‘Space Sweepers’ Spoiler Free Review – Even in Space Korean Cinema Is Social Commentary
Space Sweepers is a ton of fun even though it doesn’t quite fit in a single category.
I’ve been staring at an empty screen trying to figure out what to label it. Space Western? Dystopian space opera? Sci-fi b-movie bubbling over with social commentary that somehow doesn’t feel even a little bit preachy? However you want to qualify it, Space Sweepers is a blast of a movie. It isn’t perfect. It is a sci-fi popcorn b-movie, and it is a solid way to spend 136 minutes.
The plot centers around the crew of The Victory. Earth itself is dying because of pollution, in response, an uber-corporation called UTS has created a massive orbital station for its select (rich) citizens. Everyone else skirts by in poverty or as Space Sweepers (roll credits). Basically, salvage ships that sweep the space junk that orbits Earth. Our trusty crew of The Victory is some of the very very best, but even they can’t find a way to rise above.
Then, as you can find out in the trailer, they find a little girl. Shenanigans ensue – as you may have guessed, they run afoul of UTS and its villainous CEO played by Richard Armitage.
Space Sweepers Isn’t Perfect
Let’s get this out of the way real quick. Basically, as far as performances go (if you aren’t speaking Korean) you have as much acting range as cardboard. That isn’t because they wanted to highlight the Korean actors (or that they’re not great), it is because the English speakers are that bad. Even Richard Armitage puts out a sub-par performance.
The effects are… fine? Nothing to write home about. They do the job to keep the story moving and make the action work well. Nothing is bad enough to get in the way but it won’t win any awards either. The fully CGI character, Bubs the robot, is able to convey emotion well and never looks flat.
via Netflix
… But It’s a Great Ride
Now that we have the negative out of the way, let’s talk about all the things that make Space Sweepers a good time. The Korean actors’ performances are outstanding. As an English speaker living through the sub-titles, I could feel every bit of charisma, humor, and emotion. The Victory Crew are sometimes simple caricatures of classic sci-fi tropes, but it still works to serve the story well and their performances are good enough to overcome any simplicity of script.
It also has a fair amount of action throughout – in space and on ships.
via Netflix
It all makes for a fun journey that still retains a sense of emotional growth all while peppering social commentary left and right. None of it feels too heavy-handed – no more heavy-handed than any average dystopian story does, anyway. That and it is a Korean movie mass released to the US. There has to be social commentary. That’s like the (legally required) rules, right?
via Netflix
Should I Check Space Sweepers Out?
Yes! Space Sweepers uses its time well. I was shocked when I saw the 136-minute running time, it never feels like it drags. The English language acting is terrible, but the Korean actors are on top of their game. It’s got some fun action sequences and just the right amount of humor. The balance is an enjoyable space dystopian Western opera that is worth a watch.
You can watch Space Sweepers on Netflix now.
