Escape from Prison and Unexpected Twists

Director Kim Sang-jin said from the very beginning that this movie will be a peak of his series of low-class characters. It sounded more convincing because of the movie`s two main characters, ex-convicts who escape the prison and find a reason to go back there. With its well-knitted story and two outstanding leading actors, this movie breaks the unwritten rule of Korean comedies – whatever you do, do it to make people laugh.

“Why am I so eager to go out? Because I want to.” Jaepil says of the reason of his desperate attempts to escape. He was a thief serving one and two months of a prison term, and after several attempts he now faces eight years.

Not knowing why he tries so hard himself, Jaepil digs up an underground tunnel with a single spoon for six years. Then, he finally gets out of there with Mu-seok who is upset about his girlfriend who dumped him. Just as they enjoy the hard-won freedom, they find out from a morning newspaper that they are supposed to be released on the special Independence Day amnesty.

In addition, the chief warden of the prison, fearing he was reprimanded for losing his prisoners, said that he would condone their serious offence as long as they return. Jaepil, at this point, changes his mind and is now eager to go back to the prison. But Mu-seok makes things complicated by insisting that he see his girl friend.

The movie `Independence Day Amnesty` seems to have upgraded Korean comedies as it adds comic elements to a drama rather than making a drama for a comedy`s sake. It makes people laugh through a story filled with comic touch.

People might find it less funny than `What Happened at a Gas Station` and `Moonlight in Shilla,` box office hits created by director Kim and playwright Park Jung-woo, but at least it is free from the obsession that a comedy must make people laugh at least once every thirty seconds.

It still in much part remains conventional. The showdown between prison inmates and wardens at the end is resolved by Jaepil`s heartfelt speech. Lawmakers, after falling into captivity during their tour to the prison, tell their own past criminal records to cozy up to their captors.

Cha Seung-won, who proved that a good-looking actor could be very funny in his previous works, shines out this time again as Jaepil. He cries over a spoon overwhelmed by feelings, a comic scene yet touching heart. Seol Gyeong-gu also deserves admiration, playing Mun-seok singing `Pink Lipstick` in cheap glossy red suit.

The movie was originally scheduled to be released at around the time of Independence Day. But flooding last summer damaged its set built in Jeonju, delaying the shooting more than a month. Strong winds tore off the roof of the 800 million-worth prison set. The scene, in which Jaepil is shedding tears as he eats bread after the escape, had to be taken again six times due to days of heavy rain. Aged 15 or over. Opened on Nov. 22

Soo-Kyung Kim skkim@donga.com