Korean film ‘A Company Man’ questions everyone’s motivations in a cutthroat world

Celebrating the opening night of the 2014 Korean Film Festival Manila was a feature film that portrayed the dilemma of people with day jobs. This was the action film “A Company Man,” starring “Master’s Sun” actor So Ji-Sub, at SM Megamall Cinema last October 8, Wednesday.

 

Stranger than fiction

 

The film starts with the question “Do you love your job?” Preceded by a young kimchi delivery man played by Kim Dong-Jun (ZE:A), breezing inside a tightly secured building before going for the kill. 

 

“A Company Man” is about Ji Hyeong-Do (played by So Ji-Sub), who works for a company that, on the surface, is like an ordinary office with regular desk employees. But in reality, each and every one of them are cold-hearted hired killers. Hyeong-Do was an exemplary worker with a good track record of kills in the past; however, his mistakes during assignments started piling up, thus compelling him to seek a new purpose in life—which in turn, led to the firm’s decision to terminate him for good.

Now, Hyeong-Do is out to seek his revenge via taking out the company he has served his whole life before they ‘fire’ him.

 

 

The movie's fight sequences went for a practical, realistic approach in using everyday objects-turned-deadly weapons and impressive knife maneuvers, as opposed to heavily choreographed moves only for the sake of action. When it comes to firepower, the characters only carry handguns that can be concealed during their assignments. The big guns were used only during the most exciting parts of the movie.

 

For an action film, a big chunk of the movie was focused on building up the characters, with many scenes revolving around their current employment status. Even the small players are a stark reflection of the reality the ordinary worker faces every day: from having big dreams in life to the disillusionment of retiring.

 

Director Lim Sang-Yoon said during the premiere: “We are all the Company Man.” The final question of the movie is: in this cutthroat world, who, or for what are you working for?

 

Inside the box

 

In a short interview with GMA News Online, Lim revealed what he thought was the appeal of Korean movies. He said that, given that South Korea is a small place, it is easy to be inspired by what’s in front of you. That’s why films from Korea are simple but pack a punchful of emotions.

 

Watching films in his childhood inspired Lim Sang-Yoon to take up filmmaking as a profession. His films are primarily action, brought by his interest in American classics like the “Rambo” and “Rocky” sequels.

 

What’s in store for Lim? He said that he would like to try a hand in making a mystery genre film. 

 

Korea to the world

 

Hallyuwave is an emerging trend in global pop culture. Korean movies are increasingly gaining attention with their unique flavor and serve as windows into (South) Korean culture. Lim was then asked if films can further introduce Korea to world. He simply answered, “I am optimistic!”

 

The 2014 Korean Film Festival was organized by the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, KTO Manila, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, and other Korean film agencies. The film fest was held nationwide, beginning from Davao to Cebu to Clark, and finally, Manila.
 

The last leg of the Film Festival runs from October 8 to 12 at SM Megamall, featuring films "All About My Wife," "The King of Pigs," "My Paparotti," "Hide and Seek," "Man on the Edge," and "Hwayi: A Monster Boy." Admission is free.

Check out KCCPH’s facebook page or SM Cinema for the movie schedules. — VC, GMA News