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Netflix Debut of Byun Sung-hyun’s Good News Draws Strong Notices Despite Bumpy Pacing

Reviews praise performances by Sul Kyung-gu, Ryoo Seung-bum, with recurring notes about pacing issues.

Overview

  • Good News is now streaming on Netflix following premieres at the Toronto and Busan film festivals.
  • Set in 1970 and inspired by a Japanese Red Army hijacking, the film opens with a disclaimer that its characters and events are fictional.
  • Sul Kyung-gu plays a KCIA fixer called Nobody, Ryoo Seung-bum portrays agency chief Park Sang-hyeon, and Hong Kyung appears as Air Force lieutenant Seo Go-myung.
  • Critics highlight the dark political satire that lampoons bureaucracy, drawing comparisons to Dr. Strangelove and Wag the Dog.
  • Reviews commend the ensemble, including hijackers played by Sho Kasamatsu and Nairu Yamamoto, while frequently citing tonal inconsistency, a sagging third act, and an overlong 136-minute runtime.