Hi! Dharma! (2001 Film)

Hi! Dharma! (Korean: 달마야 놀자; RR: Dalmaya nolja) is a 2001 South Korean comedy film directed by Park Chul-kwan. The film explores the cultural and lifestyle clash between a group of fugitive gangsters and the residents of a secluded Buddhist temple.

Promotional poster for the film Hi! Dharma! (2001).

Plot

Following a violent confrontation with a rival criminal organization, a gang led by Jae-gyu (Park Shin-yang) flees into the mountains. They seek refuge in a remote Buddhist temple, disrupting the peaceful and disciplined lives of the resident monks. Although the monks initially reject their request to stay, they eventually grant the group a one-week reprieve.

When the week concludes and the gangsters refuse to leave, a conflict ensues between the two groups. To resolve the dispute, they agree to a series of challenges, with the winner earning the right to remain at the temple. The contests range from physical feats to tests of endurance and wit. Ultimately, the gangsters earn the right to stay, but the head monk imposes a strict condition: they must adhere to the temple's rules, including the principle of "no work, no food."

Cast

Park Shin-yang as Jae-gyu
Jung Jin-young as Monk Jeong-myeong
Park Sang-myeon as Bul-kom
Kang Sung-jin as Nal-chi
Kim Soo-ro as Wang Ku-ra
Hong Kyoung-in as Rookie
Kim In-mun as Master
Lee Moon-sik as Monk Dae-bong
Lee Won-jong as Monk Hyeon-gak
Ryu Seung-soo as Monk Myung-chun