The Negotiation: the plot of Lee Jong-seok’s thriller is so filled with layered conspiracies that at some point it’s easier to just ignore the preposterous details and be moment-to-moment thrilled; this is an exciting check-your-brain-at-the-door entertainment. The film’s strength is the strong villain, devious and unpredictable, well played by Hyun Bin. The protagonist, vulnerable but strong, is also nicely played by Son Ye-jin; it is a welcome kind of character, always. Kim Sang-ho’s performance injects some levity to the film. Its aesthetics are effective; Jung Jin-hee’s editing keeps the film moving at a tight, exciting pace, and the production design creates a few environments that serve their purpose very efficiently.