The Humanist (2001 Film)

The Humanist (Korean: 휴머니스트; RR: Hyumeoniseuteu) is a South Korean dark comedy film released on May 12, 2001. The film was written and directed by Lee Moo-Young. It features a runtime of 95 minutes and explores themes of moral decay and absurdity through a convoluted criminal plot.

Promotional poster for the film The Humanist

Plot

The narrative centers on Ma Tae-ho (played by Jae-mo Ahn), the son of a wealthy retired general. Tae-ho is depicted as an aimless individual who is paid by his father—a devout Catholic—to attend church services. His primary social circle consists of two eccentric companions: Euglena (Kang Seong-Jin), who suffers from severe trauma, and Amoeba (Park Sang-Myeon), a man with significant intellectual disabilities.

The plot is set in motion when Tae-ho, driving under the influence, accidentally kills a police officer. Rather than reporting the incident, the officer's partner attempts to extort 300 million won from Tae-ho. Unable to secure the funds from his father, Tae-ho recruits Euglena and Amoeba to kidnap his own father. The plan quickly descends into chaos, leading to further complications, including additional hostages, accidental deaths, and a series of betrayals among the characters.

Cast

Jae-mo Ahn as Ma Tae-ho
Kang Sung-Jin as Euglena
Park Sang-Myeon as Amoeba
Park Young-Gyu as the father
Myeong Ji-Yeon as Rosa
Kim Myung-Soo as the Beggar
Ahn Suk-Hwan as Bae Kyoung-Wie
Kim Kang-Il as Detective 2
Choi Ran