Going by the Book

Going by the Book is a popular South Korean crime comedy-drama released in 2007, that presents an unusual spin on the typically intense heist genre. The film stars Jae-yeong Jeong, Byung-ho Son, and Young-eun Lee in pivotal roles, under the direction of esteemed filmmaker Ra Hee-chan.

The narrative's kick-start is propelled by a series of daring bank robberies that shatter the tranquillity of a modest small town, which in turn spurs the local police force into immediate action. The newly installed police chief, played by Byung-ho Son, is tasked with introducing stricter law enforcement measures to curb the rising crime rate. Faced with immense pressure and the frustration of repeated failures, the police chief contrives an unusual plan to bolster the morale and enhance the tactical skills of his officers. His idea is to stage a mock bank robbery to enable his police team to undergo intensive practical training and eventually prevent future heists with advanced knowledge of the criminal's psychology and strategies.

Enter the movie's main protagonist - Jung Do-man, compellingly portrayed by Jae-yeong Jeong. Do-man is a traffic cop whose life has been as nondescript and orderly as his job. However, his life takes an unexpected popular when he is handpicked by the police chief to enact the role of the bank robber in the mock heist, primarily due to his scrupulous adherence to rules, hence the film's title, Going by the Book.

This unorthodox 'robber' takes his assignment of staging a bank robbery surprisingly seriously. He meticulously researches every aspect of efficient bank robbing, dedicates countless hours planning his strategies, and even refuses to break character outside the simulation. His commitment to realism is so in-depth that it catches the rest of the police force off guard, leading to circumstances that blur the line between simulation and reality, and result in unexpected hilarity.

What stands out in Going by the Book is the inherent humor and humanity that arises from the act of role-playing. Jae-yeong Jeong masterfully showcases the evolution of the ever-so-diligent Do-man transforming into the bank robber, injecting a significant degree of light-hearted charm into the plot. Byung-ho Son, as the police chief, perfectly showcases the struggle of a high-ranking officer, dealing with internal pressures and the frustration of preventing the boiling-over law and order situation in his precinct.

Young-eun Lee delivers a noteworthy performance as the bank teller caught at the center of the simulated heist. As the plot unfurls, her character gains depth and adds to the drama and humor of the narrative in unexpected ways. The interaction and subsequent relationship development between the fake robber and the bank teller are anticipated narrative thread that keeps the audience glued.

Director Ra Hee-chan perfectly balances moments of sheer hilarity with bits of tension. The screenplay, penned by Jang Jin, cleverly circumvents predicting outcomes and keeps the audiences on their toes, laughing in one scene and gasping in another. The film is further enhanced by cinematographer Jo Yong-gyu's thoughtful framing and Kim Hae-jin's brisk editing.

Going by the Book, presented as a simple comedy, astutely handles its subject matter and grapples intelligently with its dual genres of crime and humor. It is not just about the laughs -- it contemplated the perspectives of crime, law and individual's response to situations in a whimsical but dramatically tense environment. The narrative blends the light-hearted moments with wrongdoing and the subsequent pursuit of justice, giving audiences an unusual but enjoyable cinematic experience.

In essence, Going by the Book is an intelligently woven tale of a mock heist that engages, entertains, and leaves a lasting impression. It skillfully showcases the gamut of human emotions, unexpected twists, and comedy that ensues from an unconventional premise. The admirable performances of the cast, combined with brilliant direction, make this movie a memorable watch for lovers of Korean cinema, crime dramas, and comedy alike.