A Masterpiece Filled with Laughter and Tears, "Number 3" Review

I'd like to talk about "Number 3", a South Korean gangster comedy film released in 1997. This film is the debut work of director Song Nung-han and boasts a star-studded cast, including Han Seok-kyu, Choi Min-sik, Lee Mi-yeon, Ahn Seok-hwan, Park Kwang-jung, Bang Eun-hee, Song Kang-ho, and Park Sang-myeon. The English title is "Number 3". This film gained a lot of love from many viewers with its unique story and excellent acting skills, and it remains an important work in Korean film history.

The plot of "Number 3" begins with the story of Tae-ju (played by Han Seok-kyu), a member of the Dokangpa gang. Tae-ju hides Boss Gang Do-sik (played by Ahn Seok-hwan) who was attacked in a coup within the organization, and in return, he becomes number 3 in the organization. However, he finds himself in a rivalry with 'Jaettereui' Jae-cheol (played by Park Sang-myeon), a simple-minded character, and his position within the organization is unstable. Tae-ju's wife, Hyun-ji (played by Lee Mi-yeon), dreams of a luxurious life and takes poetry lessons from a third-rate poet, Langbo (played by Park Kwang-jung), which leads her to commit adultery. However, Hyun-ji ends her relationship with Langbo due to a scheme by Gina (played by Bang Eun-hee), the boss's wife and a madam of a nightclub.

Meanwhile, Jo-pil (played by Song Kang-ho), who failed to eliminate the Dokangpa boss, organizes the Bulsapa gang with his subordinates through hellish training. One day, Tae-ju gets into a fight with Jo-pil's subordinates at a pojangmacha (street food stall) and gets beaten up, leading to his expulsion from the organization. Afterward, Do-sik orders Tae-ju to kill prosecutor Ma Dong-pal (played by Choi Min-sik), who is hindering the organization, using the next boss as bait. Tae-ju carries out the order, killing Prosecutor Ma and secretly burying him in a nearby mountain.

While Jo-pil and his gang were planning revenge at a nightclub where the Dokangpa and a Japanese gang were having a party, a fight breaks out between the two gangs when Jae-cheol accidentally hits the Japanese boss with an ashtray. In the ensuing chaos, Prosecutor Ma, who was thought to be dead, appears, and it is revealed that Tae-ju had been working with Ma. In 2001, Hyun-ji visits Tae-ju, who is in prison, along with their son, and they plan to immigrate together after his release.

"Number 3" is a remarkable work that showcases director Song Nung-han's delicate directing and unique sense of humor. The director delicately portrays human desires, betrayal, and hope through the power struggles and interpersonal relationships within the organization. Notably, the film excels at eliciting laughter through realistic yet exaggerated characters while simultaneously expressing the underlying sadness. This movie creates a perfect harmony between comedy and drama, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Han Seok-kyu perfectly embodies Tae-ju, struggling to survive within the organization. His performance seamlessly blends humor and seriousness, delicately expressing the character's complex emotions. Choi Min-sik leaves a powerful impression as Prosecutor Ma Dong-pal, a charismatic prosecutor. Lee Mi-yeon authentically portrays Hyun-ji, caught between elegance and realistic desires. Supporting actors like Song Kang-ho, Park Kwang-jung, and Park Sang-myeon also flawlessly execute their roles, contributing to the film's overall quality.

The film's music and visual elements are also noteworthy. The emotional music enhances the atmosphere of the movie and intensifies the emotional arc of each scene. Furthermore, the director's meticulous directing and cinematography effectively express the psychology of each character, immersing the audience in the story.

"Number 3" is more than just a simple gangster comedy. It reflects the reality of Korean society through power struggles and interpersonal relationships within the organization, and deeply explores the complex emotions and conflicts of individuals living within it. The film conveys a profound message hidden within the humor, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Finally, "Number 3" has established itself as an important work in Korean cinema history, thanks to its unique storyline and outstanding performances. It delicately portrays human nature and social structures, leaving a strong impression on the audience. I hope you also take this opportunity to reflect on the complex issues of life and the meaning of human relationships through this film. This is the end of today's review. I will be back with another movie review next time. Thank you.