Man on the Edge (Korean: 박수건달; RR: Baksoogundal) is a 2013 South Korean film directed by Jo Jin-kyu. The story follows Gwang-ho (Park Shin-yang), the right-hand man of a powerful crime boss, as he struggles with the realization that he is destined to become a shaman.[2] Man on the Edge is director Jo Jin-kyu's fifth film; his debut feature, My Wife Is a Gangster, is credited with sparking the popularity of gangster themes in Korean cinema.[3] In a press conference for the film, lead actor Park Shin-yang told the audience that among his other preparations, he went to a shaman to learn more about the traditional practices.[4]
| Man on the Edge | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Jo Jin-kyu |
| Screenplay by | Park Gyu-tae |
| Produced by | Kim Woo-jae |
| Starring | Park Shin-yang |
| Cinematography | Jung Ki-won |
| Edited by | Shin Min-kyung |
| Music by | Jang Young-gyu Dalpalan |
| Distributed by | Showbox |
Release date |
|
Running time | 128 minutes |
| Country | South Korea |
| Language | Korean |
| Box office | US$21.9 million[1] |
Plot edit
After a knife wound alters the fate line on his palm, high-class gangster Gwang-ho experiences a series of strange events, including voices beckoning him and objects inexplicably moving around him. One such event occurs when a newspaper, seemingly blown by the wind, persistently follows Gwang-ho as he tries to run away. The newspaper features a large ad for a fortune teller, who Gwang-ho decides to visit. The fortune teller reveals that the strange events are being caused by a spirit. In order to accept the spirit and begin fulfilling his destiny as a shaman, he must perform a ritual. Unable to escape his fate, Gwang-ho begins a double life, working as a fortune teller by day and a criminal by evening—a life that is increasingly difficult to maintain. Meanwhile, Tae-joo (Kim Jung-tae), a rival member of the gang, is plotting to get rid of Gwang-ho and take his place. Tae-joo's henchmen spy on Gwang-ho, and as they begin to discover his secret, they use their discoveries to try to destroy him.[5][6][7]
Cast edit
- Park Shin-yang as Park Gwang-Ho
- Kim Jung-tae as Cha Tae-Joo
- Uhm Ji-won as Fortune Teller Myung
- Jung Hye-young as Dr. Choi Mi-Sook
- Yoon Song-yi as Han Soo-Min
- Kim Sung-kyun as Ko Choon-Bong
- Choi Ji-ho as Wang Dae-Sik
- Choi Il-hwa as the boss
- Park Jung-ja as the elder fortune teller
- Kim Hyeong-beom as Cha Tae-Joo's henchman
- Cho Jin-woong as the prosecutor[8]
Release & Reception edit
The film was released on January 9, 2013, and remained at #1 at the South Korean box office throughout the month,[9] selling 3,897,969 tickets during its theatrical run. It received mixed reviews, with audiences generally rating it higher than film critics. Many reporters described it as a fun movie with compelling performances; some criticized the story's unrealistic circumstances, while others hailed the story as unique and interesting.[10][11][12][13] When the film was released in Japan, Japanese production and distribution company SPO held a 'Park Shin-yang Festival 2014' at Toho Cinemas Roppongi Hills. The festival ran from February 1–14, screening other films featuring the actor in addition to the main feature.[14]
Awards and nominations edit
| Year | Awards | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 49th Baeksang Arts Awards | Most Popular - Actor (Film) | Park Shin-yang | Nominated | [15] |
| Most Popular - Actress (Film) | Uhm Ji-won | Nominated | |||
| 22nd Buil Film Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Nominated | |||
| 50th Grand Bell Awards | Nominated | ||||
| Best New Actress | Chun Min-hee | Nominated |
References edit
- ^ "Man on the Edge (2013)". Korean Film Council. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
- ^ Lee, Ju-suk (21 March 2021). "Comedy Starring Park Shin-yang". OrganicLife.
- ^ Kim, Ho-il (3 January 2013). "Baksoogundal: The gangster who became a shaman". Busan Ilbo.
- ^ "'Baksoogundal' Park Shinyang "I went to a shaman and studied"". Chosun Ilbo. 12 December 2012.
- ^ Jeon, Ye-sol (11 November 2019). "Park Shin-yang's acting elicits laughter and emotion in the movie 'Baksoogundal'". Kookje International Newspaper.
- ^ Han, Sang-hyung (21 March 2021). "EBS Korean movie special 'Baksoogundal' "Why did God take over Me?" Starring Park Shin-yang, Kim Jong-tae, Kim Ji-won, and Chung Hye-young". Korea Lecturer News.
- ^ Conran, Pierce (7 February 2013). "Man on the Edge (박수건달, Baksoogeondal) 2012". Modern Korean Cinema.
- ^ "Mon on the Edge – Cast (Korean Movie, 2012, 박수건달)". HanCinema. Retrieved 2022-05-07.
- ^ "Box Office Rankings". The Korea Times. 24 January 2013.
- ^ "The gangster who became a shaman, the new movie 'Baksoogundal'". Seol Newspaper. 27 March 2013.
- ^ Jung, Young-sik (11 November 2019). "Critics say 'Baksoogundal' is disappointing, in the mid-range of 6 points". Jungbu Ilbo.
- ^ Im, Mi-na (30 December 2012). "(New Movie) The Gangster Who Became a Shaman: Baksoogundal". Yunhap News.
- ^ "Park Shin-yang's 'Baksoogundal' is a big hit... Over 2 million spectators". Hankyung News. 20 January 2013.
- ^ "'Park Shinyang Festival' in Japan to coincide with the release of 'Baksoogundal'". KBS News. 8 January 2014.
- ^ "박수건달". Naver (in Korean). Retrieved 17 June 2022.
External links edit
- Man on the Edge at IMDb
- Man on the Edge at HanCinema
- Baksoogundal at Movist
- Man on the Edge (Baksugeondal) at the Korean Movie Database
- Man on the Edge at the Korean Film Council
- Baksoogundal at Daum
- Bak-su-geon-dal at Rotten Tomatoes
