Laughs and Action Await in 'The Informant': A Perfect Year-End Movie

'The Informant' is the perfect film to enjoy with loved ones as the year comes to a close. Actors Heo Sung-tae and Jo Bok-rae deliver laughs with their comedic chemistry, embodying the spirit of a comic crime action movie.

Detective Oh Nam-hyuk, played by Heo Sung-tae, finds himself demoted after failing the 'Ojakgyo Project,' a mission his team had been working on. Losing his passion, will, and investigative instincts, he dreams of one big score to retire comfortably. He plans to use informant Jo Tae-bong, played by Jo Bok-rae, who is embedded in a smuggling ring, to turn his life around.

However, Jo Tae-bong is not an easy target. Having stashed away money during his time as an informant, he quickly cuts ties with Oh Nam-hyuk. Arriving late at the smuggling ring's office, Oh Nam-hyuk is kidnapped by an unfamiliar group. Meanwhile, Jo Tae-bong finds himself on the run from the organization. The two are inadvertently drawn into a life-threatening crime case, leading to an unexpected joint investigation.

'The Informant' is a light-hearted film that can be enjoyed with anyone. Unlike traditional crime genres where the detective-informant relationship is portrayed seriously, this movie presents a humorous and comedic dynamic. The 'odd couple' duo, reminiscent of 'Dumb and Dumber,' provides continuous laughs with their clumsy antics.

This film marks Heo Sung-tae's first leading role in a movie. Known for his intense and villainous roles in films like 'The Age of Shadows,' 'The Fortress,' 'The Outlaws,' and series like 'Squid Game' and 'Casino,' he showcases a completely different image in this film. Heo demonstrates his talent for comedy, with his tough appearance contrasting with his bumbling character, adding to the humor. His comedic flair, previously seen in 'SNL Korea' Season 2's 'Cocaine Dance,' is evident in this film.

Jo Bok-rae, as the informant, adds to the film's charm with his relatable performance. His chemistry with Heo Sung-tae creates a balanced dynamic in the movie. Additionally, Jin Seon-kyu makes a surprise appearance as a meticulous insurance employee who quickly gains the upper hand in a power struggle with Oh Nam-hyuk, securing his share of the laughs despite his brief screen time.

The film also features a lineup of scene-stealing actors. Cha Soon-bae, known for his roles in 'A Taxi Driver,' 'The Book of Fish,' and 'Escape,' delivers a strong performance as Hwang Sang-gil, the villainous construction company chairman. Jang Hyuk-jin, who showcased his charming appeal in the 'Taxi Driver' series, joins as Kang Yong-gu, the chief of Dongbu Police Station, adding weight to the film. Bae Yoo-ram injects energy with his comedic performance in the film's opening and closing scenes.

'The Informant' offers a steady stream of 'subtle laughs' rather than one big comedic moment. The film was invited to open the 24th New York Asian Film Festival and won the Best Foreign Language Film award at the 2025 Asian International Film Festival.

'The Informant' is set to release on the 3rd.

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr