I'm going to talk about "Number 3," a South Korean gangster comedy film released in 1997. This film is the directorial debut of Song Nung-han, and it boasts a star-studded cast including Han Suk-kyu, Choi Min-sik, Lee Mi-yeon, Ahn Seok-hwan, Park Kwang-jung, Bang Eun-hee, Song Kang-ho, and Park Sang-myeon. The English title is "Number 3." This film was loved by many viewers for its unique story and outstanding acting skills, and it remains an important work in Korean film history.

The plot of "Number 3" begins with the story of Tae-ju (Han Suk-kyu), a member of the Dokang gang. Tae-ju evades the boss, Kang Do-sik (Ahn Seok-hwan), who was attacked during a coup within the organization, and in return, he is promoted to the number 3 position in the organization. However, he finds himself in a rivalry with 'Jae-tteol-i' Jae-cheol (Park Sang-myeon), who has a simple and brutish personality, and his position within the organization is unstable. Tae-ju's wife, Hyun-ji (Lee Mi-yeon), dreams of a luxurious life and has an affair with the third-rate poet, Langbo (Park Kwang-jung), while taking poetry lessons from him. However, Hyun-ji is forced to end her relationship with Langbo through the scheme of the boss's wife and the madam of the lounge, Gina (Bang Eun-hee).

Meanwhile, Jo-pil (Song Kang-ho), who failed to eliminate the Dokang boss, organizes the Bulsapha with his subordinates after undergoing hellish training. One day, Tae-ju gets into a fight with Jo-pil's subordinates at a street food stall and is pushed out of the organization. Afterwards, Do-sik instructs Tae-ju to kill the prosecutor, Ma Dong-pal (Choi Min-sik), who is obstructing the organization, using the next boss as bait, and Tae-ju carries out the order, killing Prosecutor Ma and burying his body in a nearby mountain.

While Jo-pil's gang was plotting revenge at the lounge where the Dokang gang and the Japanese organization were uniting, a war breaks out between the two organizations when the Japanese boss is hit by a cigarette lighter that Jae-cheol threw carelessly. In the chaotic lounge, Prosecutor Ma, who was thought to be dead, appears, and it is revealed that Tae-ju had actually conspired with him. In 2001, Hyun-ji visits Tae-ju, who is incarcerated in prison, with their son, and they decide to emigrate together after his release.

"Number 3" is a film that showcases director Song Nung-han's delicate direction and unique sense of humor. The director depicts the human desires, betrayal, and hope through the power struggles and relationships within the organization. In particular, the director excels at evoking laughter through realistic yet exaggerated characters, while simultaneously expressing the underlying sorrow. This film is a harmonious blend of comedy and drama, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

Han Suk-kyu perfectly embodies Tae-ju, who struggles to survive within the organization. His acting seamlessly transitions between humor and seriousness, subtly expressing the character's complex emotions. Choi Min-sik leaves a strong impression with his portrayal of Prosecutor Ma Dong-pal, a powerful figure with charisma. Lee Mi-yeon authentically portrays Hyun-ji, caught in conflict between elegance and realistic desires. Supporting actors like Song Kang-ho, Park Kwang-jung, and Park Sang-myeon also excel in their respective roles, further enhancing the film's quality.

The film's music and visual elements are also noteworthy. The emotional music enhances the atmosphere of the film, maximizing the emotional trajectory of each scene. The director's meticulous direction and filming techniques effectively portray the psychology of each character, providing viewers with an immersive experience.

"Number 3" is more than just a gangster comedy film. Through the power struggles and relationships within the organization, this film reflects the realities of Korean society and deeply explores the complex emotions and conflicts of the people living within it. The film conveys a serious message hidden within the humor, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

Finally, "Number 3" has cemented its place as an important work in Korean film history with its unique story and outstanding acting skills. The film delicately portrays human nature and social structures, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. I hope this film will provide you with an opportunity to reflect on the complex issues of life and the meaning of human relationships. This is the end of today's review. I will be back with another film review next time. Thank you.