Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
Gangster comedy ‘Boss’ offers unique twist on classic genre
Actors Jung Kyung-ho, from left, Lee Kyu-hyung and Jo Woo-jin in a scene from “Boss” / Courtesy of Hive Media Corp
By Baek Byung-yeul
Director Ra Hee-chan believes his film "Boss" will be compelling for audiences this Chuseok holiday season because it flips the traditional gangster movie formula by focusing on characters finding their true identities rather than on a fight for power.
"The ironic situation where they don't want to be the boss felt like an effective way to present a comedy," the director said after the film's premiere in Seoul, Wednesday. "I worked to write a deeper story that combines comedy with the dilemma of gangsters who have other dreams."
He added that the film's unique concept and its characters differentiate it from other gangster comedies.
"The fact that these gangsters are seeking their own identity and dreams, not just loyalty, is what makes it different," he said.
The film's humor comes from the intense rivalry between Soon-tae and Kang-pyo, two second-in-commands who are desperately trying to avoid becoming the boss.
Jo Woo-jin portrays Soon-tae, a talented Chinese restaurant chef who wants to be the best in his field but is stuck as the gang's second-in-command. Jung Kyung-ho plays Kang-pyo, the chosen heir to the gang, who secretly aims to be a top tango dancer.
In addition to actors Jo and Jung, Park Ji-hwan, Lee Kyu-hyung, Hwang Woo-seul-hye and Oh Dal-soo add depth to the film's cast with their steady performances.
Ra described the film as a typical holiday movie that audiences can comfortably enjoy, adding action to the comedy.
"We tried to add action to it. This is a movie with a cliched theme that audiences have seen during the holidays," Ra said.
From left, actors Park Ji-hwan, Jo Woo-jin and Jung Kyung-ho in a scene from “Boss” / Courtesy of Hive Media Corp
The film can be seen as a continuation of the gangster comedy genre that was once very popular in Korean cinema. It features organized crime and internal conflict, but it adds a new twist by having the characters desperately try to avoid the top position.
While the film effectively uses this twist as its premise, it doesn't have many laugh-out-loud moments. However, its fast-paced plot, clean storytelling and clear ending make it a film that families can easily enjoy together during the holidays.
On its release alongside Park Chan-wook’s "No Other Choice," lead actor Jo expressed his hope that both films will succeed at the box office.
"Earlier this year, I worked on 'The Match' with actor Lee Byung-hun, and now we both have lead roles in films opening for Chuseok," Jo said.
"The movie industry isn't doing so well right now, but I hope that both 'Boss' and 'No Other Choice' will be two films that give audiences a good experience and bring some much-needed energy back to theaters."
“Boss” will hit theaters on Oct. 3.