The violent and action-packed thriller Trigger didn’t hold back and took things to the next level when it came to addressing gun violence and injustice in Korea’s social system. Despite the high anticipation, did the heavy-handed gun-slinging series push the envelope a little too far?
The series stars Kim Nam Gil as Lee Do, a police officer who takes up arms once again in the name of justice, and Kim Young Kwang as Moon Baek, a mysterious figure who spontaneously aids Lee Do at the scenes of these violent crimes. Set in gun-free South Korea, the story portrays the weary souls of everyday people who suffer from various problems. Once they are handed a gun, it seems all their problems will disappear. Can they hold on to their morals or will they fall prey to their desires?
Illegal firearms with no identifiable origin suddenly begin circulating through the country. As gun-related incidents skyrocket, both Lee Do and Moon Baek are forced to draw arms to right the wrongs of this mysterious criminal. The cast also includes Park Hoon, Gil Hae Yeon, and Kim Won Hae, lending dramatic weight and realism to the escalating chaos with their own stories.
Lee Do is a very solemn and stoic character, perhaps due to his multiple traumatic experiences, and mimics So Ji Sub‘s character in Mercy For None. It may seem like a limiting role, but acting emotionless requires tremendous skill, and Kim Nam Gil offers depth without breaking this cold image. Moon Baek offers a rich dichotomy with his happy-go-lucky mentality and bizarre interactions performed effortlessly by Kim Young Kwang. The two are an unexpected dynamic that syncs nicely and complements the story. Without a doubt, viewers can be satisfied by the quality of acting, especially from episode one.
One actor who stole the show right from the start is Woo Ji Hyun, who played the mentally unstable university student Yoo Jeong Tae. From his nervous ticks, emotional outbursts, and unnerving glare, Woo Ji Hyun perfectly portrayed a spiraling character fed up with society’s unspoken rules, blatant disrespect, and disinterest in doing the right thing. Without Yoo Jeong Tae, Trigger‘s foundation and fixation on injustice wouldn’t have been made clear. Yoo Jeong Tae’s anxiety-driven habits set the scene so Kim Nam Gil and Kim Young Kwang can do the rest. Yoo Jeong Tae also represents the clear-cut line between criminals committing crimes and everyday people given the chance to do so.
The action scenes are no joke. Again, Netflix flaunts its budget as the film sports believable car chases, trigger-happy gun fights, and physical fights that utilize techniques rather than massive brawls. The cinematography is also note-worthy as various angles are experimented with and complement the climax of each episode (such as when a criminal almost kills a woman – viewers can feel the tension). The scoring also intensifies situations that leave you viewers on edge and never feels disruptive. The camera work and music feel thoroughly tailored to each scene. Consider yourself glued to the screen.
Trigger feels quite balanced, but as episodes pass, the action-heavy thrills turn into long but necessary monologues that could potentially bore viewers if they aren’t completely hooked on the story. A minor complaint would be the lack of screen time certain characters have. While threatening criminals felt more terrifying to watch, the everyday person who receives a gun and decides to use it for vengeance or other reasons was more intriguing. Characters like Yoo Jeong Tae or Oh Kyung Sook feel like they could offer more. The show highlights this idea, but could be more dedicated to the concept.
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Overall, Trigger is a must-watch show for fans of hypotheticals and thrillers. The story sparks worry and debate as the idea of a gun-free country becoming a lawless battleground is not a far-fetched reality. The cast is satisfying to watch, the storyline is engaging and even relatable at times, and each episode offers some food for thought. Don’t watch this show during your break time, as you will never want to pause or interrupt this addictive series. (9/10)
