The 'Kyung Ban-jang' Kyung Soo-jin's unique hero film, 'Jobless Apartment', was released today (26th). Will the power of this small but strong film resonate?
The film is harmlessly kind and has a strong appeal, directed by the new talent Lee Ru-da. It is a mystery comedy that follows 'Mirror' (Kyung Soo-jin), who investigates the source of the noise that echoes through the apartment at 4 AM, trying to implement justice in the neighborhood.
Kyung Soo-jin, who is loved for her golden hands that can create anything in 'I Live Alone', and her charmingly down-to-earth personality that contrasts with her doll-like appearance, plays the protagonist 'Mirror'. Joining her are Ko Gyu-pil, who gained popularity as 'Chorong' in 'Crime City', Kim Joo-ryeong, who became a global actor through 'Squid Game', and seasoned actors Park Jung-hak and Jung Hee-tae. Familiar faces like Lee Ji-hoon, Choi Yoo-jung, who transitioned from a girl group to acting, and new faces Cha Woo-jin and Bae Jae-young come together to create a fresh harmony with genuine tension.
From morning to evening, the nosy jobless 'Mirror' (Kyung Soo-jin) handles all the neighborhood complaints with her nephew. After a big fight with her brother 'Doo-on' (Lee Ji-hoon), she is kicked out of her home. On her first night in the 'Jobless Apartment', she is kept awake by an unknown strange noise at 4 AM and gradually builds friendships with the local residents 'Ji-won' (Kim Joo-ryeong), 'Kyung-seok' (Ko Gyu-pil), and 'Sae-byeol' (Choi Yoo-jung). They tell her that the problematic noise has been heard every day for six months, but they cannot find the culprit. With her nosy energy fully charged, Mirror sets out with them to find the source of the noise and uncover dangerous secrets.
Set against the backdrop of an 'apartment', it deals with the realistic theme of 'inter-floor noise', but it has been crafted as a human tracking drama rather than a thriller. It emphasizes the emotional impact of the narrative and message over genre thrills. The film is diverse and intricately layered, dividing parts into humor, mystery, and emotion. It is small but addictive and humorous. The fantasy elements are strong, making it childish yet cute.
The break-even point is about 150,000. Considering the small budget, it is a brave and smart choice. Through 'the solidarity of ordinary citizens', it boldly conveys a clear message about "the good influence that nosiness can bring." With the energy of producer Ma Dong-seok added, it has been completed as a cost-effective and likable film.
Lead actor Kyung Soo-jin expressed, "The energy of senior Ma Dong-seok is undeniable, and director Lee Ru-da's boldness was significant. The script itself was fun to read, and all the characters felt vibrant," adding, "Overall, it felt bright, fun, and fulfilling, which made it very appealing."
She stated, "Not only 'inter-floor noise', but many things that fall under the category of privacy invasion are sensitive and cautious in our society," and added, "While it is said that direct communication and face-to-face interactions can be dangerous, I believe we should bond more healthily. If we remain too closed off and prejudiced, the harsh world will become even harsher. I hope our movie can provide a warm comfort and a nostalgic feeling in that regard."
Though it may be a weak contender in the competition, the race has begun. It remains to be seen whether it can emerge as a dark horse. Rated for ages 12 and up, with a running time of 97 minutes.
