[DVD REVIEWS]3 comic shorts make one clever production

Most casual, fun-seeking moviegoers pay little attention to the producer's name on a film. But in the case of the Korean comedy "Mutjima Family" (No Comment), the producer was the movie's biggest attraction. The producer Jang Jin has become a favorite for his sense of humor, which is well-evident in "No Comment," to be released on a DVD format this Thursday with English subtitles. Since starting as a stage director, Jang has found success in many aspects of the entertainment industry -- as an actor, movie director and this time a producer.

"Mutjima Family"

(No Comment, 2002)

Directed by Park Gwang-hyeon, Park Sang-won and Lee Hyun-jong. Starring Shin Ha-gyun, Jeong Jae-young, Ryu Seung-beom and Im Won-hee.

The film is a compilation of three comic short films, featuring the same cast but in different roles. Jang's clever sense of humor is evident throughout all three sections without being overpowering, and the acting is solid.

The first episode, "Sabangejeok," directed by Park Gwang-hyeon, smacks the most of Jang's influence. The short opens with a man wearing a determined look on his face and holding a lighter in a hotel room. He is about to burn his unconscious, gasoline-soaked girlfriend because he believes she cheated on him. Fortunately, the lighter is out of fuel.

The next room is occupied by gangsters whose boss is the target of a professional killer. The killer is in the third room. The fourth room houses a couple having an extramarital affair. At first, there seems to be nothing connecting these guests, but Jang and Park spin a smart story that intertwines the occupants of the four rooms in a crazy and frenetic way.

The following two episodes, "Nae Naiki" (My Nike) and "Gyohoe Nuna" (The Big Sister From Church), are also packed with smart and unexpected twists, making the film a real treat.

by Chun Su-jin