Rough Cut is a Korean martial arts action drama that holds no punches and has a pretty interesting plot to fill in the time between fights.
Soo-ta (Kang Ji-Hwan) is a spoiled actor that has finally pushed his co-stars too far. After really connecting with his opponents in what was supposed to be a fake on-camera fight and seriously injuring one of them, everyone refuses to work with Soo-ta anymore. He must then turn to a real-life gangster named Gang-pae (So Ji-Seob), who is a fan and expressed an interest in acting during a brief encounter in which Soo-ta denied him an autograph. But Gang-pae has one condition: they have to fight for real.
It is that last point that becomes the driving force of the film, as Gang-pae declares, “I can’t fake things.” Their fights are vicious, drawing real blood and creating great on-screen action. The movie within the movie’s director Bong (Ko Chang-Seok) is more than intrigued by the realism it will bring to his film and very impressed by the results, though production often has to pause to allow for medical aid and healing. The physical battles between these two men are mind-blowing as they take a no-holds barred approach to their scenes.
The two young lead actors are incredible and have already taken home best newcomer awards at the Korean equivalent of the Oscars. Ji-Seob is particularly inspired as the gangster that prefers to watch martial arts films and is only going through the motions of being a gangster. He really comes alive when he is in front of the camera. Ji-Hwan hides behind his ego, using his persona to intimidate people even though in the end he is much less effective in getting things done in his personal affairs.
The film’s conclusion is another powerful blow, but this time it’s directed at the audience. There are also some obvious metaphors scattered throughout the film, which adds substance to an already meaningful film experience. Rough Cut was written and produced by Kim Ki-Duk, whose films have seen international acclaim though they were reviled in Korea. Fortunately, this picture is seeing better and well-deserved fortune even at home.
Imagery à la carte 