The Merciless is a film with a style beyond imagination by Byun Sung Hyun, director of the X-rated romance, My PS Partner (2012). Jae-ho (Seol Kyung Gu) who aims to become leader in a criminal organization and Hyun-su (YIM Si-wan), a detective on an undercover mission as a new prisoner, meet in a prison. Jae-ho feels attached to Hyun-su after Hyunsu helps him when in danger. Soon after Hyun-su confesses he is an undercover, they get tangled with loyalty and doubt. They talk about unwavering friendship publicly, but their minds are shaken inside. As Jae-ho has not trusted anyone in his life, his look is even more intense. The Merciless breaks through the familiarities of the crime noir genre with its light mood and exuberant angles, colors, and compositions instead of reality. The cooperation between director Byun and the young production team dismisses any concerns that this is just another undercover cop movie, and Seol Kyung Gu’s stagnant acting life has been also reversed. (KIM Hye-seon)