The Divine Move (2014 Film)
The Divine Move (Korean: 신의 한 수; RR: Shinui Han Soo) is a 2014 South Korean action-crime film directed by Jo Bum-gu. The film explores the high-stakes world of Baduk (known as Go in the West) through the lens of a revenge-driven narrative.
Plot
The story follows Tae-suk (played by Jung Woo-sung), a professional Go player who becomes involved in a high-stakes gambling ring. During a game, a setup leads to the murder of his brother, and Tae-suk is subsequently framed for the crime. After serving a seven-year prison sentence, he embarks on a calculated mission of vengeance against those responsible for his brother's death, honing both his strategic skills in the game and his physical combat abilities.
Production and Terminology
The film's title, Shinui Han Soo, translates literally to "God's One Move." In the context of the board game Baduk, the term refers to a decisive, winning move that leaves the opponent unable to counter. Filming for the project commenced in August 2013.
Cast
The film features an ensemble cast, including:
- Jung Woo-sung as Tae-suk
- Lee Beom-soo as Salsoo ("Executioner")
- Ahn Sung-ki as Joonim ("Jesus")
- Kim In-kwon as Kkongsoo ("Trick")
- Lee Si-young as Baekkob ("Belly Button")
- Choi Jin-hyuk as Sunsoo ("Player")
- Ahn Kil-kang as Heo Moksoo ("Carpenter Heo")
- Jung Hae-kyun as Ahdari ("Bullseye")
Reception and Awards
The film was screened at several international events, including the 2014 Korean Film Festival in Paris and the 2015 Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival. At the 51st Daejong Film Awards in 2014, the film received the award for Best Editing.
Sequel
A follow-up film, The Divine Move 2: The Wrathful (Shinui Han Soo: Gwisoopyeon), was released in 2019.