Man on the Edge (film)

Man on the Edge (Korean: 박수건달; RR: Baksoogundal) is a 2013 South Korean film directed by Jo Jin-kyu. The story follows Gwang-ho (Park Shin-yang), the right-hand man of a powerful crime boss, as he struggles with the realization that he is destined to become a shaman.[2] Man on the Edge is director Jo Jin-kyu's fifth film; his debut feature, My Wife Is a Gangster, is credited with sparking the popularity of gangster themes in Korean cinema.[3] In a press conference for the film, lead actor Park Shin-yang told the audience that among his other preparations, he went to a shaman to learn more about the traditional practices.[4]

Man on the Edge
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJo Jin-kyu
Screenplay byPark Gyu-tae
Produced byKim Woo-jae
StarringPark Shin-yang
CinematographyJung Ki-won
Edited byShin Min-kyung
Music byJang Young-gyu
Dalpalan
Distributed byShowbox
Release date
  • 9 January 2013 (2013-01-09)
Running time
128 minutes
CountrySouth Korea
LanguageKorean
Box officeUS$21.9 million[1]

Plot

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After a knife wound alters the fate line on his palm, high-class gangster Gwang-ho experiences a series of strange events, including voices beckoning him and objects inexplicably moving around him. One such event occurs when a newspaper, seemingly blown by the wind, persistently follows Gwang-ho as he tries to run away. The newspaper features a large ad for a fortune teller, who Gwang-ho decides to visit. The fortune teller reveals that the strange events are being caused by a spirit. In order to accept the spirit and begin fulfilling his destiny as a shaman, he must perform a ritual. Unable to escape his fate, Gwang-ho begins a double life, working as a fortune teller by day and a criminal by evening—a life that is increasingly difficult to maintain. Meanwhile, Tae-joo (Kim Jung-tae), a rival member of the gang, is plotting to get rid of Gwang-ho and take his place. Tae-joo's henchmen spy on Gwang-ho, and as they begin to discover his secret, they use their discoveries to try to destroy him.[5][6][7]

Cast

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Release & Reception

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The film was released on January 9, 2013, and remained at #1 at the South Korean box office throughout the month,[9] selling 3,897,969 tickets during its theatrical run. It received mixed reviews, with audiences generally rating it higher than film critics. Many reporters described it as a fun movie with compelling performances; some criticized the story's unrealistic circumstances, while others hailed the story as unique and interesting.[10][11][12][13] When the film was released in Japan, Japanese production and distribution company SPO held a 'Park Shin-yang Festival 2014' at Toho Cinemas Roppongi Hills. The festival ran from February 1–14, screening other films featuring the actor in addition to the main feature.[14]

Awards and nominations

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Year Awards Category Recipient Result Ref.
2013 49th Baeksang Arts Awards Most Popular - Actor (Film) Park Shin-yang Nominated [15]
Most Popular - Actress (Film) Uhm Ji-won Nominated
22nd Buil Film Awards Best Supporting Actress Nominated
50th Grand Bell Awards Nominated
Best New Actress Chun Min-hee Nominated

References

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  1. ^ "Man on the Edge (2013)". Korean Film Council. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
  2. ^ Lee, Ju-suk (21 March 2021). "Comedy Starring Park Shin-yang". OrganicLife. Archived from the original on 2 September 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
  3. ^ Kim, Ho-il (3 January 2013). "Baksoogundal: The gangster who became a shaman". Busan Ilbo. Archived from the original on 2 September 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
  4. ^ "'Baksoogundal' Park Shinyang "I went to a shaman and studied"". Chosun Ilbo. 12 December 2012.
  5. ^ Jeon, Ye-sol (11 November 2019). "Park Shin-yang's acting elicits laughter and emotion in the movie 'Baksoogundal'". Kookje International Newspaper. Archived from the original on 2 September 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
  6. ^ Han, Sang-hyung (21 March 2021). "EBS Korean movie special 'Baksoogundal' "Why did God take over Me?" Starring Park Shin-yang, Kim Jong-tae, Kim Ji-won, and Chung Hye-young". Korea Lecturer News. Retrieved 6 May 2022.[dead link]
  7. ^ Conran, Pierce (7 February 2013). "Man on the Edge (박수건달, Baksoogeondal) 2012". Modern Korean Cinema. Archived from the original on 29 June 2022. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
  8. ^ "Mon on the Edge – Cast (Korean Movie, 2012, 박수건달)". HanCinema. Archived from the original on 2022-05-07. Retrieved 2022-05-07.
  9. ^ "Box Office Rankings". The Korea Times. 24 January 2013. Archived from the original on 2 September 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
  10. ^ "The gangster who became a shaman, the new movie 'Baksoogundal'". Seol Newspaper. 27 March 2013. Archived from the original on 2 September 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
  11. ^ Jung, Young-sik (11 November 2019). "Critics say 'Baksoogundal' is disappointing, in the mid-range of 6 points". Jungbu Ilbo. Archived from the original on 11 November 2019. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
  12. ^ Im, Mi-na (30 December 2012). "(New Movie) The Gangster Who Became a Shaman: Baksoogundal". Yunhap News. Archived from the original on 2 September 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
  13. ^ "Park Shin-yang's 'Baksoogundal' is a big hit... Over 2 million spectators". Hankyung News. 20 January 2013. Archived from the original on 6 May 2022. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
  14. ^ "'Park Shinyang Festival' in Japan to coincide with the release of 'Baksoogundal'". KBS News. 8 January 2014.
  15. ^ "박수건달". Naver (in Korean). Archived from the original on 17 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
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