TV-MA | 1h 45m | Action, Comedy, Crime | 2024
The trope of middle-aged men masquerading as mild-mannered suburbanites while secretly harboring lethal skills has been done to death. Yet, every now and then, a film manages to breathe fresh life into this familiar premise. In the “The Family Plan” (2023), Mark Wahlberg plays an undercover ex-hitman whose turbulent past collides with his quiet family life. It was unique enough to stand apart from other films in the genre.
With South Korean cinema making waves globally in recent years, it seemed inevitable that this genre would eventually get a distinctive Korean twist. Enter “Mission: Cross,” the directorial debut of Lee Myung Hoon. The film stars Hwang Jung-min as Park Kang-moo, a man who trades his shadowy, action-packed past for the seemingly mundane life of a stay-at-home husband. But beneath his apron and unassuming demeanor lies a former badass just waiting to resurface.
Erroneous Perceptions
One standout scene perfectly captures the role reversal’s charm: Kang-moo sprints after Mi-seon as she’s leaving for work, frantically handing her a bundle of “clean socks and underwear” to ensure she doesn’t embarrass herself by being “stinky” at the office. It’s a delightful moment of lighthearted absurdity. The scene not only endears the characters to the audience but also underscores the film’s cheeky approach to the usual setups.
Mi-seon is painted as a razor-sharp detective with a laser focus on dismantling drug dealer rings, thriving on the adrenaline rush that her work provides. Yet she finds herself yearning for a similar spark in her mundane domestic life, which pales in comparison. On the flip side, Kang-moo’s version of excitement is far more modest, limited to pulling donuts in an empty parking lot with his trusty school transport van.
Things take a dramatic turn when Kang-moo encounters Jang Hee-joo (Jolene Kim), a figure from his shadowy past, being pursued by a group of dangerous thugs. After swiftly neutralizing the threat, Kang-moo learns that Hee-joo is in grave danger and he feels compelled to intervene.
This act of loyalty takes a comical turn when Mi-seon’s colleagues, observing his actions from a distance, jump to the wrong conclusion. Mistaking Kang-moo’s protective behavior for romantic interest, they assume he’s cheating on Mi-seon. This contributes to the increasingly chaotic situations that develop throughout the film.
A Unique Angle
For much of the film, Mi-seon and her colleagues remain clueless about Kang-moo’s double life, leading to plenty of dramatic irony and situational comedy. The mistaken belief that Kang-moo is cheating on Mi-seon offers a humorous counterpoint to the action while exploring themes of marriage and fidelity, albeit lightly.The film balances two storylines effectively: Kang-moo investigates a criminal conspiracy with a former female colleague and Mi-seon pursues suspicions about her husband’s fidelity. These threads eventually intertwine, creating a well-crafted crime comedy.
The film takes a sharp tonal shift from witty and lighthearted to violent. What begins as a clever action-comedy reminiscent of “The Family Plan” suddenly morphs into a gritty thriller akin to 2021’s “Nobody,” featuring a high body count and graphic depictions of torture, gunfights, and brutal hand-to-hand combat. As such, it’s worth noting that this movie isn’t family friendly and may not be suitable for viewing with young kids.
Despite its flaws, “Mission: Cross” is an enjoyable ride for adults. While the husband-and-wife dynamic feels underexplored, the fresh premise and compelling plot kept me hooked. The film also emphasizes positive messages about marriage and loyalty. Fans of South Korean movies and crime comedies are likely to appreciate this spunky romp.
