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Real Fiction is a South Korean crime thriller film released in 2000, directed and written by Kim Ki-duk. The film follows the story of a young man who enters into the underworld of crime in a desperate attempt to escape his mundane, hopeless life. The protagonist, known only as "Woo-sung," is a quiet, reserved person who leads an uneventful life. He works as a driving instructor, but his wages barely suffice for his basic needs. One day, Woo-sung meets a gambling addict known as "Kil-myung," who owes large sums of money to a loan shark. Kil-myung persuades Woo-sung to participate in a risky heist, in which they plan to steal a delivery truck loaded with expensive goods. Woo-sung, desperate for money, agrees.

The heist goes wrong, and Woo-sung ends up killing a guard. He flees the scene, hiding in an abandoned building with the stolen goods. However, the situation becomes even more complicated when he realizes that he has also stumbled upon a dead body lying in the same building.

As he tries to escape and evade the police, Woo-sung meets a prostitute known as "Rie." He reluctantly becomes involved with her, but the relationship becomes increasingly complex and volatile. Despite their conflicts, they form an unusual bond, and Rie, who also has a violent past, ends up helping Woo-sung hide from the police.

The film is an exploration of the darker side of human nature and the devastating consequences of desperation and greed. The story focuses on Woo-sung's character development, as he tries to come to terms with the consequences of his actions and find a way out of the dangerous situation that he has found himself in. The film also includes themes of love, redemption, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.

Real Fiction's strengths lie in its exceptional cinematography, with scenes that are both haunting and beautiful. The movie was notable for its use of long takes, natural lighting, and minimal dialogue, which created a sense of realism and helped to immerse the audience in the story. Despite the lack of dialogue, the film is full of tension, suspense, and action, as the complex relationships between its three main characters develop.

The film delves into the psychology of its characters, and it is a showcase of both their strengths and their weaknesses. Ju Jin-mo, who played Woo-sung, delivered a nuanced performance that made his character's actions understandable and relatable. Yi-yeong Shim, who played Rie, portrayed an emotionally complex character who was both volatile and sympathetic. Min-seok Son, who played Kil-myung, initially appeared as a stereotypical crook but developed into an almost pitiful figure as the film progressed.

Real Fiction received critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising the film's direction, acting, and cinematography. The movie also won several awards, including Best Film and Best New Director at the Korean Association of Film Critics Awards. Today, it is considered a classic South Korean film and a must-see for lovers of independent cinema and crime thrillers.

In conclusion, Real Fiction is an excellent crime thriller that explores the darker side of human nature. It tells a story of desperation, greed, and love that captivates the audience with its exceptional cinematography and nuanced performances. The film is a must-see for lovers of independent cinema and crime thrillers, and it continues to be both relevant and thought-provoking almost two decades after its release.