The latest film from famed director Park Chan-wook (who also wrote co-wrote the screenplay), this is a very black comedy, based on the novel, "The Ax" by Donald Westlake. "The Ax" had previously been made into a 2005 film version by Costa-Gravas. This Korean version is outstanding.
Lee Byung-hun (of Squid Game fame) stars as Yoo Man-su, a manager at a paper factory who is fired and goes to extreme lengths to get another job and provide for his family. He is absolutely terrific in the role. The film co-stars Son Ye-jin as Lee Mi-ri, his wife, Lee Sung-min, Yeom Hye-ran, Cha Seung-won, and Yoo Yeon-seok. They are all well know Korean actors and are all well cast here.
The cinematography by Kim Woo-Hyung is terrific and there are quite a few clever visuals.
Mr. Chan-wook finds much dark humor in Yoo-Man-su's desperation but Mr. Byung-hun never plays things for laughs. He takes his situation very seriously and yet we find ourselves laughing anyway. Such is the skill in the writing and direction.
The film is in Korean with English sub-titles but don't let that deter you. It is extremely well made and very entertaining.
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