Seoul: In the new crime-action film “Dirty Money,” audiences are presented with a morally complex narrative where corrupt detectives become entangled in their own criminal activities. The movie, directed by Kim Min-soo, features a gripping plot where two morally ambiguous detectives, Myung-deuk and Dong-hyuk, find themselves in deep trouble after attempting to steal money from a Chinese crime syndicate.
According to Yonhap News Agency, “Dirty Money” delves into the lives of two corrupt detectives, played by Jung Woo and Kim Dae-myung, who are routinely involved in accepting kickbacks. The plot thickens when they decide to intercept a large sum of money being smuggled back to China, a plan spurred by Myung-deuk’s desperate need to fund his daughter’s surgery and Dong-hyuk’s gambling debts. Their actions spiral out of control, leading to unintended bloodshed and a complex investigation within their own police unit.
The narrative structure of “Dirty Money” allows viewers to explore the psychological and moral
dilemmas faced by the characters. The film portrays Myung-deuk and Dong-hyuk not just as villains but as deeply flawed humans driven by desperate circumstances. This portrayal is significantly bolstered by the strong performances of the lead actors. Jung Woo brings a convincing desperation to Myung-deuk, making the audience almost sympathize with his morally dubious decisions, while Kim Dae-myung adds layers to Dong-hyuk, highlighting his internal conflict and brotherly affection towards Myung-deuk.
However, the film also features Detective Seung-chan, played by Park Byeong-eun, whose role, despite being crucial to the plot’s progression, suffers from a lack of depth and backstory, leaving his character’s potential unfulfilled. This aspect might leave viewers wanting more from his performance and character arc.
“Dirty Money” also marks an important milestone for director Kim Min-soo, known for his work on “The Merciless” and “Kingmaker.” The film’s release was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic but has since
garnered international attention, being invited to several prestigious film festivals, including the Busan International Film Festival, the Sitges Film Festival in Spain, and the Hawaii International Film Festival.
The film is set to release in local theaters this Thursday, promising a mix of action, moral conflict, and intense performances that will likely appeal to fans of crime thrillers and character-driven narratives.