Korean Movie My Girlfriend Is an Agent 2009
Cast And Crew
Cast: Kim Ha-neul, Kang Ji-hwan, Ryoo Seung-yong
Director: Shin Tae-ra
Writer:Seong-il Cheon (screenplay)
Genres: Martial Arts, Action Comedy, Spy Film,
Romantic Adventure, Romantic Comedy, Action
Runtime:112 min
Country:South Korea
Language:Korean
Color:Color
Certification:South Korea:12 | Singapore:PG
Open: November 05, 2009
Also Known As:7-geup gongmuwon (South Korea) (alternative spelling) 7th Grade Civil Servant (International: English title) (literal title) My Girlfriend Is an Agent (International: English title) (promotional title)
Synopsis
A Russian organised crime group is set out to steal an advanced chemical weapon from Korea and two secret agents are out to stop them. One is a veteran secret agent named Ahn Soo-ji who is a master of all forms of martial arts and envied by her comrades. Another is a rookie named Lee Jae-joon who's never been out on the field and always goofs up on the job. The two agents don't know each other's secret identity. All that they know is that they hate each other. As a couple that is... Soo-ji and Jae-joon were once a passionate couple until Jae-joon couldn't take her lies anymore. But all Soo-ji was trying to do was hide her secret identity. Nonetheless, the two went on their separate ways and by coincidence bump into each other years later while out on the job. As the two work out their screwy relationship, they go behind each other's backs to fulfil their mission to save the world.
Plot Summary
This slick and tense thriller with comedic elements from South Korean director Shin Tae-ra concerns an aggressive unit of the Russian mafia, detached to infiltrate Korea and filch a cutting-edge chemical weapon. The Korean government issues two secret agents to stop the Russians - both masked by undercover identities: Ahn Soo-ji (Kim Ha-neul), a tough-as-nails female martial arts pro who continues to draw the envy of all of her colleagues, and her male counterpart, klutzy and inept rookie Lee Jae-joon (Kang ji-Hwan), whose unfortunate presence leads to a series of outrageous blunders. Complicating matters, it seems, is the fact that the couple (polar opposites, who hate each other passionately), were once romantically involved. Soo-ji's requirement to maintain a secret life as an agent destroyed the couple by preventing them from maintaining an open relationship. Now, as it so happens, both are agents, and happen to serendipitously run into each other on the job. Though it seems nearly impossible, they must figure out a way to navigate through the possibility of a rekindled relationship, and attempt to save the world at the same time. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
Reviews
When I went to the theaters, I was not expecting much from this film. My only thoughts were,"Great... A Korean attempt at Mr. and Mrs. Smith." Boy, was I surprised when I saw this film!
First off, the acting, which I thought was pretty decent throughout. At first, I mistook Kang Ji Hwan's acting as "over-acting". However, that was his way of acting comically. After getting used to that, his actions and reactions were simply quirky and cute. I loved his high-pitched screaming! Usually, the foreigners who act in Korean films/dramas are awful. I have no idea why. In Chilgeup Gongmuwon, they were mediocre, which was a relief because I did not have to cringe whenever they were on screen.
Next, the action and plot. The action was probably the worst part of the film. It was not terrible. It just need some, or maybe, a lot of work. Some of the stunts were too unrealistic and poorly choreographed. (i.e. the jet ski, fencing thing...) The plot maintained a great speed. Like the action, the one turning point of the plot suffered from being a bit questionable. However, do not let these faults turn you off because the comedy makes up for it entirely.
Finally, the comedy. The film starts off right away trying to get the audience to laugh. And it succeeds. Some scenes are predictable. Yet, it is still hilarious! My family and I laughed at all the scenes meant to be laughed at.
Overall, Chilgeup Gongmuwon is a movie purely for laughs and should be watched lighted-heartedly. You will not get any meaning from this film, but it is sure to entertain you until the very end. So if you are lucky enough to have a theater near you playing it, I recommend you go see it!
Notes: The subtitles in my theater made me laugh. They used "cuz" instead of "because", which made me think that the translator instant messaged too much or something. Instead of "spicy rice cakes", it was translated to "dumplings", a completely different food. But I guess, it is easier for a non-Korean audience to understand, so I might be being a little technical here. Otherwise the subtitles were generally accurate.
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