This post is about the Review and Backstories of the K-movie, “Inside Men: The Original”, Review and Backstories.

“Inside Men” (Korean: 내부자들) is a South Korean political crime drama film directed by Woo Min-ho and released in 2015. Based on the webtoon of the same name by Yoon Tae-ho, the film delves into the dark underbelly of political and corporate corruption in South Korea. It showcases a gritty, realistic portrayal of how power is wielded and manipulated in the shadows of society.

The story revolves around Lee Kang-hee, an influential editor at a major newspaper, played by Baek Yoon-sik, who uses his power to control public opinion in favor of corrupt politicians. Jo Min-woo, a prosecutor played by Lee Byung-hun, seeks to bring down the corrupt network. However, his quest for justice becomes complicated when he crosses paths with Ahn Sang-goo, portrayed by Lee Byung-hun, a gangster-turned-corporate insider who seeks revenge against those who betrayed him. Ahn Sang-goo teams up with Prosecutor Woo Jang-hoon, played by Cho Seung-woo, to expose the corruption.

“Inside Men” is noted for its intense storyline, complex characters, and the actors’ powerful performances, particularly Lee Byung-hun’s portrayal of a deeply flawed yet sympathetic character seeking vengeance. The film was a critical and commercial success in South Korea, highlighting issues of corruption and the struggle for justice. It received numerous accolades and awards, including at the Grand Bell Awards and the Blue Dragon Film Awards, and is praised for its in-depth exploration of the themes of power, corruption, and redemption.

“Inside Men” Cast

• Lee Byung-hun as Ahn Sang-goo: Ahn Sang-goo is a former gangster who becomes a political aide. He gets involved in a complex web of corruption and power struggles, seeking revenge for personal reasons.
• Cho Seung-woo as Lee Kang-hee: Lee Kang-hee is a cunning and influential newspaper editor. He is deeply involved in political and corporate corruption and plays a pivotal role in the unfolding events.
• Baek Yoon-sik as Jo Tae-oh: Jo Tae-oh is a powerful businessman with ties to organized crime. He is a central figure in the corrupt dealings that the movie explores, making him a significant antagonist.
• Lee Kyoung-young as Jang Pil-woo: Jang Pil-woo is a seasoned prosecutor entangled in the corruption scandal. As the story progresses, his character’s choices and actions have significant implications for the unfolding events.
• Kim Hong-pa as Kim Jong-gyu: Kim Jong-gyu is a political figure connected to the corruption at the heart of the story. His involvement adds political intrigue to the narrative.
• Jo Jae-yoon as Park Byeong-doo: Park Byeong-doo is a journalist investigating the corruption scandal. His character plays a crucial role in uncovering the truth behind the complex conspiracy.
• Bae Sung-woo as Oh Dae-yang: Oh Dae-yang is a key player in the corrupt dealings, and his character is intricately connected to the events that drive the plot forward.

“Inside Men” Plot

“Inside Men” takes us on a gripping journey through the murky waters of political corruption, media manipulation, and a quest for revenge. At the heart of the narrative is Prosecutor Woo Jang-hoon, a tenacious character struggling to climb the career ladder due to his humble background as a provincial university graduate.
The plot ignites when Woo Jang-hoon delves into the shady world of political funding impropriety, linking Presidential candidate Jang Pil-woo and CEO Oh Hyun-soo to the scandal. The complexities of this investigation are further heightened when Woo attempts to extract evidence from an insider managing illicit funds within a conglomerate, only to face a sudden kidnapping of the informant.
The film opens with a press conference, a glimpse into a future where these events unfold two years later. The kidnapper is revealed to be Ahn Sang-goo, a political enforcer carrying out the dirty work for Columnist Lee Kang-hee, played by Baek Yoon-sik. Kang-hee, once friends with Jang Pil-woo, turns his back on Sang-goo when he uncovers the secrets of a slush fund.
Sang-goo, left mentally unstable and seeking vengeance, enlists the help of IU’s character, Lee El, and Bae Sung-woo’s character, Park Jong-pal, to infiltrate the corrupt elite’s sexual exploitation parties. However, their mission faces setbacks as IU’s character fails to capture incriminating evidence, leading to her demise, while Sung-woo’s character endures severe torture after being exposed.
In a surprising turn, a new alliance forms between Woo Jang-hoon and Ahn Sang-goo as they join forces to expose the corrupt practices of the elite. The narrative takes a dramatic twist as Sang-goo, in a bid for revenge, orchestrates a press conference that results in his arrest. The subsequent media manipulation tarnishes his image, framing him for IU’s character’s murder and painting Woo Jang-hoon as a corrupted prosecutor.
Despite these challenges, the film concludes with a third act of revenge, where Ahn Sang-goo, having recorded a confession from Baek Yoon-sik’s character, enacts a retaliatory act by cutting off his own hand as a symbolic revenge. The story unveils a complex plan by Woo Jang-hoon, revealing the truth as part of a strategic move to bring down the powerful figures.
The film’s resolution sees Woo Jang-hoon transitioning into a legal career, while Ahn Sang-goo, released from prison, returns to an ordinary civilian life. A thought-provoking director’s cut, “Inside Men: The Original,” presents an alternate ending, emphasizing the untouchability of powerful individuals, even within the prison system. This alternative conclusion serves as a stark reminder of the enduring challenges in confronting systemic corruption.

“Inside Men” Review

The movie “Inside Men” sparked attention even from its casting stage, uniting the formidable trio of Lee Byung-hun, Cho Seung-woo, and Baek Yoon-sik. The film’s transition from a heavy political drama to a crime thriller effectively exposes the deep-rooted systems of corruption and malfeasance in our society.
Despite being a work of fiction from the creative mind of writer Yoon Tae-ho, there’s an unsettling sense of how closely the narrative mirrors reality. The movie poignantly explores the collusion between influential corporate figures and political forces, illustrating their manipulation of society through media narratives.
Director Woo Min-ho, in opting for what he called a familiar and ordinary narrative, has successfully crafted a film that resonates with chilling realism. The outstanding direction and stellar performances of the actors, particularly Lee Byung-hun and Cho Seung-woo, leave a lasting and haunting impression.
The chemistry between these two lead actors takes center stage, adding a dynamic layer to the film’s atmosphere. As they navigate a landscape of distrust and mutual exploitation for personal gain, the interplay between them becomes a captivating element, revealing the manipulative nature of their relationship.
Baek Yoon-sik, despite having less screen time, delivers a remarkable portrayal of the sinister Lee Kang-hee. His unique rhythm brings an ominous and fox-like quality to the character, contributing significantly to the film’s impact.
Lee Byung-hun, in particular, stands out with his portrayal of Ahn Sang-goo. In a movie filled with somber and heavy scenes, his character becomes a breath of fresh air, injecting humor and stylish flair. His effortless integration into the narrative adds a charismatic and appealing dimension to the film.
The director’s expressed curiosity about Ahn Sang-goo’s character even after the movie ends speaks to the intriguing vitality and complexity of the role. Lee Byung-hun’s performance, amidst the movie’s grim moments, manages to shine, leaving an indelible mark on the overall viewing experience.
The film’s explicit scenes, especially during moments of characters indulging in peculiar entertainment, might provoke discomfort and laughter. However, these scenes are purposeful, depicting the characters’ surrender to desire and emphasizing their immersion in an apparently unrestrained reality.
Ultimately, “Inside Men” doesn’t shy away from its bold content. The movie successfully delivers a thought-provoking and realistic experience, sustained by the captivating performances of its actors, particularly the charismatic Lee Byung-hun.

Backstories

Unveiling Realism: Political Parallels in “Inside Men”

The cinematic canvas of “Inside Men” intricately weaves a narrative that bears an uncanny resemblance to actual political events in South Korea, breathing authenticity into its portrayal.

Cho Seung-woo’s Linguistic Innovation: A Personal Flourish

One distinctive aspect is Cho Seung-woo’s linguistic choice—a lineage-free dialect, a personal touch that adds layers to his character’s emotional depth. Director Woo Min-ho sheds light on this creative decision, citing how the actor’s use of regional dialects amplifies the authenticity of his character, especially during emotionally charged moments.

Lightening the Narrative: Lee Byung-hun’s Cinematic Influence

Lee Byung-hun, portraying Ahn Sang-goo, proposed a cinematic strategy that involved infusing moments of levity into the narrative. His suggestion aimed to counteract potential viewer fatigue resulting from a consistently somber tone. This collaborative decision between actor and director transformed Ahn Sang-goo from a rough character, as originally envisioned in the source material, into a more nuanced and ironically humane figure.

Ad-lib Brilliance: Lee Byung-hun’s Impactful Contributions

Lee Byung-hun’s improvisational brilliance, exemplified in scenes like the motel bathroom glass, stands as a testament to his commitment to the character and the overall storyline. These moments, stemming from the actor’s creative input, add a layer of authenticity and unpredictability to the narrative.

Dynamic Chemistry: Elevating the Cinematic Experience

The interplay between lead actors enhances the film’s dynamics, particularly as Ahn Sang-goo finds himself entangled in Woo Jang-hoon’s intricate plans. Their on-screen synergy contributes significantly to the film’s captivation and resonance.

Cho Seung-woo’s Initial Hesitations: A Journey of Acceptance

The scene where Cho Seung-woo scratches his head with Lee Byung-hun’s arm was an ad-lib by Cho Seung-woo. Despite rejecting the movie three times, he eventually agreed due to concerns about not fitting the investigator role, the absence of the character in the original webtoon, and the pressure of acting alongside Lee Byung-hun and Baek Yoon-sik.

Baek Yoon-sik’s Artistic Unease: Navigating Through Edits

Baek Yoon-sik expressed artistic unease regarding the edited scenes that explained Lee Kang-hee’s character. However, his active participation in promotional events showcased a commitment to professionalism, transcending artistic disagreements.

Director’s Cut: A Canvas of Restored Nuances

The director’s cut, known as “The Original,” not only resurrects deleted scenes but subtly reconfigures existing edits, reshaping character traits and interpersonal dynamics. This extended version delves deeper into character intricacies, offering an enriched viewing experience.