Written by student filmmaker Kim Junhyung, A Sucker Punch is a short which film premiered in the Korean Competition for Shorts program at the 25th Jeonju International Film Festival, in Jeonju, South Korea.
Despite its 15 minute run time, A Sucker Punch is a very effective demonstration of how the simplest games can work as observational studies in human behaviour and motivations. Led by Doyeon (Im Harry), a weekly game session of Mahjong becomes filled with tension when a new invitee, Hyunwoo (Jang Taehyun), to her regular group is added at the invitation of Soyeon’s romantic interest Sian (Song Eunchan), and Hani (Lee Hyemin), their score keeper for more than just the Mahjong.
Beginning with a creepy story of a girl murdered by her family, and Doyeon believing the presence of a cat in Sian’s life meaning one thing, when it’s actually something else are great introductions to a scenario where misdirection and subtext play important roles in figuring out who the players are to each other. Is the flirting we see between certain characters genuine or perhaps being misconstrued by the others and the audience? Is what one person says to be completely believed or are the doubts created simply misplaced suspicions? Is the best player the one who seems to be controlling the board or the player who silently watches, keeping score?
In my interview with Junhyung, in Jeonju, we discuss all of these interesting themes in his film, as well as discuss the portrayal of queer identity and relationships, and Schrodinger’s Cat. Yes, really. We had a very fun and insightful conversation about interesting philosophical ways his film could be interpreted.
A Sucker Punch is Kim Junhyung’s third film. His previous film, 2022’s Family Toast, won the Best Genre Film at the Sehsüchte International Student Film Festival, in Berlin.
Carolyn Hinds
Freelance Critic, Journalist & Podcaster
African American Film Critics Association Member, Tomatometer-Approved Critic
Co-Host & Producer So Here’s What Happened! Podcast
Bylines at http://Authory.com/CarolynHinds
Twitter & Instagram: @CarrieCnh12
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