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Green Fish is a film I've been wanting to see for years, and only finally caught it earlier. This is the first directorial effort from Chang-dong Lee, whom some may be familiar with, as he's done some other great emotional dramas such as Peppermint Candy, Oasis, and Secret Sunshine.
Though the plot sounds rather similar to other films, the way it's all played out is purely through Chang-dong Lee's creative style. It gets very emotional, especially towards the end, and I have to admit that there were some really slow-paced and dull moments, but the movie for the most part is a good watch, especially for fans of gangster-type flicks (though that aspect isn't the only focus here).The movie follows a man just released from his mandatory military duty and returns home to no job and essentially no life. He eventually gets mixed up with a local small-time gangster, and ends up being one of his henchmen. The first half of the flick details the mans meager existence and introduces him to a different way of life when he meets the gangster and his thugs. The second half of the flick slowly builds up into a romance, as the man begins to fall for the gangster's woman.
There are a few familiar faces in the pic, namely that of Kang-ho Song, whom many may recognize from Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Memories of Murder, The Host, Thirst, etc.. He plays one of the key thugs under the gangster. I believe this is actually his second role in a film at the time, so his part isn't incredibly big, but he does still get a decent amount of screen time.
Overall -- if you're familiar with the director's work then I'd recommend giving this a check. Otherwise, I'd advise checking the director's more recent efforts (like the ones mentioned above) before viewing this, as his style is better understood with them and are better watches (in my opinion).
7/10
http://imdb.com/title/tt0126838/
http://www.hancinema.net/korean_movie_Green_Fish.php