This post is about the K-movie, “The Thieves”, Masterpiece of Glamorous Casting.
“The Thieves” Cast and Description
The K-movie boasts a stellar cast, each member bringing their unique flair to the table, creating a captivating ensemble that navigates the twists and turns of this thrilling heist film.
- Kim Yoon-seok (Popie): A seasoned actor, Kim Yoon-seok plays Popie, the mastermind behind a team of skilled thieves. Known for his versatility, Kim Yoon-seok brings depth to the character, portraying the strategic and charismatic leader.
- Kim Hye-soo (Macau Park): As Macau Park, Kim Hye-soo adds a touch of glamour to the team. Her character is a talented thief with a mysterious past. Kim Hye-soo’s performance brings sophistication and intrigue to the ensemble.
- Lee Jung-jae (Pepsi): Lee Jung-jae takes on the role of Pepsi, a swift and agile member of the thieving crew. With his action-packed sequences and charismatic presence, Lee Jung-jae delivers a memorable performance.
- Kim Soo-hyun (Zampano): Kim Soo-hyun contributes to the cast as Zampano, a young and agile thief. His character brings a dynamic energy to the group, showcasing Kim Soo-hyun’s ability to captivate audiences with his youthful charisma.
- Jeon Ji-hyun (Anycall): Jeon Ji-hyun, known for her versatility, plays Anycall, a skilled cat burglar. Her performance adds a layer of complexity to the team dynamics, combining elegance with a hint of mystery.
- Simon Yam (Chen): Joining the Korean cast, Simon Yam portrays Chen, a significant figure in the world of crime. His international presence enhances the film’s appeal, contributing to the intricate web of alliances and betrayals.
- Kim Hae-sook (Chewingum): Kim Hae-sook takes on the role of Chewingum, adding a dose of humor to the group. Her character provides comic relief amidst the tension, showcasing Kim Hae-sook’s comedic timing.
Movie Review: “The Thieves”
“The Thieves” is not just a heist movie; it’s a captivating tale of challenges and triumphs for the actors who brought it to life. Imagine trying to make a movie where ten actors from Korea and Hong Kong need to fit together perfectly, each with their own unique styles. It’s not easy, but they did it.
In the film, the actors play characters who steal things, but it’s not just about stealing. As the story goes on, you see the actors showing feelings, thoughts, and hidden stories that make the movie even more interesting. Even though the movie is more than ten years old, it still looks cool and well-made.
One actor, Jun Ji-hyun, plays a character called Yenicall. People talked a lot about her funny way of talking. When introducing herself to Chinese people, she says, “I’m a crazy girl,” and when she sees another girl, she says, “Wow, she’s a really amazing girl.” Another actor, Kim Yoon-seok, who plays Macau Park, got a lot of cheers from the audience for saying funny things. In a church, he joked about being a thief who was next to Jesus when he was nailed to the cross.
This movie is not just about actors saying lines. It has good acting, a good story, fun moments, and exciting action scenes. Because it has all these good things, many people, more than ten million, just in Korea, went to watch it. Even now, after more than ten years, people still like it because it’s a movie that makes you feel happy and excited. It shows that when actors, stories, and fun moments come together well, it makes a movie that lots of people enjoy.
“The Thieves” Backstories
Multilingual Dynamics:
“The Thieves” unfolds in a linguistic tapestry, featuring five languages: Korean, Standard Chinese, Cantonese, English, and Japanese. While lead characters naturally communicate in various languages, creating a believable multilingual environment, challenges arise when Korean actors portray characters with precise language backgrounds. Notable instances include Korean actors taking on roles like Jampol and the casino owner, where their less-than-perfect pronunciation reveals the characters’ non-native status.
Cross-Cultural Casting:
The film boasts a mix of Chinese and Korean actors, adding an extra layer of authenticity. Tiffany, played by actress Jeon Ji-hyun, attempts to seduce Jampol, portrayed by Choi Deok-moon, adding complexity to the storyline. Additionally, the charismatic and well-groomed right-hand man to Wei Hong, played by Choi Jin-ho, is portrayed by Korean actor Kim Joo-bong, who also happens to be the real-life elder brother of actor Kim Soo-hyun.
Casting Considerations:
Park Shin-yang was approached for a role, potentially that of Macau Park. Given Park’s close association with director Choi Dong-hoon, having collaborated on Choi’s debut film “The Big Swindle,” the casting would have added another layer of familiarity. Although the specific role remains undisclosed, it is speculated to be Macau Park, considering the actor’s age similarity to Kim Yoon-seok, who played the character.
Wire Action Reference:
The exhilarating wire action sequence in Macau Park’s apartment draws inspiration from the 2000 Western film “Mission: Impossible 2.” The scene pays homage to the action genre, especially the sniper scene in an apartment, demonstrating the film’s engagement with cinematic influences.
Secret Code Scene:
The scene where the characters decipher the password using sound during the art gallery heist is a cinematic liberty. In reality, vault button sounds are standardized to avoid such situations. This creative choice adds an element of tension and excitement to the heist, allowing for a more engaging narrative.
