‘Officer Black Belt’ Netflix Movie Review - Kim Woo Bin Sways With His Moves

I have to admit, seeing Kim Woo Bin in this role was both surprising and refreshing. Up until now, I had mostly seen him in softer roles, especially in romantic dramas, where his charm and subtle emotional depth really shone. But this role presented a completely different side of him, one that took me by surprise.

In the film, Kim Woo Bin portrays Lee Jung-do, a young, carefree guy with a passion for sports. Confident in his athletic abilities, he boasts about how he "always wins" — and we see him back it up throughout the movie. There are several fun sequences where he dominates in different sports, including fencing, which showcases his competitive edge. Outside of sports, Lee Jung-do leads a pretty ordinary life working as a delivery boy for Mighty Chicken, zipping around the city on his scooter, delivering orders with a carefree attitude.

Everything changes one day when he witnesses a fight between a police officer and a dangerous criminal. The officer is clearly outmatched, struggling to maintain control of the situation, and it looks like things might take a turn for the worse. That’s when Lee Jung-do, with his quick reflexes and martial arts training, jumps in to help. In a fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping scene, he easily overpowers the criminal, saving the day.

Impressed by his skills, the police not only thank him but also offer him an opportunity he never saw coming: a position as a "martial arts officer." At first, Lee Jung-do is hesitant, unsure whether he’ll find the job as enjoyable or fulfilling as his carefree life in sports and deliveries. He wonders aloud if being part of law enforcement will be "fun" for him.

But curiosity gets the better of him, and he eventually agrees to join. His first day on the job is filled with excitement and anticipation. The moment he’s handed his equipment, including a customized uniform and gear, you can see his eyes light up. It's a new adventure, and despite his initial doubts, you get the sense that this is just the beginning of a thrilling journey for Lee Jung-do.

As Lee Jung-do navigates this new role, he faces increasingly complex and perilous missions, from undercover operations to confrontations with ruthless gangs and criminal masterminds. With each case, he discovers more about the thin line between justice and chaos, realizing that his battles are not just physical, but psychological as well. As his reputation grows, so does the danger, leading him and his team into a web of conspiracies, betrayals, and moral dilemmas that force him to question his beliefs and challenge his own boundaries.

While "Officer Black Belt" does manage to exhibit moments of charm and occasional tenderness, these fleeting sparks are not enough to elevate it from its conventional foundation. The film feels more like a by-the-numbers exercise in genre filmmaking, offering little in terms of innovation or depth. Ultimately, it struggles to leave a lasting impression, overshadowed by its strict adherence to familiar tropes and a reluctance to push boundaries. As a result, it stands as a forgettable entry in its genre failing to resonate with its audience.

Final Score- [7/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times