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In a small fishing town, a tale unfolds of determination and solidarity among the "haenyeo," brave sea women who plunge into treacherous depths to scrape together a living. Ryoo's latest work, "Smugglers," dives headfirst into a world filled with twists and layers of an intriguing crime plot, while ultimately celebrating the art of female camaraderie.
Lead by the remarkable performances of Kim Hye-soo and Yum Jung-ah, the film portrays the lives of Jo Chun-ja and Oh Jin-sook, two divers grappling with the harsh realities of their squalid existence. However, their fate takes an unexpected turn when a high-stakes smuggling scheme presents them with an opportunity to change their circumstances.
As a chemical factory disrupts their underwater harvests, the resourceful sea women turn to salvaging smuggled goods discarded into the sea, seeking financial security. Yet, their perilous endeavors meet a devastating halt when customs officers intervene, resulting in tragedy for Jin-sook's family. While Chun-ja escapes, Jin-sook faces arrest and serves a prison sentence.
After three years, Chun-ja, now a sophisticated city dweller trading smuggled goods in Seoul, finds herself compelled to return to Guncheon due to threats from the notorious "smuggling king," Kwon Sang-sa, portrayed by Zo In-sung. What unfolds is a journey of reconciliation and redemption as the once-best friends overcome misunderstandings from the past to join forces once more.
Their mission? To retrieve diamonds thrown into the depths of the sea and exact revenge on those responsible for their painful history. In a gripping climax, the female divers plunge into the abyss, battling both ruthless adversaries wielding knives and lurking sharks. With their seasoned expertise and unwavering support for each other, they engage in a thrilling underwater showdown.
Ryoo, known for his previous works like "Unjust" (2010), "Veteran" (2015), and "Escape from Mogadishu" (2021), skillfully showcases his mastery of the crime action genre in this summer blockbuster. In "Smugglers," however, the director takes a refreshing approach by placing female protagonists at the forefront, empowering them to confront their exploiters and challenge the patriarchal society that seeks to hold them back.
Alongside the stellar performances of Kim and Yum, viewers will delight in Zo's portrayal of the merciless Vietnam War veteran and kingpin of a nationwide smuggling enterprise. Additionally, Park Jung-min captivates as Jang Do-ri, a sailor-turned-businessman in Guncheon with enigmatic secrets. The film offers moments of comedic relief through its villains, yet ramps up the tension with brutal confrontations featuring gangs armed with knives, axes, and chains.
"Smugglers" not only provides an exhilarating cinematic experience but also transports audiences back to the 1970s with its vibrant retro fashion and nostalgic soundtrack, curated by renowned singer-songwriter Chang Ki-ha.
With its gripping narrative, formidable performances, and an unwavering focus on the strength of female solidarity, "Smugglers" promises to captivate audiences worldwide and reinforce Ryoo Seung-wan's position as a masterful storyteller in the crime action genre.
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Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com
