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| yna@yna.co.kr 2024-08-05 16:11:30
SEOUL, August 5 (Yonhap) -- Yeom Jung-ah and Hwang Jung-min bring a fresh twist to the middle-aged couple dynamic in director Lee Myung-hoon's film "Mission: Cross," set to premiere on Netflix on August 9.
In "Mission: Cross," hereafter ("Cross,") Mi-seon (played by Yeom Jung-ah) is a passionate detective in the violent crimes investigation unit. She takes down burly gangsters without batting an eye, showcasing impressive combat skills. Her husband, Kang-moo (played by Hwang Jung-min), is a master of domestic chores, including cooking, laundry, and cleaning. As a full-time homemaker, he diligently supports Mi-seon, who has little time for household duties.
The film "Cross" breaks traditional gender roles by portraying Mi-seon as the "outside person" and Kang-moo as the "inside person." Despite occasional squabbles, the couple enjoys a harmonious relationship until Kang-moo's encounter with his former colleague Hee-joo (played by Jeon Hye-jin) disrupts their daily life.
Kang-moo has kept his past as a special forces operative a secret from his wife. He is reluctantly drawn into a large-scale conspiracy that threatens national security. Mi-seon, suspecting her husband of having an affair due to his secret meetings with Hee-joo, becomes suspicious.
The spy action comedy "Cross" thrives on the lively and humorous interactions between Yeom Jung-ah and Hwang Jung-min. The pair's chemistry is evident, with Mi-seon's bold and hearty demeanor contrasting sharply with Kang-moo's mysterious and devoted nature. The comedic ensemble is further enhanced by Mi-seon's colleagues, including Sang-woong (played by Jung Man-sik).
The film's action sequences, which become more intense in the latter half, often lead to unexpected comedic resolutions. Some action scenes are quite intense, featuring high-stakes chases involving trucks, cars, and motorcycles in tunnels, as well as perilous hand-to-hand combat with characters falling from buildings. Yeom Jung-ah's dedicated action performance is particularly captivating.
While the early part of "Cross" portrays Mi-seon and Kang-moo's everyday life realistically, the plot takes on a fantastical turn as Kang-moo re-enters the world of special operations. Ultimately, the audience discovers that the high-stakes secret mission serves as a vehicle for Mi-seon and Kang-moo to resolve their misunderstandings and deepen their mutual understanding.
Despite its somewhat flimsy narrative, "Cross" emerges as a story of a middle-aged couple overcoming a crisis to rekindle their relationship. As a film designed for online streaming services (OTT), its shortcomings are minor when viewed in the context of casual home entertainment.
Originally slated for theatrical release in February, "Cross" was postponed following the sudden passing of Jeon Hye-jin's husband, actor Lee Sun-kyun, last year. Now, it is set to meet audiences on Netflix.
"Cross" marks director Lee Myung-hoon's feature debut. "The story's core is about a couple who seldom faced each other, coming to a mutual understanding through incidents and misunderstandings," said Lee.
[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]