‘The Ultimate Investigation’ Marks Bae Sung-woo’s Return to the Screen After 7 Years

Despite a 7-year hiatus, the narrative of 'The Ultimate Investigation' remains fresh. The film, finally meeting audiences after such a long break, surprisingly doesn't feel dated. While some scenes reveal the passage of time through phones, costumes, and backgrounds, the storyline itself doesn't feel uncomfortable or outdated.

Actor Bae Sung-woo returns to the big screen after a long absence following a DUI controversy in 2020. The film's release was delayed due to both the incident and the COVID-19 pandemic, finally seeing the light of day after approximately seven years.

'The Ultimate Investigation' is a crime drama that follows detective Jae-hyuk (played by Bae Sung-woo), who is demoted to a rural area. He teams up with rookie detective Joong-ho (played by Jung Ga-ram) to solve a murder case involving two suspects, leading them to Seoul for an intense investigation.

Bae Sung-woo takes the lead role, driving the narrative forward. Despite the DUI issue, his performance is compelling, adding realism to his character with understated expressions. He convincingly portrays a slightly roguish yet righteous detective who feels like someone you might encounter in real life.

On the other hand, Jung Ga-ram's performance as a co-lead is somewhat lacking. Even considering the film was shot seven years ago, his pronunciation and vocal delivery feel unstable. This is especially noticeable in scenes with Bae Sung-woo, whose seasoned acting highlights Jung's awkwardness. The imbalance in their chemistry is evident, emphasizing Jung's shortcomings.

Fortunately, the film's narrative includes unexpected twists that enhance its genre appeal, somewhat overshadowing Jung's performance issues. The storyline, while appearing to be a typical investigation, expands and evolves with new suspects and hidden truths revealed throughout the film. Jung Ga-ram described this in an interview as "adding condensed milk to a familiar latte."

For a film that has been in the making for seven years, it boasts a solid level of completion. Although some details reflect the passage of time, the plot unfolds with vigor. While Jung Ga-ram's acting leaves something to be desired, the narrative flow compensates for it to some extent. Above all, Bae Sung-woo's performance is the film's driving force.

'The Ultimate Investigation' is set to release on April 2.

By Yeji Ryu, TenAsia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr