Watch Going by the Book

Going by the Book is a 2007 South Korean comedy-drama film directed by Ra Hee-chan. The film stars Jae-yeong Jeong as Jeong Do-man, a civil servant who is tasked with conducting a comprehensive simulation of a bank robbery for the purpose of improving the police department's response to similar incidents in the future. Do-man is a stickler for rules and takes his job very seriously. He seeks to be as authentic as possible in his simulation, consulting experts and conducting extensive research on past bank robberies. The police department and the public are initially skeptical of Do-man's plan, but eventually, they see the value in it, and the simulation becomes a massive event that draws national attention.

Do-man is determined to make the simulation as realistic as possible, and he goes to great lengths to ensure that the scenario plays out as it would in real life. He meticulously plans every detail of the robbery, including the timing, the weapons, and the number of hostages. He even handpicks the perpetrator, an inexperienced clerk named Lee Chang-hee, played by Byung-ho Son.

Chang-hee is unaware of Do-man's plan and is convinced that he is actually committing a real robbery. He initially takes the simulation seriously, but as the situation escalates, he begins to panic, and things quickly spiral out of control. The police, who are also taking part in the simulation, struggle to respond to the situation as it deviates from the plan.

As the simulation continues, it becomes a media sensation, and the public eagerly follows the developments. Do-man is hailed as a hero for his innovative approach, but he soon realizes that the situation has gone too far and tries to put an end to the simulation. However, it is too late, and the police department is forced to deal with the unexpected and potentially deadly consequences of Do-man's experiment.

The movie is a satirical take on bureaucracy, law enforcement, and public perception. Throughout the film, the characters are shown to be focused more on their own agendas and personal interests than on the greater good. The police are portrayed as inept and unable to respond effectively to real crises, while Do-man's obsession with rules and procedures becomes a hindrance rather than an asset.

The film also touches on the power of the media, as the simulation becomes a massive spectacle that draws widespread attention and shapes public opinion. It reveals the extent to which people are willing to overlook the truth in favor of a good story.

Going by the Book is a well-crafted film that tackles serious issues with wit and humor. The performances of the lead actors are outstanding, with Jae-yeong Jeong delivering a finely nuanced portrayal of a man torn between his duty and his conscience. Byung-ho Son is equally impressive as the hapless clerk who is caught up in Do-man's madness.

Overall, the film is a thought-provoking commentary on the nature of authority and the fragile balance between maintaining order and protecting individual rights. Through its clever script and strong performances, it creates a compelling and entertaining experience that will keep viewers engaged from start to finish.

Going by the Book is a 2007 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.