Wild Card (2003) (와일드 카드) 
Director: Kim Yoo-jin (김유진)
Starring:
Jeong Jin-yeong (정진영), Yang Dong-geun (양동근), Han Chae-young (한채영), Ki
Joo-bong (기주봉), Kim Myeong-gook (김명국), Lee Dong-gyoo (이동규), Seo
Jae-kyeong (서재경) & Yoon Won-seok (윤원석)
Running Time: 117 mins
Korean Release Date: 16/05/2003
UK DVD Release Date: 06/06/2007
UK Distributors: Third Window (link) /Metrodome Distribution (link)
I
will use this opportunity to commend distributors Third Window and
Metrodome for releasing some forgotten treasures, not least this film Wild Card (와일드 카드). This is one of the most enjoyable films you will ever see – I know this is easy to say, but it is very true.
The
plot itself couldn’t be simpler – it follows a group of detectives who
are looking for a group of adolescent thugs who kill to rob. As the
body count rises, so does their passion to get the killers. 
It
may seem rather simple, but director Kim You-Jeen (not the
actress/singer) masterfully pulls together a film that leaves you glued
for two hours. Why he hasn't made a film since, is beyond me. Writer
Lee Man-hee puts in some necessary subtle, yet very successful subplots
to fuel the narrative like the romantic and hilarious encounters
between Bang Je-su (Yang-Dong-guen) and Kang Na-ra (Han Chae-young).
Whilst
most crime thrillers will focus on a couple of detectives, Wild Card
spreads its wings out a little bit to explore the importance of what I
call the Korean work family, but this is not to say the film lacks
leads.
The film opens as the lead detective (Ki Joo-bong (기주봉))
asks his fellow colleagues for a drink, but they all humorously claim
they are all busy in one way or another, though one of his team, Oh
Yeong-Dal (Jeong Jin-yeong (정진영)) says he will have one drink. It is
not long before he realises this was all in aid to surprise him for a
birthday party. As they celebrate together, it becomes clear this is as
much a family unit as it is a group of police detectives. As the
narrative develops, we get to see how close these brothers are (not
literally) and their differences ironed out, and unsurprisingly how it
affects their personal lives, though this latter aspect of the story is
focussed on the two leads.
The
film also addresses both sides of the argument as to how much force the
police can use. Many films will expose the harsh methods the police
have resorted to in order to get information, stop criminals and even
punish criminals – just look at Memories of Murder
– but, Wild Card also looks at the benefits of it through the use of
hindsight. However, it also points out comically that there are
alternative solutions, which only need a little imagination – very
clever indeed.
It is a superb film that exceeds expectations on every level. Go and buy it NOW!
Although
some of the film is predictable to a small degree, as a viewer you are
constantly given a fair measure of surprises, which brings this film
ahead of conventional thrillers. As the climax approaches, you will be
at the edge of your site as you finally discover the fate of this
detective family.
As
always, acting across the board is faultless and committed with a
special nod going to Lee Dong-gyoo who really does pull off an
unforgettable performance, which launched his career as a film actor.
There
is no doubt that viewing this film is a rewarding experiencing and
don’t let the fact that you may not of heard of it, or that it is 4
years old deter you from watching it. It surpasses many films that have
been released recently, and put simply; it is a superb film that
exceeds expectations on every level. Go and buy it NOW!
* * * * *
Extras
Other than a music video, trailer and other Third Window & Metrodome releases, there is nothing else. But llke Green Fish (초록물고기), the menu is first class with a mixture of Korean and English.
* * *
Green Fish (1997) (초록물고기)
Director: Lee Chang-dong (이창동)
Cast: Han Suk-kyu (한석규), Moon Sung-keun (문성근), Shim Hye-jin (심혜진), Oh Ji-Hye (오지혜), Han Sun-Kyu (한선규), Song Kang-ho (송강호), Jung Jin-young (정진영), Myung Kye-nam (명계남)
Running Time: 114 mins
Korean Release Date: 02/07/1997
UK DVD Release Date: 06/06/2007
UK Distributors: Third Window (link) /Metrodome Distribution (link)
With the release of Secret Sunshine (밀양) in Korea comes the release of his first film, Green Fish
on DVD in the UK. Although 4 films is by no means extensive -
especially compared to the likes of Im Kwon-taek who has made 100 or
Kim Ki-duk who releases a film at least once a year – his reputation as
a director is very impressive indeed.
The
film follows Mak-dong (Han Suk-kyu) who has just come out from 2 years
of mandatory military training and returns to Ilsan, which has turned
into a Satellite town. With the population of Seoul going through the
roof, the government took measures to try and move people to satellite
towns just outside the centre so they could still work in Seoul – Ilsan
being one of them (it is situated to the North West of Seoul). Mak-dong
struggles to adjust to this transformation, and enters into the world
of gang culture, and his life subsequently takes a dark turn. 
You
may read the synopsis and think, this is yet another gangster film, but
you couldn’t be more wrong. Instead of going through the escapism
notion of making it enjoyable, it is quite the opposite. It is brutally
honest – Lee Chang-dong doesn’t compromise bringing reality to the
screen by adding plot lines that will entice you as a viewer. You
probably won’t enjoy this film, but you will certainly admire it.
However, this is not to say it is very slow and boring. Some seem to
focus on Lee Chang-dong’s ability to stress the reality of life, but as
with all walks in life, there are shocks and surprises and this film is
no exception. For example, in the scene where Mak-Dong takes on his
first task as a member of the gang, it is both very entertaining and
gripping.
as the credits roll, you can’t help but admire Lee Chang-dong for his courage and exceptional ability as a filmmaker
What
makes this film so interesting and essentially superb is Lee
Chang-dong’s ability to make a social documentary and a film
simultaneously. At no point does he neglect one aspect in aid of
developing another. As Mak-dong gets out of his brothers car early on
in the film, we almost come as disorientated as Mak-dong through a very
bizarre and out of focus 360-degree pan. This allows the viewer to
take a step inside the character of Mak-dong, and try to understand how
he struggles to adjust to what Lee calls ‘Seoulization’. Lee is
determined to expose a neglected area of society, which to some; may
ultimately feel too uncomfortable.
One
of key attributes to the film is the utterly superb performances from
the entire cast – Lee Chang-dong has as much reputation in making his
films dark as he does in getting his actors perform. Clearly the
biggest nod goes to Han Suk-kyu who without question pulls off one of
his finest performances. It is often easier to play characters that
have clear shifts in emotion, but the character of Mak-dong is not very
charismatic – quite the opposite. He is more of an introvert, and
subsequently his changes in character are very subtle and it is these
subtle, but at the same time, noticeable changes that take place
throughout the film that provides the film with almost infinite depth.
The
whole cast is exceptional – you can fault no one. Each character of his
dysfunctional family may play a very small part in the film in terms of
length, but their influence on the film is powerful at the very least. Shim Hye-jin is also excellent. It is also interesting to see Song Kang-ho playing a slim character, which is quite a contrast to his more recent roles. 
It
is not his finest film, since this film feels more of a starting point
for his later films, but the very fact that he starts at such a high
level suggests what a talented filmmaker he really is.
The
lack of any real solution will frustrate many – indeed the conclusion
is more of a kick in the teeth, rather than any sort of resolution. But
as the credits roll, you can’t help but admire Lee Chang-dong for his
courage and exceptional ability as a filmmaker and arguably, as also a
realist.
* * * *
Extras
There
are no extra features other than a cataolgue of trailers, but the fact
that every film, but one is Korean serioulsy gives you the desire to
watch more and more Korean films that are now available on the UK
market. It is also important to note that the DVD menu is very
impressive - it switches from Korean to English.
* * *
Jason Bechervaise