The movie is appropriately titled because living the life of a gangster is indeed dirty business, and the film neither sugarcoats nor glamorizes this lifestyle (as other, especially Western, gangster flicks are wont to do). Once you become entrapped there are few, if any, routes of escape.
It's a cautionary tale about an underbelly of society that's dog eat dog, where karma is a real bitch. Trust and betrayal thread a very thin line and losing your humanity becomes the only modus operandi to ensuring your survival.
From where I sat the film was brilliantly executed both in terms of story and plot. The pacing was taut, there was never a dull moment that I can remember. You're kept fully engrossed by a stellar cast who made their characters seem real and very convincing.
Jo In Sung, in the role of charismatic, but conflicted Byung-doo, puts on a memorable performance. Byung-doo is a young man whose life has become twisted by fate. A filial son, and still possessing a shred of conscience despite the violence that surrounds him, I was able to sympathize with the character even while I was appalled by the brutality and ruthlessness fueling his actions.
Considering previous events, the big boss singing a cappella in one of the final scenes really struck chord in me. That's pretty much all I remember about the music, but it was effective enough in that moment to warrant a 7.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I wouldn't have minded if certain things went down differently, but I appreciate the film for its realistic portrayal of what I imagine that world and the people who live in it to be. I doubt fans of the mob genre will be disappointed.
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This review may contain spoilers
So, I wanted to watch this movie since Jo In Sung acts in it, but no one had any reviews. I will be the first to review:Story: 8/10
It's a gangster movie, with an interesting plot. Many unexpected events happen and the fighting scenes are great. Had the ending been different, my rating would've been higher, but I'll stick to 8/10.
Acting/Cast: 9/10
The actors were great. They all are experienced actors and were able to make me believe their characters were real. Also, the chemistry between Byung Du and Hyun Ju shows as the movie progresses. I personally loved the kissing scene in this movie. It was very unexpected and passionate! Also, Nam Goong Min (Maroo Oppa from Can You Hear My Heart) acts in this movie which was a plus, although his character was not my favorite in this movie.
Music: 9/10
The OST was great. With some french elements (like the Accordion, strings and pizzicato technique) , the music was sometimes funny and others sad (depending on the situation). I also liked the music played at a clubbing scene. I wouldn't say it's an EPIC OST (10/10) but it was quite lovely and refreshing. I even downloaded it afterwards!
Rewatch Value: 6/10
The reason I'd rewatch this movie is for In Sung and the kissing scene. The reason I wouldn't would be what I mentioned in the Story review section; the ending was not exactly satisfactory for me but no spoilers here.
In total, it was a very good movie with some nice action, awkward moments, revenge, extremely sad moments and a touch of romance. 8/10
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A Dirty Carnival has elements of competition, survival and trust.
In the game of survival, competition is tough and you cannot trust anyone.
That's Carnival's message.
When push comes to shove, people are pitted to confront their inner darkness—which eventually eats them up and destroys them.
In a way, Carnival explores this deterioration through Kim Byung-do's (wonderfully played by Jo In-Sung) life as a low-ranking gangster.
The dynamics of friendship, family and love for someone like him, in that profession is explored mirroring who those deemed "deviant" by society go through.
A family you have to support but is also a weakness to your job, a long-time crush who fears you because of your job and a friendship you want to trust...but for a job like this, can you really?
Carnival does well in showing parallels of the old and the new—that perhaps, human desire is eventually just never similar. Especially in this profession.
A realistic ending. Brutal fight scenes (I find myself looking away sometimes) and a heartfelt story.
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This really a good movie that will keep you interested the whole way through, examining how a friendship develops and what people will do to better themselves and at the cost of others.
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The screenplay is the real hero of A DIRTY CARNIVAL. Not for a moment does it let go of the grip on the viewer. The film has, apart from this, a lot more things to admire. The director has depicted everything very well. The character development is quite good, and it's quite easy to be connected to the lead character played by the very talented Jo In-sung. He's superb throughout the entire film and he rules alone with his act. Rest of the cast does a great job but he's alone enough to impress the viewers.
The action scenes are extremely well choreographed, and quite realistically executed on screen. The cinematography is also very good, and the production values are quite good.
The film, however is quite long and doesn't really justify this long duration. It could've been trimmed a little bit, almost close to 10 or 15 minutes for a better experience. But still, the film is a delight to watch. It had me excited to know what would happen in the end. The end was really very astonishing as well as impressive at the same time.
A DIRTY CARNIVAL is a well made action drama with a lot of offer as a treat to the viewers. You don't really need to have a very strong heart to watch this film. What all you need...is to watch this film!
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