MovieChat Forums > Beomjweui jaeguseong (2004) Discussion > Big Swindle

Big Swindle

posted 20 years ago by ZombieTongue
4 replies | jump to latest

I am curious about this film because I have heard both good and bad things about it. One of my main questions about it is what is its tone and what other films is it similar to? I have heard that it has a little comedy, so I am curious if it is similar in tone to Snatch or to Reservoir Dogs. Please list similarities to any other films if you can think of any. Also, if you have seen the film, I would appreciate if you could say whether you liked it or not and why. Thanks so much.

[–] Gigo_Satana 19 years ago

In regards to its tone I found it somewhat similar to another Korean film called Memories of Murder. While it's not as thrilling and brooding (amongst other things), it maintains the on and off humor unforced. I personally didn't find it similar to RD or Snatch. There aren't too many (or any) over the top or wacky characters, nor the comical gun/bullet sequences, which might be a disappointment to some, depending on what expectations you go in with.

The pacing of the story slows down a bit towards the end but without becoming boring, but ultimately I found the resolution harmless. Good acting and cast, as much style as substance and the not so jaw dropping ending.

[–] ZombieTongue 19 years ago

Yeah, I've seen the film in the time since I originally posted this question (like a year ago). I agree, it's not like Reservoir Dogs or Snatch too much.

Memories of Murder is one of my favorite films, and I must say that I find that film to be so much better than this one. The humor in Big Swindle kinda put it in the humorous/goofy category, but I absolutely loved how Memories of Murder combined so many different feelings and tones. I am not a huge fan of comedies, but I absolutely loved how humor was woven into that film, though not to make it a funny film. But as for Big Swindle, I think this comic tone was completely intended, so I don't think that the filmmakers tried to do the same thing as in Memories of Murder (because if so, then I think they failed in comparison). But the tone is lighter in this film, so the slightly comic approach fits in fine.

[–] jkims 18 years ago

I found this movie to be similar in style and tempo as The Italian Job. Humor, ensemble of interesting but not over the top characters, similar genre, etc. While I think TIJ is better made movie, I also really enjoyed TBS, especially actings of Park SinYang and Baek YunSik. I thought of Park as a second tier actor after seeing him in a Korean drama, and I remember Baek mostly in supporting roles in unmemorable TV series. Their acting in TBS totally changed my impression of them, and I have been seeking out especially Baek's movies.

Memories of Murder, along with Joint Security Area, is one of my all time favorate Korean movie. While I think TBS is a good movie, MM occupies wholely different realm. That reminds me: I have been hearing very good things about The Host that stars Song KangHo. Can't wait to see it.

[–] SLUGFly 17 years ago

This is one of my favorite Korean movies (poorly named though, a direct translation would have been much wittier: "The re-organization of crime").

It's not really similar to any American films that I can think of, except perhaps Matchstick Men and that only because they're both about con artists. Possibly the reason you may have heard that it was connected to Res Dogs could be that there's a lot of good dialogue. It's been a long time since I've seen it but if it will only cost you a few bucks to rent it then I'd say go for it, it's an excellent film and a Korean gem. It has great drama, a brilliant twist and the two lead roles are masterful. Baek Yoon-sik is "the doctor" (a sort of running joke in the movie, he's the organizer and the brains). This dude's one of my favorite Korean actors. Korean cinema is fond of the 'cool tough guy' but none do it better than Baek.