To stay in the theme of the found family trope from my previous review, I decided to write a review about the 2020 film ‘Pawn’.
‘Pawn’ was directed by Kang Dae-Kyu and written by Yoon Je-Kyun and Son Joo-Yeon.
The film tells the story of Doo-Seok, portrayed by Sung Dong-Il who is a debt collector. Together with his partner Jong Bae (Kim Hee-Won) they meet Myung-Ja, played by Kim Yunjin.
Myung-Ja can’t pay the interest back of the last two months. Her boss has been holding out on her and refuses to pay her. With her status as an illegal immigrant, finding a job is very hard. Doo-Seok and Jong Bae decide to hold Myung-Ja’s daughter hostage until she can pay her debt.
The daughter, Seung-Yi is nine and is played by Park So-Yi. The actress won the Best Young Actress award at the Golden Cinematography Awards in 2021 for this role. The older version of Seung-Yi is played by Ha Ji-Won. She’s also been in the series ‘Chocolate’ and ‘Empress Ki’.
We follow the trio along as they try to navigate through their time together. Trouble comes when the mom, Myung-Ja, is arrested after her boss sells her out.
The story takes place in two different times. We see their very beginning and then we see Jong Bae and Seung-Yi in the present day as they try to find the disappeared Doo-Seok.
Overall
Despite the heavy themes, the film takes a lighthearted approach to the topics. The chemistry between the actors is amazing and definitely helped elevate the story.
Park So-Yi absolutely shines in this film. Her adorableness is definitely a win factor for the movie as well.
I do think the storyline of the disappearance seemed a bit random. It didn’t really feel necessary. It would have been perfectly fine without that framework. Especially because it makes the ending feel rather bittersweet.
Regardless, it’s still a cute film and will have you laughing and crying at the same time.
Go watch the trailer below.
