“Mission Cross” is a Korean comedy thriller starring Hwang Jung-min and Yum Jung-ah. It is directed by Lee Myeong-hoon.
Combining elements of comedy and thriller, “Mission Cross” turns the mundane life of a married couple upside down in a style reminiscent of the iconic “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (2005). This film manages to inject new life into the typical boring marriage trope, transforming it into an action-packed thriller with role reversals that are both amusing and captivating.
While it may not break new ground, the film’s greatest strength lies in its humor, which elicited genuine laughter from me through clever lines and engaging dialogue. This particular brand of humor is a staple of the Korean film industry, and although the production values may not be top-tier, the entertainment quotient is undeniably high.
Plot Overview
Meet Mi-sun, a formidable police officer who excels at taking down the most dangerous criminals in Seoul. Her husband, Gang-mu, appears to be a mild-mannered housekeeper but has a penchant for pilfering money from her. The plot thickens when a former associate of Gang-mu’s resurfaces, revealing that he was actually an undercover agent seven years ago.
About the Film
“Mission Cross” endeavors to be primarily a comedy, relying heavily on the exaggerated performances of its two main actors. Their ability to unleash their full comedic potential is the film’s cornerstone. The supporting cast also excels in this regard, maximizing their comic prowess to great effect.
On the flip side, the film’s action elements are somewhat underwhelming. The production is modest and fails to shine in terms of action sequences, pacing, or plot intricacies, which revolve around a convoluted mix of Russian mafias and illegal arms trafficking. In this aspect, the film stumbles, with its comedic aspects far outshining the thriller components.
“Mission Cross” was released with little fanfare, almost devoid of advertising, quietly landing on a major streaming platform. Can it become an unexpected hit? That remains uncertain. The film is too formulaic and generic to stand out significantly among a sea of similar titles.
However, it does offer solid entertainment without bringing anything particularly novel to the table. The performances of the two lead actors, who embrace their comedic, vibrant, and human sides, are the film’s redeeming qualities.
Our Opinion
“Mission Cross” may not revolutionize the genre, but it provides an enjoyable experience, largely thanks to its charismatic leads. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the laughs.
Where to Watch “Mission Cross”
