As a Big Bang fan, I’ve always been excited to watch T.O.P’s performances in Iris (Korean drama) and 71 Into the Fire (Korean historical movie). That said, and for the sake of honesty, I have to admit that Commitment just didn’t live up to expectations. While T.O.P has shown his immense acting range in the past, this film doesn’t really do him justice. Here’s why:
The Problem with Commitment’s Script
The movie tries to blend action and romance, but fails on both fronts. If you’re an action fan, you’ll find that half of the movie lacks any real action scenes. On the other hand, if you’re looking for romance, you’re out of luck—this film doesn’t offer that either. The first part of the film is, frankly, boring.
We’re subjected to the overused trope of bullying in schools, which feels stale and outdated. There’s also the uncomfortable abuse of a special character by his schoolmates, which doesn’t add any depth to the plot. Isn’t there another way to portray high school dynamics? The script is so predictable that it feels almost lazy.
The Highlights: Fights and Spy Life
Despite the script’s flaws, the fight sequences in Commitment are excellently filmed. The choreography and execution are the best aspects of the film, providing some relief amidst the otherwise dull story. Another intriguing part is the portrayal of spies living undercover, blending in with ordinary citizens while secretly completing high-risk missions. This aspect adds some charm and complexity to the otherwise flat narrative.
Starring in Commitment 2013
- Choi Seung Hyun / T.O.P. (known for Iris, 71 Into the Fire, I Am Sam) plays Ri Myung Hoon, a North Korean refugee who becomes a spy to lead a normal life with his only family, his little sister.
- Han Ye Ri (known for Road No. 1, Haemoo, Big God) plays Lee Hye In, Myung Hoon’s school friend, who is being bullied. Their bond grows as they connect over shared struggles.
- Kim You Jung (known for Golden Rainbow, May Queen, Paradise) plays Ri Hye In, Myung Hoon’s sister, who remains in North Korea, unaware of her brother’s dangerous mission.
- Also starring: Yoon Je Moon, Cho Seong Ha, and Park Sung Woong.
Final Thoughts on Commitment
I really wanted to like Commitment, but I didn’t. The first half of the movie felt like a cliché, unrealistic high school drama, and it was easy to predict that the film would improve toward the end (though it never quite did). It was a bit disappointing, especially since I had waited a long time to watch it.
Still, there’s hope for T.O.P in his future projects. I’m looking forward to Tazza 2, as the cast promises a much stronger performance. In the meantime, watch Commitment with a bag of popcorn, but don’t expect anything groundbreaking.