Comedy Film 'Boss' Falls Flat: A Missed Attempt at Humor

The genre is comedy, yet not a single laugh was heard during its 98-minute runtime. The vast theater was eerily silent.

The film 'Boss' is a comedic action movie that depicts the desperate battle among organization members who fiercely yield the boss position to each other for their dreams, ahead of the election of the next boss, which is crucial for the organization's future. Although it's labeled as a 'comedic action movie,' what remains is merely a hint of 'action.'

Jo Woo-jin plays Soon-tae, the second-in-command of the organization and the head chef of the Chinese restaurant Mimi Roo, who dreams of becoming a chef. Jung Kyung-ho portrays Kang-pyo, the legitimate heir of the organization. Park Ji-hwan plays Pan-ho, the third-in-command who is the only one desiring the next boss position that no one else wants. Lee Kyu-hyung takes on the role of Tae-kyu, an undercover cop infiltrating the organization.

After the sudden death of the boss, the top position becomes vacant. Neither Soon-tae, Kang-pyo, nor the board members aspire to be the boss. Only Pan-ho desires to be the ultimate boss. Typically, Korean gangster films involve fighting for the top spot. The twist on this cliché to create an unconventional plot was commendable.

However, the ambitious lines and scenes missed all the humor marks. It was neither an overtly funny B-movie nor a black comedy. Despite the intent to be humorous, it felt like a 'sword and shield' battle.

In today's era, forced laughter doesn't resonate well. The film's most critical flaw is its forced comedy, which was deliberately crafted to be funny.

Towards the end of the film, Lee Kyu-hyung's performance stands out as a highlight, but it's not enough. His familiar face and acting, seen in KBS's 'Kick Kick Kick' and tvN's 'Prison Playbook,' didn't bring the desired laughter despite his passionate performance.

After watching 'Boss,' what lingers is not the film itself but the background music. The song 'My Life's Spring is Gone' by Can plays twice in 'Boss.'

"Don't call me cowardly, even if I wander through dirty back alleys, I was happy because you, who embraced my wounds, were by my side. I tried to dedicate my short love like a candle, but at the moment the sky turned away, my life's spring is gone."

It's challenging for a comedy film to leave a lasting impression, but 'Boss' leaves nothing behind. Leaving the theater, I found myself humming 'My Life's Spring is Gone.'

Ryu Ye-ji, TenAsia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr