Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Action thriller

Decibel (2022): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Decibel (2022) movie poster

Decibel is a 2022 action thriller directed by Hwang In-ho, starring Lee Sang-hee as Jung Yoo-jung, Park Byung-eun and Jo Dal-hwan. It runs 1 hour 50 minutes and earned $7.2 million worldwide on a $8.5 million budget. Its Echo Score is 74/100.

worldwide gross
$7.2M
Echo Score
74
budget
$8.5M
Loading streaming availability…
Decibel (2022) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 50m (110 min)
Director
Hwang In-ho
Genres
Thriller , Action , Drama
Original language
Korean
Budget
$8.5M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Decibel About?

The premise of Decibel without spoilers.

It will explode if it exceeds 100db. A former Naval officer with a dark past must face off against an insurgent with a sound sensitive bomb.

Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

Decibel Cast & Characters

Lee Sang-hee leads the cast as Jung Yoo-jung, with Park Byung-eun as Cha Young-han and Jo Dal-hwan as Roh Jung-sub. Directed by Hwang In-ho; 19 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Decibel

· 15 more
From the director

More from Hwang In-ho

One more film directed by Hwang In-ho: Spellbound.

Full filmography
Ratings

Decibel Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 74/100, strongest in sensory experience (78) and weakest in story & flow (65).

74 /100

Decibel Echo Score Breakdown

Decibel delivers a high‑octane experience anchored by strong performances and effective tension, though it is hampered by a convoluted narrative and uneven pacing. The action set‑pieces and the innovative sound‑driven bomb concept provide visceral excitement, while the cinematography and editing maintain momentum for most of the 110‑minute runtime. Overall, the film’s strengths in craft and character outweigh its structural flaws, resulting in a solid, repeat‑viewable thriller for genre fans.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of direction and visual execution, Decibel sustains a brisk rhythm through tightly edited action sequences and competent cinematography that capture the film’s kinetic energy. While the production design grounds the military setting effectively, moments of rapid cutting create occasional disorientation, hinting at a need for more polished pacing. The overall craftsmanship remains competent and supports the film’s high‑stakes premise.

  • Character & Emotion 68

    When evaluating character work, the cast delivers notable performances, particularly Cha Eun‑woo’s nuanced portrayal that balances vulnerability with determination, and Kim Rae‑won’s solid heroism. Supporting actors contribute credible brotherly dynamics, enhancing emotional stakes. Nonetheless, some reviewers note overacting and wooden delivery in secondary roles, which detracts from overall empathy. In sum, the central performances elevate the drama despite uneven ensemble depth.

  • Story & Flow 65

    The narrative presents a high‑tension premise centered on a sound‑triggered bomb and familial sacrifice, which many find emotionally resonant. The plot maintains suspense through well‑timed twists and clear stakes, yet it also layers multiple sub‑plots that some viewers describe as excessive, leading to occasional confusion and perceived padding. Overall, the story succeeds in engaging viewers despite structural clutter.

  • Sensory Experience 78

    The film’s auditory design plays a central role, using the bomb’s sound cue to heighten tension and deliver a distinctive sensory hook. Complementary score and sound effects reinforce the action’s intensity, while the visual palette leans toward muted tones that underscore the gritty atmosphere. Though the rapid visual rhythm can feel chaotic, the overall sensory package effectively immerses the audience.

  • Rewatch Factor 72

    The engaging action set‑pieces and the novel bomb concept give Decibel replay appeal for viewers who enjoy kinetic thrillers. Strong central performances encourage revisiting character arcs, while the suspenseful pacing rewards multiple viewings to appreciate plot nuances. However, the film’s length and occasional narrative clutter may diminish enthusiasm on repeat watches for some audiences. Overall, it offers a solid, if not flawless, rewatch value.

Box office

Decibel Box Office & Budget

Decibel grossed $7.2 million worldwide on a $8.5 million budget, 85% of what it cost. $60,579 came from the US and Canada and $7.2 million (99%) from the rest of the world.

2022 box office

Worldwide gross

$7.2M

85% of its budget back

US & Canada
$60.6K
International
$7.2M
Budget
$8.5M
US & Canada 1% Rest of the world 99%
Videos

Decibel Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 2 teasers.

Teaser Trailer
  • Teaser 30 Second Spot

Seen Decibel?

FAQ

Decibel FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of Decibel, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Decibel?

Decibel runs 1 hour 50 minutes (110 minutes).

When was Decibel released?

Decibel was released on November 12, 2022.

Who directed Decibel?

Decibel was directed by Hwang In-ho.

More films by Hwang In-ho

Who is in the cast of Decibel?

Decibel stars Lee Sang-hee as Jung Yoo-jung, Park Byung-eun as Cha Young-han and Jo Dal-hwan as Roh Jung-sub, among 19 credited actors.

How much did Decibel make at the box office?

Decibel grossed $7.2 million worldwide ($60,579 domestic, $7.2 million international) on a budget of $8.5 million.

Does Decibel have a post-credit scene?

No. Decibel has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Decibel in?

The original language of Decibel is Korean.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app