Watch The Show Must Go On

The Show Must Go On is a South Korean drama film directed by Han Jae-rim, released in 2007. The movie tells the story of Kang In-goo (played by Song Kang-ho), a middle-aged gangster who is struggling to balance his responsibilities as a father, husband, and member of the underworld. Kang In-goo is a well-known and respected figure in the criminal world due to his loyalty, intelligence, and fearlessness. However, he is also dealing with personal issues such as his wife's infidelity, his teenage daughter's rebellious behavior, and his mother's declining health.

The film starts with Kang In-goo being released from prison after serving a four-year term. While he was away, a lot has changed in the gangster world, and Kang In-goo is struggling to get back on his feet. His boss, the cold and ruthless Yang-man (played by Dal-su Oh), no longer trusts him as much, and Kang In-goo finds himself caught in a power struggle between two rival gangs. Things only get worse when one of his loyal henchmen is killed in a brutal attack, and Kang In-goo is blamed for not protecting him.

Meanwhile, Kang In-goo's mother (played by Il-hwa Choi) is hospitalized after a stroke, and his wife (played by Jeong Yu-mi) is having an affair with a younger man. Kang In-goo's daughter (played by Kim So-eun) is also causing him grief by hanging out with the wrong crowd and skipping school. Kang In-goo is torn between his loyalty to his boss and his desire to be a good father, husband, and son.

As the movie unfolds, we see Kang In-goo trying to make sense of his life and figure out who he can trust. He finds himself drawn to a young woman named Hyun-joo (played by Park Ji-yeon), who works at a bar he frequents. Hyun-joo is a former drug addict who has turned her life around and is studying to become a nurse. She is a breath of fresh air for Kang In-goo, who is used to dealing with the manipulative and selfish gangsters he interacts with on a daily basis.

Despite his efforts to stay out of trouble, Kang In-goo is drawn back into the criminal world he knows so well. He is forced to make difficult choices that will have consequences for his family, his friends, and himself. As the title suggests, the show must go on, and Kang In-goo is determined to keep moving forward, even when the odds are against him.

The Show Must Go On is a well-crafted drama that explores the human side of the criminal underworld. The film is beautifully shot, with excellent performances from the entire cast. Song Kang-ho is outstanding as Kang In-goo, portraying a man who is tough on the outside but vulnerable on the inside. Dal-su Oh is equally impressive as the ruthless Yang-man, who gradually reveals his own vulnerabilities as the story progresses.

One of the strengths of the film is its pacing, which balances the tense action scenes with moments of quiet reflection. The movie also features a great soundtrack, which includes a mix of traditional Korean tunes and modern pop songs.

In summary, The Show Must Go On is a compelling and thought-provoking film that is well worth watching. It is a poignant reminder that even gangsters have families and struggles that are all too human. The movie challenges our preconceptions about what it means to be a criminal and asks us to consider the price of loyalty in a world where trust is a rare commodity.