Dog’s Movie House: “Night In Paradise” Superb Korean Gangster Film!

“Night In Paradise” involves a mobster named Park who, while being loyal to his low level boss, Yang, is constantly being courted by more powerful gangs. HIs refusal to join leads to a tragedy involving his sister and niece. Evidence points to Chairman Doh, and, egged on by his boss, Park engages in an egregious act of revenge. The end result is that he’s forced to flee (think Michael Corleone) to Jeju Island, an isolated place where he rooms with an arms dealer and his niece, a young woman with a terminal disease. Despite a rough start, Park and the woman, who’s name is Jae, form a bond over their isolation and love of fish soup. Things take a turn when Park’s boss screws up and Chairman Doh’s men, lead by Director Ma, come to the island to settle things with Park. Lots and lots of violence ensues.

You may have noticed I didn’t list any cast members. It’s not that I’m lazy (even though I am, heh): it’s that I don’t want to mangle the names. You can get the cast list from this link here https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12792418/fullcredits/?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm (IMDB). They are all very good with Park and Jae being standouts. The fellow who plays Director Ma is also very good at giving a multilayered performance from a character that could easily be seen as one note.

https://youtu.be/3VoorS9HswY

Writer/Director Park Hoon-Jung makes sure the audience has the best of both worlds. The drama and dialogue are compelling enough to keep you engaged until the action set pieces take place. Watching the previews may lead you to believe that this is going to be a hyper-choreographed martial arts rock’em, sock’em brawl, but you would be mistaken. There is a great deal of violence, most of it brutal and ugly. There is a sense of pain and brutality that is perfectly married to the narrative. You feel it when these characters get their respective asses kicked and that’s the point. You’re supposed to feel it because you feel for the characters.

The ending is a real corker and the film finishes on either a hopeful note or something more depressing depending on your point of view. The less you know about this movie going in the better. It’s not for the kiddies, but discriminating adults who don’t mind a little wordplay on the screen will find a great deal to like about “Night In Paradise.” I know I did! 4 1/2 Out Of 5 On Kendog’s Barkometer! So Sayeth The Kendog!

“Night In Paradise” Is Currently Streaming On Netflix.

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