Malaise and distrust tear Good Friends apart
by awcoconuts
It’s summer blockbuster season, and while there may be a slew of movies to choose from, the upcoming film Good Friends (also Confession) is already garnering favorable reviews from critics and setting itself apart from the pack. A story about three youths who remain friends until they are middle-aged, what begins as a warm drama turns into a tense thriller when the trio gets wrapped up in a life-altering incident.
Ji Sung (Secret) is a paramedic and the straight-and-narrow type, Joo Ji-hoon (Medical Top Team) is a devious insurance con-man, and Lee Kwang-soo (Goddess of Fire Jung-yi) is an unmarried shop owner; for the latter, his two best buds are his family. The mother of Ji Sung’s character owns an arcade, and when she asks Joo Ji-hoon to help her fake a robbery in order to make an insurance claim, things go fatally wrong when she is killed in a fire set by the hired henchmen.
Among the three, there is neither a villain, nor a person who committed a premeditated deed. While the death was an accident, a misunderstanding makes the tragedy blow up even bigger. Good Friends is said to be filled with twists, and according to one critic, the well-written script, tight direction, and talented acting abilities of the three leads make watching the film a worthwhile endeavor.
While not the typical thriller, the study of the characters appear to be enough to make for a compelling, cohesive story. In the trailer, Joo Ji-hoon’s undertaking of the conniving salesman draws viewers in, Ji Sung effectively portrays a distraught son searching for answers, and even Lee Kwang-soo, who’s been known for his comedic roles, seems to have adapted rather naturally to a dramatic performance.
For fans who were seeking an upbeat movie, Good Friends may be a bit dark, but the Mystic River-reminiscent story is said to be “a strong and unusual criminal drama that leaves a lasting impression.” For his first feature-length film, director Lee Do-yoon is receiving many compliments, and he’s definitely got my interest. The neo-noir tale hits theaters for a wide release on July 10.
Via Daum
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Tags: Ji Sung, Joo Ji-hoon, Lee Kwang-soo
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1 Chandler
July 6, 2014 at 12:24 PM
I'm definitely watching this. I love all the leads!
I've never really watched that much of Ji-sung aside from a rom-com movie he did a few years back so I've always wanted to see more of him.
And I'm loving Joo Ji-Hoon so much right now. I didn't even like him that much in Goong, but after seeing him act in The Devil and then be so hilarious in I Am King, I always look forward to news of him.
Lee Kwang-Soo though. I'm probably most stoked for him because I really really like that he's getting a meaty leading role for once :) Even with his comedic characters, he manages to show that he has a lot of talent.
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ryoko
July 6, 2014 at 1:03 PM
If you like rom-coms and want to see more of Ji-sung, try watching the drama Protect the Boss. Plus, it's one of the few kdramas I've seen in which I actually liked both the second leads; the writers didn't write their characters off the deep end of crazyville.
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rotwein
July 6, 2014 at 2:25 PM
how was the devil? I didn't watch it. Should I?
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frenZy
July 6, 2014 at 4:54 PM
if you like dramas with a taut thriller, lots of mysteries and wonderful acting, i'd say definitely watch Mawang/Devil. it's one of the best K-dramas I've seen.
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Nancy
July 6, 2014 at 5:45 PM
Totally agree with @frenzy. One of the smarter dramas that makes you feel torn as a viewer. Interesting and engaging all the way through. If you have the time, I say go for it. :)
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pogo
July 6, 2014 at 6:39 PM
Definitely, in terms of quality it's one of the best kdramas I've ever seen, and Joo Ji-hoon's performance is impressive considering his age at the time and the fact that it was just his third acting job.
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rotwein
July 6, 2014 at 11:16 PM
Thank you all very much! I was looking for something just like that. Looks like I have a date with Joo Ji hoon tonight :)
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2 Bluehachimitsu
July 6, 2014 at 12:27 PM
Wow i really love the stills and the second picture with the three of them and Joo Ji-hoon smoking!
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KDaddict
July 6, 2014 at 5:10 PM
JJH looks so much older in these stills than what I last saw him in. I almost didn't recognise him.
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3 JenJen
July 6, 2014 at 12:28 PM
ooo this looks interesting.
and that picture of shirtless Ji Sung. humona. Lee BoYoung is a lucky person.
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4 zakin89
July 6, 2014 at 12:32 PM
So this means I'm going to try and stay spoiler free until there's subs^^
Sounds interesting and I am so ready to see Kwang Soo in something really serious! From the trailer it seems that he can pull it off which would make me one happy camper! I love his variety persona and his funny roles but I always love to see my faves trying something different =)
I only know Ji Sung's acting from 'Secret' and Joo Ji Hoon's from the few eps of 'Medical Top Team' I've watched but that doesn't really prevent me from being stoked to see them together in this movie bc I love these kinds of dark movies :)
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5 nisa
July 6, 2014 at 12:54 PM
This looks promising..i'll definitely check it out.i love joo ji hoon.and seeing kwangsoo in a movie like this,i hope he will be a respected actor someday.
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6 IllaIlla
July 6, 2014 at 1:55 PM
Now that kwangsoo is getting big in the movie scene & dramas i hope he not leave running man.
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RM
July 6, 2014 at 3:12 PM
Interview with Kwang Soo:
http://www.allkpop.com/article/2014/06/lee-kwang-soo-says-he-has-no-plans-to-quit-running-man
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7 Hiro
July 6, 2014 at 1:58 PM
Not only in the movie, in real life seems very good friends.
Today running man episode Ji Sung & Kwangsoo were great xddd
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8 Abbie
July 6, 2014 at 2:10 PM
I've been looking forward to this movie for ages. All this buzz already and it hasn't even been released yet has me excited.
I first saw Ji Sung in Secret and I really thought he was good in it, even though it took me awhile to warm up to his character in that.
Joo Ji-hoon I first saw in The Devil and I really liked that drama, and his acting was great. In Medical Top Team he was even better.
And, of course, there's Lee Kwang-soo who I just adore so much from watching Running Man. I haven't seen him in many dramas, though, City Hunter and Nice Guy being the two that stand out in my mind the most. I'm so glad he has a serious role this time, with two wonderful actors. I hope this can pave the way for bigger and better things for him.
I can't wait until this movie is available in the U.S.! Looking forward to it!
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9 Waiting
July 6, 2014 at 2:24 PM
Looking forward to the subs in a few months.
"...and even Lee Kwang-soo, who’s been known for his comedic roles, seems to have adapted rather naturally to a dramatic performance."
I often find that folks who are good at comedy are good at dramatic roles. Maybe because they have to give 100% for comedy to work right and you have to be a bit fearless as well. I love the "Prince of Asia" so I am glad to see him grow up on RM and get more work and recognition.
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10 fab
July 6, 2014 at 2:38 PM
The shots look great! Love the leads too. xD
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11 Belle
July 6, 2014 at 2:38 PM
I've been looking SO forward to this one. I've always loved Ji Sung and I know Kwangsoo is incredibly talented. I honestly can't wait to be swept into this story by them!!
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12 Tammie
July 6, 2014 at 3:11 PM
The pictures were basically, dark suit, dark suit, ABS, dark suit, dark suit. Am I right?
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Skywalker
July 6, 2014 at 3:20 PM
yeah, that movie seems so dark & Ji Hoon seems the villian, Ji Sung the hero & Kwang Soo the good guy
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Jenni
July 6, 2014 at 3:34 PM
The movie is definitely not that black and white.
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13 jadea
July 6, 2014 at 3:37 PM
I'm looking forward to this. Here's hoping it turns out to be really good. Rooting for Kwang Soo!
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14 dearly
July 6, 2014 at 4:48 PM
I've seen Kwangsoo in movies and it was always those "mentally challenged" roles. But despite those small roles, he always managed to shine more. Kwangsoo has great acting talents and I'm glad that he's getting a lead role. And I hope that in the future, he will garner more lead roles.
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15 Mrs.Jang guem suk
July 6, 2014 at 4:51 PM
Allllllll these pretty men ...... I'm definitely going to watch this...... I wondered where my Ji sung went ?
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16 pogo
July 6, 2014 at 6:42 PM
This looks good, and for one of my oldest kdrama bias' sake (JJH of course) I'm glad that one of his projects is garnering positive attention for once. He's always chosen interesting movies.
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17 ddcc
July 6, 2014 at 6:49 PM
happy without idols finallyyyyyyy
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thursdaynexxt
July 7, 2014 at 2:41 AM
HA, your comment made me LOL, literally!!!
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18 AnOpinion
July 6, 2014 at 8:10 PM
Is it just me or are they really trying to make the heights of the 3 leads look more even in that poster?
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jess
July 10, 2014 at 6:10 AM
oh my god it's possible HAHAHA
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19 Kristy
July 6, 2014 at 8:47 PM
The setting sort of reminds me of The Town by Ben Affleck...
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20 soprection
July 6, 2014 at 8:52 PM
This is not my kind of movie at all but I'm looking forward to it. It seems like it has the potential to be very good and I'm curious to see Kwangsoo in a serious role. So far, he's had a silly or downtrodden image similar to his Running Man one in everything I've seen him in so this will be a big change. It looks meaty. It's good to hear good things about it. Thank you for posting!
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21 Katherine
July 6, 2014 at 10:02 PM
I'm so happy to hear that it's getting positive feedback before its release. I remember when the movie was announced and at that time Lee Kwang Soo and Jung Woo (R94) were rumored to have been offered the movie, I was hyped up to see my favorites possibly in a movie together. It unfortunately didn't happen but I can't complain with seeing the final product with Ji Sung & Joo Ji Hoon, the trailer speaks for itself and I hope that the movies does wonder for the whole team.
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22 bebethao
July 7, 2014 at 12:22 AM
muahahaha...they're coming to Busan to promote their movie this coming Sunday July 13th and I've got seats to when they come...eheheheheheheh XD
Ji Sung, Joo Ji Hoon and Lee Kwang Su in one room...oh yeah, definitely not missing that!!! :D
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23 thursdaynexxt
July 7, 2014 at 2:45 AM
Oooh, 3 of my fave guys in a compelling noir? Yes please!!
Definitely got Mystic River vibes from the plot, too. When they say "dark", I hope they mean it!
A gritty, villainous JJH? ... swoon ...!!
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24 cheekbones
July 7, 2014 at 6:19 AM
Thanks, awcoconuts, for the heads up ! I'm intrigued and will put it on my to-watch list.
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25 Vi
July 7, 2014 at 11:13 PM
Yessss I am so ready for this!! Every. Single. One. of these promo pics hit the spot. And so excited for Kwangsoo to have been able to work with such talented fellow actors and learn from them (since we've seen him in more 'comedic relief/sidekick' roles).
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26 Joyce
July 8, 2014 at 7:34 AM
Shouldn't the article title be "Malice & Distrust..." rather than Malaise? I read it & wondered, how do body malaise & distrust go together?
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27 PL
July 8, 2014 at 8:14 AM
I've always believed in the hardworking giraffe.
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28 LKSfighting!!!
December 13, 2014 at 5:06 AM
Wow, this looks and sounds like a really dark movie.
Can someone please tell me the ending of the story. I really want to know but I don't want to watch it because it looks quite depressing.
Please please please someone tell me the ending. Please!
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