The Age of Shadows 2016

Action

Drama

Thriller

Box Office

$54M

Runtime

140 min

Language

Korean

Directed by

Ji-woon Kim

Made by

CJ Entertainment

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Age of Shadows (2016). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

Kim Jang-ok and Joo Dong-sung, both members of the Korean independence group Heroic Corps, approach the affluent Kim Hwang-sub, ostensibly to secure military funding. However, this meeting turns out to be a trap laid by the Japanese forces. In a fierce gun battle, Kim Jang-ok fights valiantly but is ultimately faced with a heart-wrenching situation when his old friend, Lee Jung-chool, now an officer with the Japanese police, confronts him. To escape the turmoil, Kim takes his own life. Meanwhile, Lee chooses to discreetly release Joo Dong-sung, which raises eyebrows within the ranks of Heroic Corps. Tensions escalate as Jo Hwe-ryung accuses Joo of being a traitor, leading to Kim Woo-jin’s intervention, which results in Joo’s banishment due to his compromised identity.

In the aftermath, the Japanese authorities assign Lee Jung-chool to investigate Kim Woo-jin. Despite their shared past and recognizing each other’s true roles, both men opt to maintain a facade of friendship. Lee’s new partner, Hashimoto, is actually tasked with surveilling him. As the pressure mounts, Lee tries to protect the Heroic Corps by delaying Hashimoto’s efforts, but they only narrowly manage to escape to Shanghai. There, amidst the tensions, Heroic Corps leader Jung Chae-san and Kim Woo-jin persuade Lee to join their efforts. Under growing pressure, Lee ultimately shifts his allegiance, agreeing to help transport explosives back to Korea.

On Korean soil, Lee cautions Kim Woo-jin that a spy lurks within their ranks. To unmask the mole, Kim concocts a plan involving varied rendezvous times for each member of the group. The ploy works, revealing Jo Hwe-ryung as the traitor. In a dramatic encounter aboard a train, Kim executes Jo in the name of Heroic Corps, emphasizing the group’s commitment to their cause. However, upon their arrival in Gyeongseong, chaos ensues when police confront them. In the midst of it, Yeon Gye-soon bravely kills officers who attempt to arrest her, igniting a violent shootout that results in numerous casualties, including many resistance members. Kim, however, manages to evade capture and successfully smuggles the explosives into Korea.

As scrutiny falls on Lee, he is commanded to locate Kim and resorts to torturing Gye-soon to keep his cover intact. However, he falls into a trap set by Joo Dong-sung, leading the authorities directly to Kim’s hideout. Following a desperate attempt to escape, Kim is apprehended. In a desperate bid to keep his secrets safe during interrogation, he bites off his own tongue. Lee also finds himself imprisoned but pretends to remain loyal to the Japanese authorities to obtain a lighter sentence. During the trial, he emotionally declares that he was never with the resistance, adhering to Kim’s earlier request to pose as a non-ally so their mission could persevere.

Once released, Lee learns of Gye-soon’s tragic demise and hears about a gathering hosted by Japanese collaborators. Holding onto Kim’s last wish that at least one individual survive to finish their quest, Lee strategically plants explosives at the party. Concurrently, a Heroic Corps operative carries out the assassination of Joo Dong-sung. When the bomb detonates, it claims the lives of several high-ranking officials, including Higashi. Back in prison, a mute Kim Woo-jin gains knowledge of the successful mission, causing him to smile with relief, knowing that his sacrifices held significance. Eventually, Lee confronts Kim Hwang-sub, whose betrayal was responsible for Kim Jang-ok’s death, and takes vengeance by killing him, honoring his fallen friend’s memory.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of The Age of Shadows (2016) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

The Trap

Kim Jang-ok and Joo Dong-sung visit Kim Hwang-sub, pretending to seek military funds for their cause. However, they are ambushed by Japanese forces, leading to a perilous and fateful encounter.

Valiant Fight

In the midst of the ambush, Kim Jang-ok engages in a fierce gun battle against overwhelming Japanese forces. Despite his bravery and fighting spirit, he ultimately faces his tragic fate when confronted by his former friend, Lee Jung-chool.

Internal Distrust

Following the ambush, internal suspicion arises amongst the Heroic Corps members. Jo Hwe-ryung accuses Joo Dong-sung of being a traitor, prompting Kim Woo-jin to intervene decisively by banishing Joo from their ranks.

Investigation Order

Japanese authorities assign Lee Jung-chool to keep an eye on Kim Woo-jin after the recent events. Despite their past connection, both men discreetly recognize that they must maintain a facade of friendship amidst the brewing tension.

Surveillance Intensifies

Lee is paired with Hashimoto, who is tasked with monitoring Lee himself rather than aiding him. As surveillance tightens, Lee takes measures to protect the Heroic Corps while buying them time for their next move.

Retreat to Shanghai

The Heroic Corps narrowly escapes to Shanghai as the pressure mounts on their operations. There, they regroup under leader Jung Chae-san, who persuades Lee to join their cause amid the swirling tide of danger.

Shanghai

Shifting Loyalties

Under immense pressure to act, Lee decides to assist the Heroic Corps in smuggling explosives back to Korea. His decision marks a pivotal shift in loyalties as he grapples with his previous allegiances and the ongoing struggle for freedom.

Exposing the Spy

Back in Korea, Lee alerts Kim Woo-jin about the presence of a mole within their ranks. To uncover the traitor, Kim sets a trap by feeding different rendezvous times to each member, setting off a chain reaction of revelation.

Revelation of Betrayal

The spy within the Heroic Corps is revealed to be Jo Hwe-ryung, leading to a dramatic confrontation. In an act of ruthless justice, Kim executes him aboard a train, reinforcing the group's commitment to their cause.

Train

Chaos in Gyeongseong

As the Heroic Corps arrives in Gyeongseong, they are confronted by Japanese police, resulting in a violent shootout. In the ensuing chaos, many members either perish in battle or are captured, leading to a significant loss for the resistance.

Gyeongseong

Descent into Torture

Lee, now under suspicion from the Japanese authorities, is ordered to find Kim. To maintain his cover, he resorts to torturing Gye-soon, showcasing the painful lengths he must go to protect the Heroic Corps.

Betrayal and Capture

In a shocking turn of events, Lee is tricked by Joo Dong-sung and inadvertently leads the authorities to Kim's hideout. After a desperate escape attempt, Kim is captured, revealing the fragility of their struggle.

Desperate Sacrifice

To protect vital information while being tortured, Kim bites off his own tongue, illustrating his unwavering commitment to the cause. Meanwhile, Lee feigns loyalty to the Japanese in hopes of securing a lighter sentence.

The Final Wish

Upon his release, Lee learns about Gye-soon's tragic death and feels compelled to act. Remembering Kim's final wish for someone to survive and complete their mission, he devises a plan to plant explosives at a gathering of collaborators.

Mission Accomplished

The bomb detonates at the party, resulting in the deaths of high-ranking officials including Higashi. In prison, a mute Kim Woo-jin learns of the successful operation and finally smiles, knowing his sacrifice bore fruit.

Avenge a Fallen Friend

In the aftermath, Lee tracks down Kim Hwang-sub, the man whose betrayal led to Kim Jang-ok's death. In a powerful act of vengeance, Lee kills him, avenging his friend and solidifying his transformation.

Characters

Explore all characters from The Age of Shadows (2016). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Kim Jang-ok

Kim Jang-ok is a courageous member of the Heroic Corps willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for his beliefs. His unwavering commitment to the independence movement is evident in his fight against oppression, even as he faces betrayal from those close to him. A tragic figure, he embodies the struggle and heartbreak of his time.

🛡️ Hero ⚔️ Sacrifice 💔 Tragedy

Lee Jung-chool

Lee Jung-chool represents the internal conflict faced by many during the era, caught between duty to his former friends and allegiance to his new role with the Japanese police. His journey is marked by moments of betrayal and loyalty, ultimately revealing his complexity as a character wrestling with his choices.

🤔 Conflict 🎭 Loyalty 🔍 Espionage

Kim Woo-jin

Kim Woo-jin is a steadfast leader of the Heroic Corps, known for his strategic mind and resilience under pressure. His character reflects the perseverance of the Korean resistance, as he endures torture and loss while striving to maintain the group's mission. He symbolizes hope amidst despair, demonstrating the power of resolve.

🚀 Leadership 💪 Strength 🔥 Resilience

Setting

Learn where and when The Age of Shadows (2016) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

Early 20th century

The film takes place in the early 20th century, a tumultuous period marked by Korea's struggle against Japanese colonization. This era saw a rise in nationalist sentiments and secretive movements to restore Korea's independence. The setting highlights the sacrifices made by individuals fighting for freedom during a time of oppression.

Location

Korea, Shanghai, Gyeongseong

The movie is set against the backdrop of Korea during the Japanese occupation, showcasing various locations crucial to the independence movement. Shanghai serves as a temporary refuge for members of the Heroic Corps, providing a base for their strategic operations. Gyeongseong, once the heart of Korean culture, becomes a scene of chaos and tension as the police confront the resistance fighters.

🏞️ Landscapes 🌆 Urban 🚂 Travel

Themes

Discover the main themes in The Age of Shadows (2016). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

⚔️

Betrayal

Betrayal permeates the narrative, illustrated through characters who change loyalties under pressure. Lee Jung-chool's struggle between friendship and duty exemplifies the personal costs of war. The revelation of a mole within the Heroic Corps further heightens the tension and mistrust among comrades.

🕊️

Sacrifice

Sacrifice is a central theme, represented through Kim Jang-ok's tragic end and the willingness of characters to risk their lives for the cause. Their choices resonate throughout the film, emphasizing the price of freedom and the lengths individuals will go to protect their comrades and ideals.

💔

Identity

The theme of identity is explored as characters navigate their roles within the independence movement and under enemy surveillance. Lee Jung-chool's dual identity creates a complex dynamic, leading to critical moments of tension. The struggle to remain true to one's cause while facing inner turmoil reflects the broader challenges of resistance.

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