Cast
View AllUm Tae-goo
as Park Tae-goo
Jeon Yeo-been
as Kim Jae-yeon
Cha Seung-won
as Ma Sang-gil
Lee Ki-young
as Kuto
Park Ho-san
as Yang Do-soo
Hyun Bong-sik
as Busan
Cho Dong-in
as Jin-sung
Cha Soon-bae
as Mr. Hwang
Jang Young-nam
as Jae-kyoung
Lee Moon-sik
as Mr. Park
Son Byung-ho
as Mr. Doh
Ahn Se-bin
as Ji-eun
Lee Han-jong
as Tae-goo's Subordinate
Seo Han-gyeol
as Tae-goo's Subordinate
Choi Jeong-hyun
as Busan Thug
Crew
Director
- Park Hoon-jung
Writer
- Park Hoon-jung
Producer
- Yeon Young-sik
- Shin Min-kyung
- Park Hoon-jung
Reviews
Avatarz
The realistic choreography and well-paced character development make for a decent viewing. TBQH, the first accident involving his niece seemed to be just that, but what makes no sense is their deaths. Thus this movie. The freeway scene, also, made no sense as the cops disappeared conveniently up to the end. And by end, I mean THE END.
Jun 15, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Crime/Thriller/Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Night in Paradise distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Park Hoon-jung brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2020, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Night in Paradise took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 131 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 191 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1244 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 76 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2020, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Night in Paradise shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Music Box, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Night in Paradise offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Martyrs and Darkman explore similar territory, Night in Paradise stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 3, 2020
- Runtime: 2h 11m
Where to Watch

