The Divine Move 2: The Wrathful (2019) is a South Korean neo-noir action crime film directed by Lee Khan. Serving as a prequel to the acclaimed 2014 film The Divine Move, it stars Kwon Sang-woo, Kim Hee-won, and Kim Sung-kyun. The film plunges viewers into the gritty underground world of baduk (Go), vengeance, and survival.
🎬 Plot Overview
- Gwi-soo (Kwon Sang-woo) loses everything due to baduk—a deeply strategic board game central to Korean culture.
- Left with nothing, he’s taken in by skilled baduk players Heo Il-do (Kim Sung-kyun) and Teacher Ddong (Kim Hee-won), who train him into a formidable Go master.
- Driven by revenge, Gwi-soo challenges elite masters nationwide in dangerous, high-stakes matches.
- Soon, however, his quest draws unwanted attention. A mysterious loner emerges, intent on settling his own deadly vendetta.
🔥 Why It Stands Out
- ✅ Intense Action & Strategy: A gripping fusion of martial arts, gambling, and psychological tension—every move is life or death.
- ✅ Neo-Noir Style: Dark visuals and gritty storytelling vividly capture the film’s underground crime world.
- ✅ High-Stakes Drama: Themes of revenge, betrayal, and survival keep the audience engaged from start to finish.
📊 Reception & Legacy
Over time, it has become recognized as a stylish, action-packed thriller, solidifying and expanding the Divine Move franchise’s popularity.
Released on November 7, 2019, The Divine Move 2 opened at #1 in the South Korean box office, grossing $6.74 million in its first weekend.
Critics praised its adrenaline-fueled action sequences and intense storytelling.