How entertaining? ★★★☆☆
Thought provoking? ★☆☆☆☆ 10 November 2012
This a movie review of THE GRAND HEIST. |
“I just used a bit of dramatic direction,” Duk-moo
In the space of about five minutes we move from something out of THE KITE RUNNER, to a Western musical score (perhaps signifying the genre), to very, very broad humour. Then we get some martial arts. Talk about keeping us guessing. While the humour is too schoolyard, I applaud mixing it up. If it wasn’t for the title, THE GRAND HEIST might’ve kept us on our toes as to where it is going. By blending ingredients from other genres, the caper is kept fresh. Is it an action flick? A revenge pic? A ‘comedy’?
In the late 18th century in Korea, ice is a hugely valuable commodity. People kill and die for it. Two honourable men, one (Duk-moo) is well read but hasn’t put his intellect to purpose, the other is a fearsome government man in charge of guarding the ice (Dong-soo). They are viewed as a threat to the greedy and merciless Cho family, aristocrats who want sole control of the ice market. As they are both the sons of concubines, they are framed easily; collateral damage includes the death of Duk-moo’s beloved guardian. The Cho clan privatises the industry and creates its own monopoly.
In the space of about five minutes we move from something out of THE KITE RUNNER, to a Western musical score (perhaps signifying the genre), to very, very broad humour. Then we get some martial arts. Talk about keeping us guessing. While the humour is too schoolyard, I applaud mixing it up. If it wasn’t for the title, THE GRAND HEIST might’ve kept us on our toes as to where it is going. By blending ingredients from other genres, the caper is kept fresh. Is it an action flick? A revenge pic? A ‘comedy’?
In the late 18th century in Korea, ice is a hugely valuable commodity. People kill and die for it. Two honourable men, one (Duk-moo) is well read but hasn’t put his intellect to purpose, the other is a fearsome government man in charge of guarding the ice (Dong-soo). They are viewed as a threat to the greedy and merciless Cho family, aristocrats who want sole control of the ice market. As they are both the sons of concubines, they are framed easily; collateral damage includes the death of Duk-moo’s beloved guardian. The Cho clan privatises the industry and creates its own monopoly.
|
|
“You put this country to shame,” Dong-soo
After their punitive banishment term expires, the duo put together a team of experts (transport, explosions, information, etc.) to steal thousands of tonnes of ice from the Chos, their gold, and a secret accounting book. And so the majority of THE GRAND HEIST is an OCEAN’S 11-style escapade.
“Just do what you believe is right,” Duk-moo’s father
With growing enjoyment, as we get to know them, we watch the team strategize, learn and bond, while overcoming obstacles. Nods to class and unfettered capitalism aside, there is really no substance. The pleasure is an unashamed ride that moves quickly, gathering momentum as pieces fall into place. Like all these type of films, you should be asking yourself: Are we being given all the info to work out exactly what their scheme is? But if the filmmakers have done their job, you don’t question.
Recurring gags, which you may find irritating, and minor romantic subplots bolster the main narrative. Goofy and charming, the boisterous energy will win over those who like seeing the resourceful and honourable take to task the exploitative. But don’t expect the shenanigans to stay with you. The frothy concoction doesn’t sustain.