Movie Digest
Heaven: To the Land of Happiness is a South Korean movie that was released in 2021. The movie tells the story of two individuals whose life intersect with each other. A long term prisoner, No. 203, an old man, desperately wants to get out of the prison to meet his estranged daughter. However, he discovers that he is terminally ill and has only three months to live. He doesn’t want to spend his last days in the prison, and thus, starts planning to break out of the prison. He successfully gets out of the prison, and the fugitive finds an unexpected ally in a despondent man, Nam Sik, along with whom he escapes the prison. Nam Sik, too, suffers from an incurable disease. Nam Sik is a hospital worker who steals the medicine for his rare incurable disease as he is unable to afford the medicine. The two of them accidentally steals a huge sum of black money and thus the two go on a journey on the road escaping the henchmen of Ms. Yoon, who is the owner of the black money.
The Feel-Good Part
The movie is one of the well-made movies that will leave an impact on the audience. Supported by good direction and screenplay. The movie, despite having a heavy and sad theme, turns out to have its fair share of funny and light moments. The bromance between the unexpected ally is surely the highlight of the movie.
The Disappointing Factor
There are hardly any disappointing factors in the movie, Heaven: To the Land of Happiness.
In-Depth Analysis
Heaven: To the Land of Happiness is based on the German movie called, Knocking on Heaven’ Door. The movie is directed by South Korean director, Im Sang-Soo, who has directed some of the most popular and critically acclaimed movies. The movie has been written in a very balanced way where there is an equal mixture of sardonic humor and seriousness. The co-incidences of the fate between the main characters and Ms. Yoon is depicted in a wonderful manner. The chasing sequence, and the action sequences are well-shot and will surely give you an adrenaline rush. The development of the friendship between the two male lead was well depicted and the acting, too, was very genuine. Furthermore, the music of the movie gives out a feel of indie genre, and acts as an enhancement to the scenes.
Star Power
The movie has a powerhouse of talented actors who are renowned for their extraordinary acting abilities. Veteran actor Choi Min Sik plays the role of the prisoner no. 203, while Park Hae II plays the role of Nam Sik. The supporting cast includes veteran actress Youn Yuh Jung as Ms. Yoon, Jo Han Chul, Im Sung Jae, Lee El, Kim Yeo Jin, Yoon Je Moon, Jung Min Sung, Noh Susanna, and Lee Jae In.
Overall Opinion
Heaven: To the Land of Happiness is an entertaining movie that justifies its genre of drama and crime. It is a blissful experience to watch the screen with some of the most talented actors portraying their characters effortlessly. This is a must watch movie, if you are a fan of good cinema.
