Despite its marketing as an action-comedy, the Korean film "Boss" struggles to deliver genuine entertainment, leaving audiences waiting for humor that never arrives. The movie instead leans heavily on overused gangster genre conventions that previously dominated South Korean cinema, resulting in a predictable and uninspiring viewing experience.
The film kicks off with an intense fight sequence featuring the three main characters, all senior members of the "Sikgupa" gang, as they overpower a rival criminal organization. However, both the action scenes and the stereotypical gangster characters who live by a strict code of "loyalty" feel disappointingly familiar, creating a sense of déjà vu for viewers who have seen countless similar Korean crime dramas.
The movie's sole innovative aspect lies in its central premise, which offers a refreshing twist on traditional gangster narratives. While most crime films focus on brutal power struggles for leadership positions, "Boss" centers around an unusual competition where the leading candidates desperately attempt to pass the boss role to each other, all in pursuit of their personal aspirations. This unique approach gives the film an almost fairy tale-like quality.
The plot unfolds following the unexpected death of their leader, Daesu, played by Lee Sung-min. Three potential successors find themselves thrust into the selection process: second-in-command Suntae (Jo Woo-jin), Kangpyo (Jung Kyung-ho), and Panho (Park Ji-hwan). Panho, characterized as the simple-minded third-in-command, stands as the only candidate who genuinely desires the leadership position.
However, the organization's preferred choices, the competent Suntae and Kangpyo (who is considered the deceased boss's "blood relative"), both adamantly reject the promotion. Suntae harbors dreams of leaving the criminal organization to pursue his passion for Chinese cuisine as a chef, desperately hoping to avoid both the promotion and the substantial five-fold contract penalty he would face if he chose to quit the gang.
Meanwhile, Kangpyo has discovered an unexpected passion for tango dancing during his time in prison and now dreams of pursuing a career as a professional dancer. Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is Taegyu, portrayed by Lee Kyu-hyung, an incompetent undercover police officer who has been embedded within the gang for an entire decade and now finds himself observing this bizarre "boss-yielding" competition.
The narrative takes a dramatic turn when a serious crisis threatens the organization, forcing the protagonists who had previously been fighting to avoid leadership responsibilities to risk their lives to protect their subordinates. This shift attempts to inject genuine stakes and emotional weight into the story.
Ultimately, "Boss" fails to establish a consistent tone throughout its runtime. While the film's conventional three-act structure and heartwarming themes about "familial bonds" among gang members prevent it from being completely boring, the movie remains unremarkable and highly predictable. The film can be compared to a perfectly adequate bowl of jajangmyeon (black bean noodles) that tastes exactly the same regardless of which restaurant or neighborhood you order it from.
Directed by Ra Hee-chan, who previously helmed "Going by the Book" in 2007, "Boss" is scheduled for theatrical release next Friday. Despite its promising premise and capable cast, the film represents a missed opportunity to breathe new life into the Korean gangster comedy genre.
