hokensongirl

Mutt Boy is probably the least glamorous role Woo-Sung Jung has taken on his shoulders ~ but that itself reflects the drive to be more than just a pretty face which unfortunately constitutes much of the "Hallyu" wave sweeping Southeast Asia and the world off their feet. His performance as Chol-min is simply a pleasure to watch, from the way he does laundry, the slight lisp and hunched shoulders to spitting food while eating; these are just some examples of Jung's embodiment of his character. The intermittent narrative is another audio perk and for the lack of a better example ~ think of the same way Tom Hanks is Forrest Gump the movie; Woo-sung Jung is Mutt-Boy the movie. There are however parts of the script that felt heavily under-developed and viewers are left hanging with the question, "Now what?". Whether it's the relationship between Chol-min and his dad, his friends; his dad and Jeong Ae. The world of "mentally-challenged" was touched on but the issue was not addressed. Yet for fans of Woo-Sung Jung; I have a feeling just watching him on-screen would make this worthy and in some ways I'd have to agree.

The movie is bittersweet, reminding me of "Blow" and "Casino". I refuse to say that it is the Asian counterpart of the above-mentioned movies because I think that does not do Yoo Ha or In-Seong Cho justice.

The cast acted as though each role was made just for them and the accordion laced soundtrack simply added to the irony and hard, cold truth of the subject matter.

But most of the kudos have to go to In-Seong Cho, for letting viewers live through his character (Byung-Doo). Whether it's laughing at his karaoke rendition in the car and club.; his intense, awkward yet realistic fighting skills or the boyish charms oozing when he sees the woman he loves ~ if I knew nothing of the actor I would have thought he was cast to play himself.

It is extremely well done so just watch it and find out for yourself!