A Dirty Carnival (2006)

A Dirty Carnival is everything a mob flick should be plus a little bit.

The movie is appropriately titled because living the life of a gangster is indeed dirty business, and the film neither sugarcoats nor glamorizes this lifestyle (as other, especially Western, gangster flicks are wont to do). Once you become entrapped there are few, if any, routes of escape.

It's a cautionary tale about an underbelly of society that's dog eat dog, where karma is a real bitch. Trust and betrayal thread a very thin line and losing your humanity becomes the only modus operandi to ensuring your survival.

From where I sat the film was brilliantly executed both in terms of story and plot. The pacing was taut, there was never a dull moment that I can remember. You're kept fully engrossed by a stellar cast who made their characters seem real and very convincing.

Jo In Sung, in the role of charismatic, but conflicted Byung-doo, puts on a memorable performance. Byung-doo is a young man whose life has become twisted by fate. A filial son, and still possessing a shred of conscience despite the violence that surrounds him, I was able to sympathize with the character even while I was appalled by the brutality and ruthlessness fueling his actions.

Considering previous events, the big boss singing a cappella in one of the final scenes really struck chord in me. That's pretty much all I remember about the music, but it was effective enough in that moment to warrant a 7.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I wouldn't have minded if certain things went down differently, but I appreciate the film for its realistic portrayal of what I imagine that world and the people who live in it to be. I doubt fans of the mob genre will be disappointed.

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So, I wanted to watch this movie since Jo In Sung acts in it, but no one had any reviews. I will be the first to review:

Story: 8/10

It's a gangster movie, with an interesting plot. Many unexpected events happen and the fighting scenes are great. Had the ending been different, my rating would've been higher, but I'll stick to 8/10.

Acting/Cast: 9/10

The actors were great. They all are experienced actors and were able to make me believe their characters were real. Also, the chemistry between Byung Du and Hyun Ju shows as the movie progresses. I personally loved the kissing scene in this movie. It was very unexpected and passionate! Also, Nam Goong Min (Maroo Oppa from Can You Hear My Heart) acts in this movie which was a plus, although his character was not my favorite in this movie.

Music: 9/10

The OST was great. With some french elements (like the Accordion, strings and pizzicato technique) , the music was sometimes funny and others sad (depending on the situation). I also liked the music played at a clubbing scene. I wouldn't say it's an EPIC OST (10/10) but it was quite lovely and refreshing. I even downloaded it afterwards!

Rewatch Value: 6/10

The reason I'd rewatch this movie is for In Sung and the kissing scene. The reason I wouldn't would be what I mentioned in the Story review section; the ending was not exactly satisfactory for me but no spoilers here.

In total, it was a very good movie with some nice action, awkward moments, revenge, extremely sad moments and a touch of romance. 8/10

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