek-Chinese (See cast list here)
Rating: PG-13, subject matter and violence
Running Time: 107 min
Twinkies: 4 1/2 identical stars
Synopsis: Basic premise for both movies is Son Hyun Joo and Wallace Hua play successful businessmen living the perfect family life in a luxury apartment; however, both have secrets and Mysophobia spawned from his one and only brother. After a phone call, both visit their brother’s residents after he is reported missing. The more he investigates, the more he sees especially the weird symbols in front of every apartment dwelling designating the type of residents inside. Soon he discovers the same symbols in his high rise apartment building. A missing brother. Hide and seeks codes. A shocking truth for two different families and the struggle to save their families starts now.
Musings: “It’s Identical!!” Well, almost! The basic story line, scenes, everything is the same! Not a single detail was left out. There were slight changes based on children in the family, being adopted/not adopted, cars used, extended conversations between the wife and the missing brother’s neighbor as well as the scene in the apartment where the daughter in the Chinese was by herself instead of with her brother like the Korean version. In addition, the scene where the Korean kids disappeared when they are outside the brother’s shabby house is slightly different. It’s like the Chinese screenwriter either had a couple of the actor’s notes, studied the film for hours and hours, it was really strange that every detail was the same!
When it came to acting, I was satisfied with Son Hyun Joo as he always delivers; however, what was a nice surprise was to see a little more acting animation from Wallace Hua! Love me some Wallace but I would be the first one to call him “one-dimensional” when it comes to his acting and facial expressions. One thing about this movie, you CANNOT be one-dimensional! We saw both act as loving fathers, concerned and guilty brothers and extremely terrified men when the story really took the turn to the dark side. You also saw in both actors the different takes on the severe psychosis of the lead males! It’s a wonder he remained as sane as he did for as long! Both men showed their guilt well!!
The brother’s neighbor was super scary in both movies! It amazed me how no one seemed to be concerned enough to call the police! Crazy person running around with a knife? But then I guess because so many were illegally living there, police weren’t allowed. This woman had serious issues; however, I wish we had been given more insight into why. Neither movies addressed this. I really wanted to know why. In addition, the woman’s daughter seemed so normal. Why do I say that? You have to watch the movie to understand that statement!
The wives played by Jeon Mi Seon (Korean version) and Qin Hailu (Chinese version) were pretty much the same; but Jeon Mi Seon, I have to give her the edge because her role was much more expanded! Overall, both movies are excellently done! The acting is superb! Story is super creepy and worth watch both simply to see Wallace acting up a storm!! One thing I learned watching this? Chinese have better security!!
Trailers is available on YouTube Website here and here. The movies are available on various streaming websites. The Korean version is available on Netflix if you are a subscriber.
I’m available on Twitter. Thanks to all of you Twinkles out here who are taking the time to read! If you have a suggestion for a future review, just leave me a comment! I’m always happy to have movie suggestions.
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