Jung_E is a sci-fi action Korean film written and directed by Yeon Sang-ho. It was produced by Climax Studio and Dexter Studio. It was released in North America on the Netflix streaming service. It was the final film appearance of award-winning actress Kang Soo-yeon before her passing.

In the 22nd century, the Earth is no longer habitable with humanity living in orbital cities. For decades, they have been in a civil war, but Captain Yun Jung-yi (Kim Hyun-joo) rose up to be a hero who was killed in action. However, she gave the “rights” to her brain to the government. Her daughter Yun Seo-hyun (Kang Soo-yeon) works as the project director for Kronoid Laboratory which is using Jung-yi to develop a new combat droid. Her boss, Kim Sang-Hoon (Ryu Kyung-soo), is driven to succeed, but they keep encountering blocks in the programming. Seo-hyun begins to question if she is doing what is right by her mother, especially when she gets a devastating medical diagnosis.

I found the movie to be compelling and interesting. The characters faced several moral dilemmas when it came to what makes a person a human and how society needs heroes. All of the actors and actresses performed their roles solidly and helped you connect with who they were portraying with ease.

Now, some of the special effects looked a little dated. While most of the movie had practical effects, there were a few scenes that utilized CGI and while it moved smoothly, it still had that lack of total pristine quality we have come to expect from the film industry.

The movie also left a few lingering threads. For instance, there was a moment when the robotic captain seemingly has some development in her brain activity. However, this is never given an explanation or even a proper resolution. The ending also has a few questions about the broader world and makes you wonder where this goes.

With this in mind, I did enjoy the movie. It has a compelling case on how war does not just affect a person physically, but how it can have generational effects later on. It presents those issues very well and does not dive into a politically correct diatribe but keeps it on point.

I would be curious to see how this world develops. With the tragic passing of actress Kang Soo-yeon, I doubt we will get a sequel unless they decide to recast her. That being said, I could see a cinematic universe set in this world with prequels, sequels, and sidequels on the concept alone.

Bottom line, Jung_E is a compelling sci-fi drama that does have a few holes to fill, but it is still a sleek movie about war and how it affects humanity.

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Some foul language, Action violence

FAVORITE QUOTE: She can have a new life.

Check out the trailer below:

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