In an upcoming cinematic masterpiece, “Citizen of a Kind,” directed by Park Young-ju and presented by Showbox, takes audiences on a thrilling journey inspired by true events from 2016. The film recounts the remarkable story of Kim Seong-ja, a middle-aged laundry shop owner, whose courage led to the apprehension of a criminal organization boss after receiving a desperate phone call from a gang member seeking rescue.
The plot centers around Duk-hee, portrayed by the exceptional Ra Mi-ran, an ordinary middle-aged woman who, falling victim to a voice phishing scam, embarks on a mission to Qingdao, China. This unexpected adventure unfolds after Son Jae-min (Gong Myung), an insider extorting 30 million won ($22,500) from Duk-hee over eight occasions, reaches out for her help. Skeptical but determined, Duk-hee convinces her colleagues Bong-rim (Yeom Hye-ran) and Sook-ja (Jang Yoon-ju) to join her in the pursuit of justice.
The movie’s strength lies in its foundation on real events, with director Park Young-ju skillfully incorporating multidimensional characters and fictionalized elements to immerse the audience in a realistic narrative. While numerous Korean films have tackled voice phishing scams, “Citizen of a Kind” distinguishes itself by delivering the joyous triumph of a resilient, middle-aged woman.
Key themes of solidarity and conscience, expertly woven into the storyline by Park, set the overall mood of the film. Viewers find themselves emotionally invested in characters like Jae-min, unable to simply hate him, and supporting characters such as Bong-rim and Detective Park (Park Byung-eun), each with their own compelling life stories and personal development throughout the movie.
Ra Mi-ran’s stellar portrayal of Duk-hee as an ordinary citizen adds authenticity to the character. Dressed in typical attire and walking and talking like an ajumma next door, she brings a relatable charm to the screen. Opposite her, Lee Moo-saeng, renowned for his roles in “The Glory” and “The World of the Married,” shines as the ruthless villain leading the criminal organization.
The unexpected miracle of Duk-hee’s story mirrors the potential success of “Citizen of a Kind” at the box office. As it diverges from the current blockbuster trends like “Alienoid” and “Wonka,” the film offers a unique and refreshing cinematic experience for audiences.
More About Citizen of a Kind
| Title | Citizen of a Kind |
|---|---|
| Original title | 시민덕희 |
| Genre | Action-Comedy |
| Release date | January 24, 2024 |
| Runtime | 114 minutes |
| Distributor | Showbox |
| Language | Korean |
| Country | South Korea |
| Director | Park Young-Joo |
| Cast | Ra Mi-Ran, Gong Myung, Yum Hye-Ran, Park Byung-Eun, Jang Yoon-Ju, Ahn Eun-Jin, Lee Mu-Saeng |
| Plot | Deok-Hee, an ordinary citizen, becomes a victim of a voice phishing scam and loses tens of thousands of dollars. With the help of Jae-Min, a member of the voice phishing group, and her friends Bong-Rim and Sook-Ja, she chases after the voice phishing group’s boss in Qingdao, China. |
| Based on | A true story that happened in 2016, where a housewife in her 40’s helped lead to the arrest of a criminal organization boss after a gang member had asked her to rescue him in a phone call. |
As “Citizen of a Kind” graces cinema screens on January 24, it promises not just entertainment but a celebration of courage, resilience, and the triumph of the ordinary against the odds.
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