‘Boss’ delivers laughter, irony in fresh take on gangster comedy
The offbeat gangster comedy “Boss” opens in theaters on Oct. 3. Courtesy of Hivemedia Corp
Can a gangster movie be this endearing? “Boss” brings humor, absurdity and raw survival instincts together in a brisk, entertaining package.
While most mob films lean on cliches of power struggles, this one takes a different route. Its central tension is not about who seizes the top seat, but about those who desperately want to avoid it.
The film’s most compelling aspect lies in its characters’ motivations. By turning down opportunities to rise to the top, the protagonists reveal how much they long for different lives.
Jo Woo-jin’s Soon-tae rejects leadership out of responsibility as a father, while Jung Kyung-ho’s Kang-pyo walks away to pursue his dream of dance. In contrast, Park Ji-hwan’s Pan-ho clings to the organization, seeking recognition no matter the cost.
Though marketed as a comedic action flick, “Boss” works more as a satire on how individuals navigate personal desires within rigid hierarchies.
From left, actors Jung Kyung-ho, Lee Kyu-hyung and Jo Woo-jin in “Boss” / Courtesy of Hivemedia Corp
Instead of building toward one grand climax, the film’s rhythm comes from small cracks and mishaps within the story. With director Ra Hee-chan at the helm, the film plays as a crowd-pleasing holiday comedy while still hinting at deeper themes.
The performances ground the humor. Jo brings warmth to the role of a reluctant gangster, matched by Hwang Woo-seul-hye, who plays his tough yet charming wife with natural chemistry.
Park elicits laughs with his expressions alone, while Jung adds a quirky twist with his character’s unlikely passion for dance.
Supporting actors Lee Sung-min and Oh Dal-su give the story balance with their gravitas, and Lee Kyu-hyung nearly steals the spotlight with a wild, unpredictable turn late in the story that sends the comedy soaring to its peak.
“Boss” never strays far from the conventions of the comedy genre, which makes it safe and sometimes predictable. Still, for a Chuseok release, it delivers exactly what audiences need — a chance to laugh together at the theater.
At 98 minutes, the film is brisk enough for today’s viewers. It opens Oct. 3 with a 15-and-over rating.
Lee Kyu-hyung delivers a standout performance in “Boss.” Courtesy of Hivemedia Corp
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.