Set Play is a 2020 Korean drama film. Written and directed by Moon Seung-Wook (Nabi, The Romance). The movie stars Lee Jae-Kyoon(The Ghost Detective, The Veil), Go Min-Si(Sweet Home, Love Alarm), and Park Myung-Shin(Beyond Evil, Artifical City).
**WARNING: MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD**
Park Sang-Chul is a lonely 17-year-old boy. He lives on the rought side of Seoul and has little to no one to care for him. His father is a violent, raging alcoholic that lashes out frequently at his frightened family. One night during a drunken stupor, Park Sang-Chul’s father strikes his older brother in the head that causes him to become permanently disabled. Sang-Chul’s father finally leaves after his mother kicks him out.
Now realizing he has to become the responsible one, Sang-Chul believes the only way to become a provider for his family is to team up with his only friend Ki-Joon, and do a small time hustle. Together, the two blackmail married women with photos they take of the women that were caught being unfaithful. All of the money Sang-Chul manages to extort goes towards his now occupied mother that’s over-stressed and solely focused on his disabled brother.
When Sang-Chul is not running his scam, he focuses his attention on Yoosun. Yoosun is everything Sang-Chul wants in a girlfriend and would like to have a relationship with her but she is unwilling. She likes the fact that Sang-Chul is smitten with her and uses it to her full advantage. When trouble arises for Yoosun, he is the first person she calls. Being eager to please, Sang-Chul rushes to give her aid.
Not wanting to give anymore of the movie away, Set Play is a gritty, and stark film about an isolated 17 year-old boy. The harsh reality of Sang-Chul is he’s alone, angry, and has no one to turn to. He clings to anyone that will give him the slightest bit of attention, especially Yoosun. She has become his minor obsession. Yoosun is nice to him and all he wants is a bit of kindness displayed towards him.
Reminiscent of the 1995 cult classic Kids, the movie shows you how uncaring the world can be to the castoffs of society. Set Play is shot almost in a mockumentary type style and makes good use of parts of the city no one really sees or wants to see, like when Sang-Chul and his friends play in an abandoned amusement park.
The movie slowly brings you into Sang-Chul’s world over the course of a few days, and his take on the world. If you are looking for a movie that is different, with a jarring theme to it, I’d recommend this movie
Rating: 8/10
Set Play is now streaming on: Tubi, Amazon Prime Video, and The Roku Channel
Watch The Trailer Here:
What did you think about the movie? Let me know in the comments below!
