Open City (2008)
Open City (Korean: 무방비도시; RR: Mubangbi Doshi) is a 2008 South Korean action-crime film written and directed by Lee Sang-ki. The film explores the criminal underworld of professional pickpockets and the law enforcement officers tasked with tracking them.
Plot
The story follows Baek Jang-mi (Son Ye-jin), the leader of a pickpocket organization with connections to the Japanese yakuza. Following a criminal incident in Osaka, Japan, she and her bodyguard, Choi Seong-su (Shim Ji-ho), are deported to South Korea. Upon her return, Baek attempts to establish a new criminal syndicate. Her path crosses with Cho Dae-young (Kim Myung-min), a dedicated police detective. Their initial encounter, in which Cho saves Baek from a rival gang, sparks a complex attraction, though Baek disappears upon discovering his profession. As Baek plans an ambitious heist, she recruits the legendary pickpocket Kang Man-ok (Kim Hae-sook), while Detective Cho discovers the true identity of the woman he saved.
Cast
The film features an ensemble cast, including:
- Son Ye-jin as Baek Jang-mi
- Kim Myung-min as Cho Dae-young
- Kim Hae-sook as Kang Man-ok
- Son Byung-ho as Oh Yeon-su
- Kim Jun-bae as Park Byeong-cheol
- Shim Ji-ho as Antenna
Production and Release
Directed by Lee Sang-ki, the film was produced with a budget of approximately US$4.5 million. It was distributed by CJ Entertainment and released in South Korea on January 10, 2008. The film has a runtime of 112 minutes.
Awards
Open City received recognition for its technical and acting contributions:
- 45th Daejong Film Awards (2008): Best Supporting Actress (Kim Hae-sook)
- 31st Golden Cinematography Awards (2008): Best Lighting and Bronze Medal for Cinematography
