Miss & Mrs. Cops

Miss & Mrs. Cops is a 2019 South Korean action-comedy film that is directed by Jung Da-Won. The film showcases a brilliant amalgamation of humor, action, and character development that works in tandem to keep the audience engaged throughout the movie. Unlike the common trope of male-centric action comedies, this film places its spotlight on two female police officers who face the challenge of tackling digital age crimes while grappling with sexism in the workplace.

The film’s protagonist, Mi-Young, is played by South Korean actress Ra Mi-ran. Mi-Young is not your typical action heroine. She is a desk-bound, diligent police officer marooned in the Public Service Center at a police station. Before her marriage and pregnancy, Mi-Young was a fierce detective with promising prospects. Her diligent investigations and strong determination were admired by her peers. However, post her maternity leave, the system relegated her to more 'suitable' roles, typifying the struggles of working mothers.

Lee Song-Kyoung plays the audacious Ji-Hye, Mi-Young's younger sister-in-law. Ji-Hye is a promising rookie officer whose breakthrough career is plagued by the prejudices of her male co-workers. Despite being a technologically adept and stubborn detective, she faces constant underestimation and criticism based on her gender and young age. The chemistry between Mi-Young and Ji-Hye, polar opposites yet bound by the common thread of being sidelined in a predominantly male environment, forms a compelling heart of the movie.

Things start taking an interesting turn when Mi-Young stumbles upon a case of digital sex crimes that primarily target women. All hell breaks loose when it becomes evident that local police are reluctant to involve themselves in the cyber investigation. Fired by a sense of justice and determined to show their mettle, Mi-Young and Ji-Hye take it upon themselves to get to the bottom of the case. The storyline picks up pace, delivering electrifying chases, covert operations, and teeth-clenching moments of tension as the duo pits themselves against a faceless villain in the virtual world.

Yoon Sang-Hyun plays the character of Chief Inspector Lee, the female duo's supportive and wary superior. Inspector Lee finds himself torn between his approval of the women's efforts and his obligation to follow the guidelines of the department. His character illuminates the often unrecognized allies in the fight against workplace sexism.

A unique aspect of the film is how it weaves in social issues into its narrative. The plot is rife with commentary on women's struggles in male-dominated spaces and the rampant inaction towards digital crimes that primarily affect women. Director Jung Da-won uses humor and action to dissect deep-rooted societal issues, leading to a movie that entertains and enlightens simultaneously. Moreover, despite touching on difficult themes, the film manages to maintain a lighthearted tone without marginalizing the importance of the subject matter.

There's an equal emphasis on the personal lives of our main characters in the film. The depth of character development in Miss & Mrs. Cops avoids one-dimensional portraits and allows audiences to empathize with Mi-Young and Ji-Hye beyond their roles as police officers. Whether it’s Mi-Young's responsibility as a mother or Ji-Hye's conflict about her future, the film ensures the characters’ private lives are given as much importance as their professional one.

Through a potent mix of comedy and action sequences, coupled with a narrative that highlights cybercrime and gender biases, the film successfully strikes a balance between addressing serious issues and providing entertainment. This balance is accentuated by the engaging performances of the lead actresses, namely Ra Mi-ran and Lee Song-Kyoung. Their dynamic portrayal of women in the police force, highlighted with authentic emotional undertones, encourages viewers to root for them throughout the movie.

Miss & Mrs. Cops serves as a beacon of feminist films breaking new ground in the Korean film industry. It encourages critical thinking on societal issues while offering a thrilling, humorous, and emotionally satisfying viewing experience. The film’s strong message combined with its effective storytelling makes it an enjoyable watch for a diverse audience. The underlying theme of the movie resonates across the globe and makes the viewer reflect on the prejudices and biases that continue to exist in today's society.