Review of “Space Sweepers”

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By: Reid Griffin, Contributing Writer

A film need not be a cinematic masterpiece to be worth watching.

“Space Sweepers” is a Korean science fiction adventure directed by Jo Sung-hee. After a year-long delay, it was released on Netflix on Feb. 5th. It may be a cheesy sci-fi film with ham-fisted plot devices, but the action scenes are exciting, the settings are gorgeous, and the characters are relatable.

In “Space Sweepers,” the year is 2092 and Earth is a dying world. The UTS corporation controls orbital stations where a small percentage of the population works and lives. Everything is privatized, from the laws to the militarized police that enforce them. Non-citizen stations for space laborers on work visas are hazardous. Citizenships are expensive, the price of a lower status even more so—your life.

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“These misfits just might save the world,” a movie poster says. Stream “Space Sweepers” to see how. (Photo Credit: Netflix)

The main cast boasts a variety of Korean drama stars who bring life to the dysfunctional crew of the Victory: Captain Jang (Kim Tae-ri), pilot Tae-ho (Song Joong-ki), engineer Tiger Park (Jin Seon-kyu), and reprogrammed military robot Bubs (Yoo Hae-jin).

Their tenuous existence hauling space salvage is threatened when they discover a humanoid robot said to be a weapon of mass destruction, setting them on a collision course with UTS CEO James Sullivan (Richard Armitage) and a mysterious terrorist organization.

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Co-star Kim Tae-ri (right) posted this image on Instagram to promote the film’s upcoming release. (Photo Credit: Netflix)

Visually, “Space Sweepers” is not as dark and gritty as its predictions of humanity’s future. Fans of Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” will appreciate that this film is not afraid of color. While many locations are dim and grungy by necessity, the world is still alive.

Color is also used in the wardrobe choices to guide the eye to the characters. Bright red and yellow clothes demand attention.

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The official trailer dropped a month ago, giving potential viewers a glimpse of the colorful cast. (Photo Credit: Netflix)

The heavy usage of computer-generated images does not detract from how ‘real’ this film feels. Outer space is brimming with its own culture and personality. Even the motion-captured robot feels as tangible as the other actors.

“Space Sweepers” also reflects a staggering diversity of language. Translation devices allow characters to speak a preferred language and still be understood; instead of using these devices as a cheat code for the entire film to be in one language, they are used to show off a variety. Korean, English, French, Chinese, German, Arabic, Russian, and Danish are all present within the first half-hour.

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While “Space Sweepers” has a 68% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, the 81% audience score is a more accurate rating of viewer enjoyment. (Photo Credit: Netflix)

At first glance, the Victory crew has nothing alike beyond their nationality, but by the end of the film they show loyalty and love for each other and for all of humanity. Powerful bonds develop between the crew and the people around them. Ostensibly motivated by greed, “Space Sweepers” suggests that what people must do to survive in a capitalist society is not indicative of their true character.

The comically evil UTS CEO would disagree. Sullivan’s next UTS project is a Mars colony. He plans to handpick 5% of the population based on genetics, believing their morals and their worth to be inherent in their DNA. His obsession with purity and eugenics are a stern warning against the rise in global fascist ideology—particularly eco-fascism, which expresses damaging sentiments such as ‘humans are the real virus.’

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Whereas the first “Guardians of the Galaxy” had a budget of over 232 million dollars, the “Space Sweepers” budget was reported to be under 25 million—at about ten percent of the budget, “Space Sweepers” still delivers satisfying visual effects, including the CGI robot, Bubs. (Photo Credit: Netflix)

This film is also a timely critique of the direction space travel is heading. On Jan. 16th, Elon Musk explained via Twitter that passages to Mars would be paid off with indentured servitude to his private corporation. While the climate crisis on Earth worsens, real-life CEOs plan to abandon ship and most of humanity with it.

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Space Sweepers was ready for release since Sep. 23rd, but the COVID-19 pandemic prevented a theatrical release, The Korea Herald reported. (Photo Credit: Netflix)

“Space Sweepers” has a powerful retort: if we have the technology to make Mars viable, then we have the technology to save Earth.

Ultimately, “Space Sweepers” only goes as deep as the audience wants it to. Anyone on the lookout for a serious and sophisticated science-fiction film should keep scrolling. Otherwise, this is an entertaining, low-stakes exploration of class struggles and the future of space travel, now available for streaming on Netflix.

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The Lions' Pride is a student-run news organization dedicated to sharing the voice of our Saint Leo community. Our mission is to uphold the Benedictine values, support First Amendment rights, and provide informative and thought-provoking journalism without fear of interference or reprisal.

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