The City of Violence (2006 Film)

The City of Violence (Korean: 짝패; RR: Jjakpae) is a 2006 South Korean action film directed by Ryoo Seung-wan. The film, which features a prominent focus on martial arts choreography, was produced by CJ Entertainment and released in South Korea on May 25, 2006.

The City of Violence promotional poster — Promotional poster for The City of Violence.

Plot

The story follows Tae-su (Jung Doo-hong), a police detective from Seoul who returns to his hometown of Onseong following the murder of his childhood friend, Wang-jae (Ahn Kil-kang). Wang-jae, a former criminal who had sought a quiet life, is killed behind his own bar. Upon his return, Tae-su reunites with his former high school friends: Pil-ho (Lee Beom-soo), Dong-hwan (Jeong Seok-yong), and Seok-hwan (Ryoo Seung-wan). As Tae-su investigates the circumstances surrounding the death, he discovers that the incident is linked to a larger, corrupt criminal organization. The investigation forces the group of friends to confront their pasts and each other as they are drawn into a violent conflict.

Cast

The film features an ensemble cast portraying both adult and teenage versions of the central characters:

Jung Doo-hong as Tae-su
Ryoo Seung-wan as Seok-hwan
Lee Beom-soo as Pil-ho
Ahn Kil-kang as Wang-jae
Jeong Seok-yong as Dong-hwan
Kim Shi-hoo as young Seok-hwan
On Joo-wan as young Tae-su
Kim Dong-young as young Pil-ho
Jung Woo as young Wang-jae
Kim Seo-hyung as Mi-ran
Kim Byung-ok as the Youth President

Director and actor Ryoo Seung-wan — Ryoo Seung-wan, who directed and starred in the film.

Actor Jung Doo-hong — Jung Doo-hong, who played the lead role of Tae-su.

Actor Lee Beom-soo — Lee Beom-soo, who portrayed Pil-ho.

Actor Ahn Kil-kang — Ahn Kil-kang, who played the character Wang-jae.

Production and Release

Directed by Ryoo Seung-wan, the film was produced with a budget of approximately US$ 2.4 million. It was distributed by CJ Entertainment. Following its initial release in South Korea, the film was featured at several international film festivals, including the 7th Tokyo FILMeX in 2006 and the 10th New York Asian Film Festival in 2011.

Actor Kim Shi-hoo — Kim Shi-hoo, who played the younger version of Seok-hwan.

Actor On Joo-wan — On Joo-wan, who played the younger version of Tae-su.

Actor Kim Dong-young — Kim Dong-young, who played the younger version of Pil-ho.

Actor Jung Woo — Jung Woo, who played the younger version of Wang-jae.

Actor Jung Suk-yong — Jung Suk-yong, who played the role of Dong-hwan.

Actress Kim Seo-hyung — Kim Seo-hyung, who played the role of Mi-ran.

Actor Kim Byung-ok — Kim Byung-ok, who played the Youth President.

Scene from the film — A scene from The City of Violence.