Extreme Job

Extreme Job is a South Korean action-comedy film directed by Lee Byeong-heon and released in 2019. The movie became a major box office success in the country and also received critical acclaim for its entertainment factor, performances by the cast, and smartly written script.

The plot follows a team of bumbling detectives from the Narcotics Investigation Division, who have been unsuccessful in their missions and face the risk of getting disbanded. Their latest case involves busting a drug trafficking ring that operates from a fried chicken restaurant. The team decides to go undercover by purchasing the restaurant next door and using it as a stakeout location. However, their cover gets blown when their chicken recipe becomes a viral sensation, and the restaurant becomes one of the most popular places in the city. The detectives must now balance their roles as cops and restaurant owners while trying to solve the case.

The lead character of the movie is played by Seung-ryong Ryu, who portrays Captain Ko, a determined but frustrated detective who is struggling with personal issues in addition to his work challenges. Ko is joined by his team, including Jang (Lee Hanee), who is the only female member and often goes undercover as a prostitute; Ma (Jin Seon-kyu), who is both the technical expert and the most laid-back of the group; Young-ho (Gong Myung), who is the rookie and eager to prove himself; and Jae-hoon (Kim Eui-sung), the gruff team leader who has been demoted to a subordinate position.

The movie employs a comedic tone throughout and relies on the contrast between the seriousness of the police work and the hijinks of the restaurant business. The humor is derived from the characters' ineptitude in handling their situations, their interpersonal relationships, and the absurdity of the scenario itself. The movie also takes a satirical jab at the Korean obsession with fried chicken, which is a beloved food across the country.

One of the movie's highlights is the performance of the ensemble cast, who bring their characters to life with distinct personalities and quirks. Seung-ryong Ryu delivers a nuanced portrayal of Ko, who is dealing with guilt over his past failures and struggling to balance his job with his personal life. Lee Hanee's Jang is a tough but empathetic character who adds a female perspective to the male-dominated team, while Jin Seon-kyu's Ma provides comic relief with his laid-back demeanor.

The action sequences in the movie are well-executed and add to the overall entertainment factor. While the movie doesn't entirely rely on action to drive the narrative, the scenes are choreographed impressively, with a blend of chases, fights, and shootouts.

The movie's underlying theme is teamwork and the importance of working together to achieve a common goal. The detectives who were initially at odds with each other, learn to put their personal differences aside and work together to thwart the drug trafficking ring. The movie also touches on the consequences of corruption and the importance of upholding justice.

Overall, Extreme Job is a fun and enjoyable movie that combines action, comedy, and social commentary. It's a crowd-pleaser that transcended the language and cultural barriers to become a box-office hit in South Korea, and it's not hard to see why. With a talented cast, a smartly written script, and a unique concept, the movie is well worth a watch for fans of the genre.