Not exactly. It just so happened that neither flattering reviews about the film, nor a galaxy of first-class actors (Han Suk Kyu, Choi Min Sik, Son Kang Ho) did not save me from disappointment. I'll be honest: I was expecting a broken comedy, and I got a barely restrained yawn already in the 10th minute of viewing. The director and the screenwriter, in my opinion, failed to create a picture with a whole plot. It turned out a kind of vinaigrette with a number of not very related storylines, which at the very end of the film will be connected together, leaving, however, a number of questions after watching.
As for me, it would be better if the film consisted of several novels, as it used to be fashionable to make films in Italy ("Boccaccio-70 is an example of this). Of all the plot lines of the film, two are most remembered: one about the bored wife of a gangster who met a beggar poet who turns out to be not only a poet, but also an ardent lover; another about a mad coach and his three stupid students, naively believing that he will make real assassins out of them.
Han Suk Kyu is remembered in this film for his long hair. They really suit him. As for the role itself, there was a problem: the image was not particularly suitable for the actor. I do not understand why it is believed that the roles of Han Suk Kyu in the 90s were more successful than those he plays now. To me, on the contrary, his work in “Bloody Aria”, “Forbidden Object”, “Villain and Widow”, “The Last Shot of the President” is much more noticeable and interesting than this idiot-gangster, who for 15 years goes out of his way to become a gang leader, and when such an opportunity appears, shoots to hell. The image created by the screenwriter did not allow the unconditionally gifted actor to demonstrate a rare talent.
Not in place here and Choi Min Sik. And although after watching the whole film you understand why his hero was created, there is an annoying misunderstanding of why the image of such an important hero for the development of the plot is so illiterate, disgustingly revealed? His hero admits with frustration that he worked ten years in the prosecutor’s field just to move to a residential area more decent. He clearly realizes that he is living life in vain and, in order to somehow brighten up his joyless existence, decides to fight gangsters. An interesting image, in which Choi Min Sik breathed life, but, unfortunately, being squeezed into the tight framework of a far from ideal scenario, could not convey everything he wanted.
Here's who of the actors of this film is lucky, so it's Son Kang Ho. The role in this film was a real breakthrough for him. The coach he played causes a storm of emotions: from violent indignation to absolute admiration. A very colorful character came out.
Maybe gangster movies are not for me, maybe in a few years I will review this film and understand its intention differently, but for now I will find a middle ground and put:
5 out of 10