It has been said that South Korea has the ability to make better Hollywood films than Hollywood itself. Depending on your own perception of present-day Hollywood, this can either be a compliment or an insult. In this case it is definitely a compliment. American films out of Hollywood have become complete crap (which is obviously why many of us have developed such love for foreign films) and have dismissed all credibility and originality in one fell swoop. South Korea has taken it upon themselves to adapt a similar formula used in many past Hollywood films to create there own take on the entertaining blockbuster.

THE BIG SWINDLE follows this ever growing trend in the South Korean film market and comes up with a final product that is ten-times that of your average, big-budget American picture. Full of style and intricacy, THE BIG SWINDLE creates an outstanding sensation of entertainment that delivers to the fullest. 

Thanks to a slick cast and a fresh crew, we get to indulge in a suspenseful, comical heist/thriller that has no problem in holding the viewer’s attention. Is it just me or does it seem like there aren’t enough heist films out there in any country? Shot out-of order and full of flashbacks, THE BIG SWINDLE is reminiscent of such films as RESERVOIR DOGS, SNATCH and even NO BLOOD NO TEARS

Director/Writer Dong-hun Choi combines the use of a slick Tarantino-esque script with the off-the-wall editing found in the films of Guy Ritchie to become the basis of a film full of his own unique and personal additions that come together appropriately. Don’t think this is a simple rip-off, because it’s not. Yeong-hwan Choi’s photography flows with magnificent subtly that aids the overall sense of camaraderie between much of the cast. One of the more powerful aspects of the film comes from Min-kyeong Shin and her delicately timed editing with a twist.

On the acting side of things, we are blessed with an all-star cast that stands and delivers! Shin-yam Park (Jae-Gyu of HI! DHARMA!) shines as Choi, the man with the plan. The beautiful Jung-ah Yum (H, TALE OF TWO SISTERS) reveled as Seo In Keung who takes her role as the token love interest to all new levels that really spice up the film. Yun-shik Baek (SAVE THE GREEN PLANET!) was extremely well cast as the seasoned Mr. Kim who comes out of retirement for one last score. The chemistry between all these players is rarely achieved in a film, so naturally it was a sweet and beneficial addition that definitely carried it to a higher level. 

One thing that really needs to be touched upon is the occasional awkward transition from comedy to intense drama. This did affect the overall flow of the film and I imagine this may be difficult for some of you to get past. As long as you don’t try to over analyze things, you can take it for what it is and enjoy it much more. And remember that with all the twists and turns this is more than your average crime/thriller; this is a film with heart.

There is one key piece of the plot that was supposed to be a huge twist that felt more like a cop-out than anything else. Of course the matter at hand will not be spoiled for you, but once you see the film (if you haven’t already), you will know which part I am referring to. It’s unfortunate, but at least the rest of the plot was fresh and exciting. Dong-hun Choi did a wonderful job with his directorial debut and surely his future efforts will be necessary viewings for us all.