Why did he smile for the photo?
Did he know he was going to work at the company as a hitman (I assume that's why people apply to that company)? If so, why did he want a picture of him smiling if it's an application to be an assassin?
shareHe knew he was going to be an assassin, but he was excited because it was first solid job.
During the scenes with Mr. Ban, they discuss that he is no longer satisfied with the company he works for, like he used to when he first started.
The main guy's boss was a hitman too, but he did it to support his family. The job was just a job to him, to bring in money.
For the main guy, he worked because his job was his life. And when it wasn't enough to fill the void in his life, he got disinterested until he found new meaning with his protege's mother.
Its sort of a mid life crisis, but with assassins.
I don't know man. Because a potential assassin is excited about his first "real" job he decides to re-take his photo application, even on his way to the job interview? Just so the employers can see him smiling?
shareIt was also trying to end the movie on a lighter note. That once upon a time, he was happy and fulfilled with the prospect of a new job.
But eventually he yearned for more, and that leads to the plot of the movie.
I agree, jamasian_man. And it appears to be a narrative technique to give background information in a few short minutes that's common in Korean crime dramas (the Korean flick New World comes to mind straight away). For me it underscores and deepens the tragic and/or ironic events that engulf the characters and makes you care about them or at least feel sorry for them.
- moviechick1010
yes, exactly. the film, while it is about assassins, and has some strong violence, is really a metaphor about work and being "a company man."
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