Unveiling a Dark and Gripping Noir Drama: ‘Hawaran’
By Kim Na-yeon, Entertainment Reporter | September 30, 2023
Editor’s Note: This article reflects the personal perspective of reporter Kim Na-yeon while watching the movie.
Song Joong-ki’s latest role in ‘Hawaran’ proves to be a wise choice, while Hong Sa-bin shines with her exceptional performance. In this intense and instinctive noir drama, the characters delve deeper into the abyss of despair, emitting a scorching energy that captivates the audience.
‘Hawaran’ revolves around the story of Yeon-gyu (played by Hong Sa-bin), a young boy yearning to escape from his grim reality. When he crosses paths with Chi-geon (played by Song Joong-ki), a middle boss within a dangerous organization, their lives intertwine, leading them on a perilous journey through an underworld of chaos.
Yeon-gyu’s harsh reality is marked by a history of abandonment, an abusive stepfather, and a struggling mother. Nevertheless, he clings onto his dream of saving money to travel to the Netherlands, cherishing it as his only beacon of hope.
On the other hand, Chi-geon is a ruthless leader who early on embraced the cruelty of the world, believing that whatever needs to be done, must be done. Although the two protagonists differ in personality and circumstances, they recognize and empathize with each other’s concealed wounds. Desperate for settlement money, Yeon-gyu accepts financial support from Chi-geon, an opportunity that propels him into a new life within the organization.
As Yeon-gyu gradually adapts to this new environment, he develops an unyielding loyalty towards Chi-geon, who serves as an older brother figure. However, they soon find themselves ensnared in a series of increasingly dangerous situations, as survival within this institutional world demands drastic choices. With time, Yeon-gyu’s countenance reflects growing uncertainty, while Chi-geon wrestles with conflicting emotions, torn between concern and the reality of their circumstances. What awaits these two men, who continuously make perilous decisions in their pursuit of freedom from an uncertain reality?
The collision of similar yet complex emotions between Chi-geon and Yeon-gyu creates a heightened sense of immersion, deepening their plunge into a treacherous chasm. Their noble aspirations for a better future are repeatedly thwarted by the cruel and unforgiving world, blurring the fine line between hope and despair. Through this ambiguous boundary, ‘Hawaran’ engages the audience, challenging them to confront questions that lie at the heart of the narrative.
Within this dark and melancholic tale, Song Joong-ki captures the essence of ‘Hawaran’ with his portrayal of a tortured soul. Shedding his reputation as a handsome actor, Song Joong-ki exhibits versatility by embodying a character brimming with a distinct charm, setting him apart from his previous works. His mesmerizing gaze, deep voice, and haunted eyes convey a palpable pain that showcases yet another facet of his impeccable acting skills.
Moreover, ‘Hawaran’ unveils a rising talent in Hong Sa-bin. She masterfully portrays the complex and fragile nature of her character, captivating the audience with her tender performance. Standing alongside Song Joong-ki, whose mere presence exudes charisma, Hong Sa-bin exhibits a solid synergy, matching his energy effortlessly. Audiences eagerly anticipate her future endeavors beyond ‘Hawaran’.
However, it is worth noting that ‘Hawaran’ delves into somber themes such as school violence, domestic abuse, and the dark underbelly of institutional life. Several scenes portraying brutality may prove discomforting for some viewers, as they depict a young boy precariously maneuvering through a world characterized by violence. The reception for ‘Hawaran’ may be divided, as it remains uncertain whether the audience will embrace its dark and blood-stained narrative. The movie is set to release on October 11th.
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Reporter Kim Na-yeon | 2023.09.30 08:00
Editor’s note | Reporter Kim Na-yeon’s private view while watching a movie.
Song Joong-ki / Photo = Plus M Entertainment Song Joong-ki’s choice was right, and Hong Sa-bin shone. In order to escape the hellish reality, the fierce and instinctive ‘Hawaran’, who descends further into hell, pours out hot energy.
‘Hwaran’ is a noir drama that depicts the story of a boy, Yeon-gyu (played by Hong Sa-bin), who wants to escape from the hellish reality, meets the middle boss of an organization, Chi-geon (played by Song Joong-ki), and end up in a dangerous world together.
Yeon-gyu’s reality is difficult, including his biological father who abandoned him when he was young, his abusive stepfather, and his mother who is struggling to make ends meet, but he doesn’t give up to his dream of saving money and going to the Netherlands one day. That is the only hope.
On the other hand, Cheegan is the ruthless head of an organization that realizes the cruelty of the world early on and believes that what must be done must be done. The two people have different situations and personalities, but they recognize each other’s wounds that are similar to their own. Chi-gun gives money to Yeon-gyu, who desperately needs the settlement money, and Yeon-gyu, who needed money, uses this as an opportunity to start a new life at Chi-gun’s organization.
Although Yeon-gyu is scary and clumsy, he follows Chi-geon, who is like his older brother, and adapts little by little, but begins to fall into increasingly dangerous situations in order to survive in the institution. As time passes, Yeon-gyu’s look changes more uncertainly, and Chi-gun’s complicated feelings as he watches her with concern collide What will be the end for the two men, who make dangerous choices at times time after time to escape this uncertain reality?
Chi-geon and Yeon-gyu’s similar but complex emotions collide, creating a high level of immersion. The more they struggle to escape reality, the deeper they fall into the pit. I dreamed of a rosy future, but in the end I couldn’t escape the bloody reality. ‘Hwaran’ asks questions to the audience within the ambiguous boundary between hope and despair.
Hong Sa-bin / Photo = Plus M Entertainment Song Joong-ki was drawn to the dark and sad emotion of ‘Hwaran’ and decided to appear without any guarantee, and it seems that his choice was right. Song Joong-ki, who is synonymous with ‘handsome actor’, expanded his acting spectrum by creating a character with a distinctly different charm from his previous work with ‘Hwaran’. Song Joong-ki, who shows cool eyes, a very low voice, and deep eyes in proportion to his wounds, brought another new face to the audience through ‘Hwaran’.
Here, ‘Hwaran’ discovered a great new talent called Hong Sa-bin. He captures the center of the drama perfectly by tenderly expressing his complex yet fragile yet toxic inner self. Even next to Song Joong-ki, who shows his strong presence with his mere presence, he completes a solid synergy with an energy that is not behind. This is why people are curious about his footprints after ‘Hawaran’.
However, as ‘Corrach’ deals with violence in schools, domestic violence, and the world of institutions, there are many brutal scenes that are difficult to watch with open eyes. When you see a boy standing precariously in a world of violence, you may feel discomfort rather than pity. This is where the evaluation of ‘Hawaran’ seems to be divided. It is not clear whether the dark and bloody ‘Dwarf’ will be chosen by the public. It will be released on October 11th.
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