Mirage

En route to his hometown of Incheon to receive an award for his book about Mil-wol Island, where people have been known to vanish, author Dong-jo accidentally loses his bag. Needing to borrow money, he reconnects with some old classmates including his former sweetheart, Yoo-jin. Dong-jo is all smiles during his reunion until Ki-jung appears, and upon seeing him, painful memories flood Dong-jo’s mind. Not only was Ki-jung the cause of Dong-jo’s greatest childhood trauma, but he is also the biggest inspiration behind his new novel. Fate has apparently decided that now is the time for Dong-jo to fully confront his dark past.

Directed by Yang Jung-ho, Mirage leans on a strong ensemble — Shin Jae-seung, Kim Chang-hwan, Kim Tae-yoon — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about thriller titles of 2012.