12 Deep Red Nights

Synopsis

12 Deep Red Nights (십이야: 깊고 붉은 열두 개의 밤 Chapter1) is a 2015 South Korean thriller directed by Lee Kwan-hun. The film interweaves twelve intense and suspenseful episodes set across twelve nights, each exploring the darker facets of human nature and crime. With a moody and atmospheric tone, the narrative examines intertwined stories of passion, betrayal, and mystery unfolding in a gripping, nonlinear fashion. The film’s evocative cinematography and haunting score amplify the tension, inviting the audience into a labyrinth of secrets that gradually come to light. Through its complex characters and layered storytelling, 12 Deep Red Nights offers a distinctive take on the noir thriller genre within Korean cinema.

Cast

• 

  Lee Kwan-hun

  In-sik

• 

  Jung Bo-reum

  Question's woman

• 

  Park Eun-seok

  Kwang-hyeon

• Kim Min-hyuk

  Min-hee

• 

  Kim Ye-na

  Yeong-min

Reviews

12 Deep Red Nights received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. On IMDb, the film holds a modest rating around 6.2/10, indicating a mixed but mildly favorable reception. Critics praised the film’s ambitious structure and atmospheric tension, with some noting that Lee Kwan-hun's direction brought a unique style to the Korean thriller genre. The visual style and soundtrack were often highlighted for creating an immersive experience. However, some reviewers pointed out shortcomings in pacing and character development, stating that the nonlinear narrative occasionally led to confusion and a lack of emotional connection. According to a review on HanCinema, the film "delivers compelling visuals and a haunting mood but struggles to fully engage with its characters' complexities." The film was not widely reviewed on major Western aggregator sites like Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic, indicating limited international exposure. Overall, 12 Deep Red Nights is seen as an intriguing, if uneven, entry in Korean crime cinema for viewers interested in atmospheric and stylistically ambitious thrillers.