Man on the Edge (film)

Man on the Edge (Korean: 박수건달; RR: Baksugeondal) is a 2013 South Korean film directed by Jo Jin-kyu. The story follows Gwang-ho (Park Shin-yang), the right-hand man of a powerful crime boss, as he struggles with the realization that he is destined to become a shaman.^[2] Man on the Edge is Jo's fifth film; his debut feature, My Wife Is a Gangster, is credited with sparking the popularity of gangster themes in Korean cinema.^[3] In a press conference for the film, lead actor Park Shin-yang told the audience that among his other preparations, he went to a shaman to learn more about the traditional practices.^[4]

Man on the Edge
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Jo Jin-kyu
Screenplay by	Park Gyu-tae
Produced by	Kim Woo-jae
Starring	Park Shin-yang
Cinematography	Jung Ki-won
Edited by	Shin Min-kyung
Music by	Jang Young-gyu Dalpalan
Distributed by	Showbox
Release date	9 January 2013 (2013-01-09)
Running time	128 minutes
Country	South Korea
Language	Korean
Box office	US$21.9 million[1]

Plot

After a knife wound alters the fate line on his palm, high-class gangster Gwang-ho experiences a series of strange events, including voices beckoning him and objects inexplicably moving around him. One such event occurs when a newspaper, seemingly blown by the wind, persistently follows Gwang-ho as he tries to run away. The newspaper features a large ad for a fortune teller, whom Gwang-ho decides to visit. The fortune teller reveals that the strange events are being caused by a spirit. In order to accept the spirit and begin fulfilling his destiny as a shaman, he must perform a ritual. Unable to escape his fate, Gwang-ho begins a double life, working as a fortune teller by day and a criminal by evening—a life that is increasingly difficult to maintain. Meanwhile, Tae-joo (Kim Jung-tae), a rival member of the gang, is plotting to get rid of Gwang-ho and take his place. Tae-joo's henchmen spy on Gwang-ho, and as they begin to discover his secret, they use their discoveries to try to destroy him.^[5][6][7]

Cast

• Park Shin-yang as Park Gwang-Ho
• Kim Jung-tae as Cha Tae-Joo
• Uhm Ji-won as Fortune Teller Myung
• Jung Hye-young as Dr. Choi Mi-Sook
• Yoon Song-yi as Han Soo-Min
• Kim Sung-kyun as Ko Choon-Bong
• Choi Ji-ho as Wang Dae-Sik
• Choi Il-hwa as the boss
• Park Jung-ja as the elder fortune teller
• Kim Hyeong-beom as Cha Tae-Joo's henchman
• Cho Jin-woong as the prosecutor^[8]

Release and reception

The film was released on January 9, 2013. It remained at #1 at the South Korean box office throughout the month,^[9] selling 3,897,969 tickets during its theatrical run.

It received mixed reviews, with audiences generally rating it higher than film critics. Many reporters described it as a fun movie with compelling performances; some criticized the story's unrealistic circumstances, while others hailed the story as unique and interesting.^{[10][11][12][13]}

When the film was released in Japan, Japanese production and distribution company SPO held a 'Park Shin-yang Festival 2014' at Toho Cinemas Roppongi Hills. The festival ran from February 1–14, screening other films featuring the actor in addition to the main feature.^[14]

Awards and nominations

Year	Awards	Category	Recipient	Result	Ref.
2013	49th Baeksang Arts Awards	Most Popular - Actor (Film)	Park Shin-yang	Nominated	[15]
		Most Popular - Actress (Film)	Uhm Ji-won	Nominated
	22nd Buil Film Awards	Best Supporting Actress		Nominated
	50th Grand Bell Awards			Nominated
		Best New Actress	Chun Min-hee	Nominated