A Man of Reason

For the 1984 book by Genevieve Lloyd, see The Man of Reason.

A Man of Reason (Korean: 보호자; RR: Bohoja; lit. Guardian) is a 2022 South Korean action thriller film directed by Jung Woo-sung, in his feature directorial debut. It stars Jung, Kim Nam-gil, Park Sung-woong, Kim Jun-han and Park Yoo-na. The film had its world premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival on September 13, 2022,^[4] and was released theatrically in South Korea on August 15, 2023.^[5][6]

A Man of Reason
Theatrical release poster
Hangul	보호자
Hanja	保護者
Lit.	Guardian
RR	Bohoja
MR	Pohoja
Directed by	Jung Woo-sung
Screenplay by	Jung Hae-sin Jung Woo-sung
Produced by	Song Dae-chan
Starring	Jung Woo-sung Kim Nam-gil Park Sung-woong Kim Jun-han Park Yoo-na
Cinematography	Go Rak-sun
Edited by	Kim Man-geun
Production company	Studio Take
Distributed by	Ace Maker Movie Works[1]
Release dates	September 13, 2022 (2022-09-13) (Toronto) August 15, 2023 (2023-08-15) (South Korea)
Running time	103 minutes[2]
Country	South Korea
Language	Korean
Box office	US$941,592[3]

Plot

After being released from prison after 10 years, Soo-hyuk learns that he has a daughter and decides to leave the gang to live an ordinary life. However, Eung-guk, the boss who had been waiting for Soo-hyuk's release, feels betrayed by his decision. He orders Seong-joon, his right-hand man and the gang's second-in-command, to keep an eye on Soo-hyuk.

Consumed by his inferiority complex toward Soo-hyuk, Seong-joon hires a deadly duo of enforcers, Woo-jin and Jin-ah, to eliminate Soo-hyuk. Ruthless in their own brutal way, the pair approaches Soo-hyuk with deadly intentions.

Cast

• Jung Woo-sung as Soo-hyuk^[7]
• Kim Nam-gil as Woo-jin^[8]
• Park Sung-woong as Eung-guk^[8]
• Kim Jun-han as Seong-joon^[9]
• Park Yoo-na as Jin-ah^[6]
• Lee Elijah as Min-seo^[10]
• Kim Joo-hun as Jun-ho^[11]

Production

Principal photography began on February 10, 2020.^[12]

Release

The film was invited to the Special Presentations section at 2022 Toronto International Film Festival where it had its world premiere on September 13, 2022.^[13][4] It was screened at Orivita section at the 55th Sitges Film Festival in October 2022.^[14] It was also invited at the 28th Busan International Film Festival in 'Korean Cinema Today - Panorama' section and will be screened on October 5, 2023.^[15]

The film was released theatrically in South Korea on August 15, 2023.^[5][6]

Reception

As of October 9, 2023, the film has grossed US$941,592 at the local box office and accumulated 128,485 admissions.^[3]

Awards and nominations

Award ceremony	Year	Category	Nominee	Result	Ref.
Hawaiʻi International Film Festival	2022	Halekulani Career Achievement Award	Jung Woo-sung	Won	[16]