In a Korean port town where the oyster diving trade is collapsing due to polluted waters and tainted catches, a group of female divers must find a new way to make ends meet. With their traditional skills seemingly obsolete, they turn to the dangerous yet lucrative world of smuggling.
Yeom Jung-ah as Yeom in “Smugglers”
“Smugglers” (“Контрабандистки”) became a box office sensation in South Korea in 2023, surpassing even “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” and “Oppenheimer” in ticket sales. Directed by Ryoo Seung-wan, a celebrated figure in Korean cinema, the film blends crime and comedy with a distinctly Korean flair. While Ryoo may be less known in the West, he consistently delivers hits in his home country.
Park Kyung-hye as Toktsuni in “Smugglers”
From Diving to Deception: A Plot Unfolds
Initially, “Smugglers” might seem like a feminist twist on “Trainspotting,” featuring a group of athletic divers as the main characters. However, the plot quickly evolves into something far more complex than Irvine Welsh or Danny Boyle could have imagined. Imagine Mark Renton returning to his old gang for one last, much larger score. The film delivers a relentless barrage of action, with fights, stabbings, and chases that are characteristic of Korean thrillers.
A Carnivalesque Atmosphere
Beyond the action, the film’s characters and plot devices are exaggerated for comedic effect. The actors deliver their lines with such intensity that their laughter seems to stretch their faces, and their curses feel like they could reach generations past. This lack of emotional subtlety creates a perpetual carnival atmosphere, enhanced by the outstanding costume design. The 1970s setting, though Korean, is instantly recognizable through its distinctive hairstyles, colorful blouses, and flared trousers – hallmarks of the era in Italy, the USSR, and Korea alike.
Yeom Jung-ah as Yeom in “Smugglers”
Nostalgia and Star Power
The film’s success may be partly attributed to its exploitation of nostalgia. The cast includes Kim Hye-soo, a former idol who was immensely popular in the late 80s and early 90s, and Yeom Jung-ah, who won the title of “Miss Korea” in 1991. Another key element is the intricate plot, which continues to unfold long after other directors might have concluded the story.
A Korean Cultural Experience
Despite its technical merits, “Smugglers” may struggle to resonate with audiences outside of South Korea. The “women empowering themselves against overbearing men” trope has been done many times, and the setting of a half-century-old Asian coastal province may be more of a hindrance than a draw. The humor, with its thunderous laughter and slapstick violence, feels very specific to Korean culture. Ryoo Seung-wan doesn’t add anything new to the crime-comedy genre, except perhaps for the exotic setting.
While “Smugglers” is technically well-made, its appeal is largely limited to those familiar with South Korean culture. The acting style, though potentially unfamiliar to Western audiences, is likely a characteristic of Korean television, rather than a flaw in the performances of established stars like Bae Doona or Kim Min-hee. Ultimately, “Smugglers” is a well-executed genre exercise that will likely only appeal to those who have lived in Korea or are unfamiliar with films like “Snatch” or “Trainspotting.”