Decibel (2022): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
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.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 50m (110 min)
- Director
- Hwang In-ho
- Original language
-
Korean
- Studio
- East Dream Synopex
- Budget
- $8.5M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
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.
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.
- Director Hwang In-ho
- Lee Sang-hee as Jung Yoo-jung
- Park Byung-eun as Cha Young-han
- Jo Dal-hwan as Roh Jung-sub
- Kim Seul-ki as Han Mi-nyeo
Also Starring in Decibel
· 15 more- Jung Sang-hoon Oh Dae-oh
- Lee Jong-suk Jeon Tae-seong
- Lee Min-ki Hwang Young-woo
- Woo Ji-hyeon Kim Yoo-taek
- Kim Rae-won Kang Do-young
- Cha Eun-woo Jeon Tae-ryong
- Jeong Woo-hyuk Chief of Naval Staff
- Kang Kyung-hun Manager
- Jeon Ah-hee Teacher
- Jo Yeon-woo Dae-woo
- Park Jin-soo Minister
- Na Hyun-woo Sung-woo
- Moon Seong-hwan Soccer Referee 4
- Shin Yun-ju Kang Seol-yeong
- Cho Kang-hyuk Ship crew
More from Hwang In-ho
One more film directed by Hwang In-ho: Spellbound.
Decibel Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 74/100, strongest in sensory experience (78) and weakest in story & flow (65).
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.
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.
Worldwide gross
$7.2M
85% of its budget back
- US & Canada
- $60.6K
- International
- $7.2M
- Budget
- $8.5M
Decibel Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 2 teasers.
- Teaser 30 Second Spot
Seen Decibel?
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.
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