Paemilli (2002) User Reviews

If you want something to laugh, you at least got the plot...

[AlainS · 3/10 · 11 January 2003]

*SPOILERS*

A few gangsters are ordered to take over Incheon, but they struggle with madam of a hostess bar. One of the gangsters falls in love with one of the hostesses. The gangsters are betrayed. More love involves. With the help of the hostess they take over Incheon by themselves and get happy.

This movie has some quite funny scenes, but most of the time you laugh because of the plot. You can find Drama, Romantic and Action in this movie, but none of it can really evolve, since the silliness is just too much.

Nothing new, but presented in a cool and humorous fashion ...

[Pedro-37 · 7/10 · 19 January 2003]

For everyone who's experienced in Korean cinema, "Family - Action Vs. Love" will not bring anything new. It is however a very entertaining film about two young gangsters who take over the city of Incheon only to run into problems with a little brothel ...

The action is as raw as usual in Korean cinema, but it is mixed with scenes of (good) comedy. Also, the director took a rather flashy approach in filming: The colors look bright (especially the reds) and give the scenes a cartoony style - but there's still enough blood and fist fighting to please the more brawny viewer.

Acting wise, Sin-Hye Hwang stands out as the owner of the brothel. It's nice to see women who stand up against the men (like in "My Wife is a Gangster") and Hwang definitely commands the scenes believably. Her counterpart Min-jong Kim (of "This Is Law") holds his coolness against her and together, Kim and Hwang make a strong couple - and a good pair of opponents.

Content-wise, there's not much to find in "Family". But it's well acted, well directed and fun to watch. I'd rate it

7/10