R E V I E W

Attack on the Gas Station

Spectrum |  1999 |  111 minutes
Directed by Kim Sang-Jin
Screenplay by Park Jung-Woo

B A C K G R O U N D
director, in cinemas, recent and related films

Kim Sang-Jin directed three films before this one, beginning with Millions in My Account in 1995. He made Hoodlum Lessons in 1996 and Two Cops 3 in 1998.

The film was released in Korean cinemas in October 1999 and finished third in overall box office totals for the year (second in domestic releases).

M O V I E

plot
Four young friends, frustrated by life, rob a gas station. The next night, bored again, they return to rob it again. When the owner insists that no money is left, they take over the gas station for the night. A wild night of beatings, delivery boys, gangsters, and misunderstandings lie ahead . . .

performances
Very good. Although I can't tell you who played which parts, here are some cast members: Lee Seong-Jae, Yoo Ooh-Seong, Kang Seong-Jin, Yoo Ji-Tae, Park Young-Kyoo, Chung Joon, Lee Yo-Won, and Lee Jeong-Ho.

production
The film skates a thin, sometimes shaky line between dark comedy and nihilistic pulp fiction. A couple of early scenes left me a bit queasy, but by the 20-minute mark the tone begins to hit its mark consistently (if that doesn't mix too many metaphors for you). Set in one location during one long night, the cinematography by Choi Jeong-Wu is full of color and vibrant motion. No scene is left to linger and die. Each is introduced, played out, and dispatched without hesitation, barely getting out of the way of the next episode. Dramatic points are made without embellishment. Illuminating flashbacks appear at key moments for the four main characters. All in all, director Kim Sang-Jin did a wonderful job. The soundtrack is filled with a variety of pop and techno selections - the original music is by Son Mu-Hyeon.

rating
No 18 (I'm guessing this means no one under the age of 18 for Korea). Filled with profanity and a number of beatings but with a minimal amount of bloodshed. Having it take place off-camera lessens the severity of some of the violence - we see the results or see the reactions of bystanders.

D V D

look
The letterboxed (1.85:1) presentation is excellent - once you compensate for a manufacturing or mastering error. (Visit Darcy's Korean Film Discussion for a complete explanation). The black levels are rich and very deep, the colors are eye-popping and vibrant, and the fleshtones look natural. The source print is pristine.

sound
The DD 5.1 Korean audio track is excellent. The surrounds are used extensively and naturally. No other audio track is provided.

subtitles
The removable, white English subtitles are easy to read. Some mistakes in translation make it difficult to understand two or three times. Also available are subtitles in Chinese and Japanese.

features
Eight scenes may be selected from a menu that plays video clips for each scene when highlighted. Talent files in Korean only for the four lead actors are included. Very entertaining TV spots and a theatrical trailer are included. The "High-Light" plays three minutes or so of selected footage without the accompanying musical soundtrack. The "Making Film" feature is about eight minutes but does not have any subtitles.

R E C O M M E N D A T I O N
buy, rent, or pass?

Rent. Highly recommended. Fast and furious entertainment that throws in just a touch of social commentary along the way.

(Reviewed 03/29/01)

THIS DVD IS AVAILABLE AT HKFLIX.COM