Sep. 03, 2020|South Korea|131 Min.|TV-14
Genre: Crime;Drama;Thriller
Description: “Night in Paradise,” a 2020 Korean film, follows Tae-goo, an assassin who declines an offer to join the rival Bukseong gang led by Chairman Doh. This decision leads to the tragic murder of his sister and niece. Seeking vengeance, Tae-goo brutally eliminates Chairman Doh and his men, then flees to Jeju Island. There, he encounters Jae-yeon, a woman battling a terminal illness. Meanwhile, Executive Ma, a relentless henchman from the Bukseong gang, pursues Tae-goo to exact revenge.
Deborah Young of *The Hollywood Reporter* praised the film for its strong plotting, engaging characters, and thrilling action sequences, though she noted its indulgent length. Jonathan Romney of *Screen Daily* described it as a mix of intense gangster action and reflective sentiment, appealing primarily to fans of Asian crime dramas.
James Mottram of the *South China Morning Post* included “Night in Paradise” among the top 10 films at the 2020 Venice International Film Festival, highlighting its extravagant set pieces and shootouts. Alberto Barbera, director of the Venice Festival, lauded it as one of the finest South Korean gangster films in recent years, commending director Park Hoon-jung for his original screenwriting, complex characters, and impressive directorial skills.
The film premiered at the 77th Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2020, in the “Out of Competition” category. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was released on Netflix on April 9, 2021, bypassing a theatrical debut.
Cast director: Park Hoon-jung
Cast actor: Um Tae-goo, Jeon Yeo-been, Cha Seung-won, Lee Ki-young, Park Ho-san, Hyun Bong-sik, Cho Dong-in, Cha Soon-bae, Ahn Se-bin, Jang Young-nam
Original name: Nakwonui bam