"This isn't your typical gangster movie. It's different from what we've seen before," said director Ra Hee Chan.
Actors Jo Woo Jin, Park Ji Hwan, Jung Kyung Ho, Lee Sung Min, and Oh Dal Su have teamed up for a new take on the gangster genre. It feels completely different from past films like 'New World,' 'Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time,' and 'The Roundup.' The movie is fun and even includes some emotional elements.
The film's gangsters are unusual; they don't want to be the boss. Instead of fighting for power, they push the leadership role onto each other so they can pursue their own dreams. They are willing to give up their "job" as gangsters to achieve things like a happy family life, becoming a Chinese restaurant chef, or getting into college.
Director Ra Hee Chan explained, "This isn't a story about the loyalty often seen in gangster films; it's about people moving toward their own identity and their true dreams."
Jo Woo Jin said, "This is the perfect action movie for Chuseok. We worked really hard with our colleagues." He added, "I feel the pressure of being like the cleanup hitter in the bottom of the ninth with two outs, but I'll do my best."
The press screening for the movie 'Boss' was held today at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Seoul. Actors Jo Woo Jin, Jung Kyung Ho, Park Ji Hwan, Lee Kyu Hyung, Hwang Woo Seul Hye, and director Ra Hee Chan were in attendance.
A Gangster's Dream
'Boss' is a comedic action movie about a desperate showdown to avoid becoming the next leader of a gang. With the organization's future on the line, the members pass the boss position to each other as they try to escape to pursue their personal dreams. Jo Woo Jin, Jung Kyung Ho, and Park Ji Hwan play the three members of the Shikgu-pa gang. After the death of the previous boss (played by Lee Sung Min), the position is open, and Jo Woo Jin and Jung Kyung Ho desperately try to run away from it.
While most gangster films are about people who want to be the top dog, 'Boss' is the exact opposite. Director Ra Hee Chan explained, "Even though it's a gangster film, we didn't focus on loyalty. We emphasized the characters' journey toward their own identity and dreams." This ironic situation generates a great deal of humor. The characters will do anything—even put their lives on the line—to get someone else to take the boss's seat.
Director Ra Hee Chan added, "We had to make the situation of not wanting to be the boss believable as a comedy. We worked to deeply explore the comedy by dealing with the dilemma of gangsters pursuing their dreams."
Although the movie stars gangsters, it is not a cliché gangster film. Even the large-scale action scenes of taking over a territory are handled comically. Instead of becoming a boss, one character dreams of becoming a Chinese restaurant chef, and another dreams of getting into college to study tango.
Jo Woo Jin plays the role of 'Soon Tae,' the gang's second-in-command, who is also a chef at a Chinese restaurant. He said, "A key point for me was figuring out where his desire to give up his 'main job' as a gangster came from." He approached the role by separating the "main character" (the gangster) and the "side character" (the chef). "Soon Tae is not just good at cooking; he is a person who wants to pursue his side job so much that he is willing to abandon his main one. I tried to express that."
Jo Woo Jin prepared for his role with great detail. "I watched Chef Yeo Kyung Rae's demonstrations for the role. I studied his expressions to understand his mindset. I realized that professionalism can be beautiful." Jo Woo Jin performs high-level cooking in the movie. Since the restaurant is known for its delicious food, he meticulously prepared for the role. The mood in the restaurant is completely different from a gangster brawl, and his face is full of smiles.
On-Set Chemistry
The action scenes are also unique. Jo Woo Jin said, "Chuseok is all about Jackie Chan-style action. It has a great feel to it, but also makes you laugh. 'Boss' aims for that same style. I hope people will find it charming."
The banter between Jo Woo Jin, Jung Kyung Ho (as Kang Pyo), and Park Ji Hwan (as Pan Ho) is also hilarious. The bumbling behavior of undercover cop Lee Kyu Hyung (as Tae Kyu) adds another layer of comedy. The appearances of veteran actors like Lee Sung Min, Oh Dal Su, and Go Chang Seok also enhance the fun.
The on-set chemistry contributed to the movie's quality. Park Ji Hwan recalled, "The set was strange and fun. We all got together and had a lot of discussions during filming." He continued, "We talked about how we could build up and pass scenes back and forth. I remember staying after filming to talk about the movie."
Jung Kyung Ho also chimed in. "Unlike me, the senior actors have played real, living characters. It was an honor, and both amazing and fun, to act out the lines I had always wanted to hear." He was pleased with the on-screen chemistry, adding, "Every actor dreams of being non-ordinary. These were actors who were not ordinary and who worked tirelessly. I can boldly say they were 'not normal people.'"
'Boss' includes gangsters and drugs, but they are handled in a lighthearted way. Director Ra Hee Chan said, "These are cliché topics we see during holidays," but he believes the film's unique approach will "counterbalance the heaviness of the subject matter." He described it as a movie the whole family can enjoy during the holidays. Hwang Woo Seul Hye added, "It's a comedic action movie, but for me, it's also a warm and heartfelt film. I hope many people watch it and feel a warmth in their hearts."
Jo Woo Jin was so committed to promoting the film that he lost 8kg. He mentioned the intense competition, saying, "I thought 'Boss' would be the ninth batter, but it turned out to be the cleanup hitter in the bottom of the ninth with two outs. There's a lot of pressure to make a hit, but I'll do my best." The film is also competing with director Park Chan Wook's new movie, 'No Other Choice,' starring Lee Byung Hun and Son Ye Jin. Jo Woo Jin said, "A rivalry isn't even a consideration. Rather than competing, I hope both movies can revitalize the cinemas."
Finally, Park Ji Hwan emphasized, "We all worked hard together. I really hope you enjoy it." Jung Kyung Ho concluded, "Have a great time this Chuseok with your family and friends and 'Boss.'"
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