Movie spotlight
8 Times Up
Elsa makes a living from little jobs, struggling to gain custody of his son. Mathieu, who lives next door, also keeps getting job interviews only to polish his art of failure. Their situation is increasingly precarious, but both are trying to bounce back in a world that seems not to fit them.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young, ambitious gangster, Choi Ik-hyun, rises through the ranks of a powerful crime syndicate in 1980s South Korea. Driven by a ruthless desire for power, he navigates a treacherous world of violence, betrayal, and shifting allegiances. As he climbs, he must constantly outwit rivals and corrupt police officials to secure his position and achieve ultimate control.
Critical Reception
8 Times Up was met with critical acclaim for its gritty realism, compelling performances, and intense depiction of Korean organized crime. Reviewers praised its unflinching portrayal of violence and its exploration of ambition and morality within a brutal underworld. Audiences also responded positively to its suspenseful narrative and strong character development.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its raw and unflinching look at the Korean underworld.
Ha Jung-woo's performance as the ambitious gangster is a standout.
The film's violence is intense but serves the narrative effectively.
Google audience: Information not available.
Awards & Accolades
None notable.
Fun Fact
The film's director, Yoon Jong-bin, conducted extensive research into the history of Korean organized crime in the 1980s to ensure historical accuracy in the film's settings and events.
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