Broker (2022), directed by Hiroshi Banno and featuring acclaimed South Korean actors, explores the complex themes of family, love, and redemption. The film follows a unique premise centered around a “baby box” where unwanted infants can be left anonymously.
The Roundup - Release Date, Trailer, Songs, Cast
Movie: | The Roundup |
Genre: | Action, Comedy, Crime |
Language: | Korean |
Director: | Lee Sang-yong |
Main Cast: | Ma Dong-seok (Ma Seok-do) - Son Suk-ku (Kang Hae-sang) - Choi Gwi-hwa (Jang Jeong-gi) - Park Ji-hwan (Jung Jae-hee) - Jeon Bomin (Beom) |
Release Date: | May 31, 2022 |
Banner: | B.A. Entertainment, Megabox Plus M |
Music: | Not available |
Budget: | $10 million |
Runtime: | 1h 41m |
The story revolves around two brokers, Sang-hyun (played by Song Kang-ho) and Dong-soo (Kang Dong-won), who make a living by facilitating the adoption of these abandoned babies. However, their morally ambiguous business takes a turn when they encounter a mother, So-young (Lee Ji-eun, also known as IU), who wishes to reclaim her child after initially leaving him at the box.
As they embark on a road trip together to find a suitable family for the baby, the trio forms an unexpected bond, leading to moments of humor, heartache, and introspection. The film delicately navigates the emotional turmoil of its characters while posing ethical questions about parenthood and societal responsibilities.
Broker received critical acclaim for its storytelling and performances, particularly Song Kang-ho’s nuanced portrayal. The film stands out for its humanistic approach, balancing light-hearted moments with deeper reflections on the nature of family and connection, making it a poignant entry in contemporary Korean cinema.