“Project Y” Review: This article contains spoilers.
Miseon (Han So-hee) struggles through each day working at a nightlife establishment. Just as she is about to take over the flower shop she has long dreamed of owning, an unexpected incident causes her to lose everything. By chance, she obtains information about hidden black money belonging to Tosajang (Kim Sung-kyu). Together with her friend Dogyeong (Jeon Jong-seo), Miseon makes a dangerous decision to seize what may be the single opportunity to change their lives forever.
Meanwhile, Gayoung (Kim Shin-rok), who has fallen into corruption after leaving behind her once-promising past, instinctively senses the smell of opportunity when Miseon and Dogyeong, with whom she had cut ties long ago, come looking for her.
Standing in their way are formidable figures: Tosajang, a man without blood or tears, and Hwangso (Jung Young-joo), a ruthless fixer. With countless obstacles ahead, can Miseon and Dogyeong truly succeed in turning their lives around at the edge of the cliff?
As a crime entertainment film, “Project Y” is a rare example of a truly hip movie in today’s theaters. On the surface, its synopsis feels familiar, even clichéd. Yet the film is filled with elements that spark interest, from its cast to its distinctive mise-en-scène and stylish soundtrack.
From the beginning, “Project Y” drew attention simply through the meeting of two icons of their generation, Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo. Beyond their irreplaceable visuals, both actresses maximize the raw appeal of the film by delicately portraying the unstable inner worlds of their characters, supported by the solid acting skills they have built since their debuts.
Kim Shin-rok, Jung Young-joo, and Kim Sung-kyu further elevate the film by breathing life into their characters with their commanding performances, significantly enhancing immersion.
The flamboyant visual style, reminiscent of Hong Kong cinema classics such as “A Better Tomorrow” and “In the Mood for Love,” combined with the distinctive OST by music director Gray featuring artists like Hwasa, Kim Wan-sun, DeVita, Hoody, and An Shinae, completes the film’s powerful and stylish atmosphere.
However, this hip film begins to lose momentum after the midpoint. The action sequences, while unique, lack dynamic intensity, resulting in less tension and cinematic thrill. The addition of melodramatic elements further diminishes some of the film’s strengths.
There is no doubt that “Project Y” remains an intriguing work thanks to the chemistry between Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo and the passionate performances of its cast. Still, the lingering sense that it fails to elevate its full potential to 100 percent remains undeniable.
“Project Y” is set to be released on January 21.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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