Sci-fi films are always a tricky proposition — They require a large suspension of disbelief while also remaining grounded enough to tap into the audience’s emotions.

If the genre picture fails to do that, it becomes nothing than a set-piece factory, and less of an experience. With The Moon, director Kim Yong Hwa has crafted a movie that features both incredible visual effects and a beating heart at the centre.

It follows a Korean space team in the near future who embark on a mission to plant their flag on the moon — Seven years after their first effort ended in tragedy. With the reputation of their nation in their hands, three astronauts try to make history.

But when two of them die following catastrophic damage to the ship, the remaining astronaut tries to stay alive and complete his mission with the help of a disgraced former Naro Space Centre director.

Do Kyung-soo is fantastic in the lead role, and does great work and interplay with Sol Kyung-go. Their performances lift this above regular sci-fi far.

The beautiful imagery and visuals from writer-director Yong-hwa Kim also make this one a worthwhile proposition. It isn’t terribly fresh or inventive, but this is certainly a highly entertaining effort.

3.5/5 Stars