Watch Once Upon a Time in Seoul

Once Upon a Time in Seoul is a 2008 South Korean crime drama film directed by Bae Hyoung-jun. The movie follows the story of two young boys, Joon-ik (Wan Lee) and Dong-woo (Chang-ui Song), who are caught up in the violent underworld of Seoul's gang life. Joon-ik is a troubled teen who lives with his grandmother after being abandoned by his mother. He finds solace in music and spends most of his time playing the guitar and writing songs. On the other hand, Dong-woo comes from a poor family and is trying hard to make ends meet.

The two boys meet at a local club where Joon-ik is playing music and quickly become friends. Joon-ik introduces Dong-woo to his gang life and convinces him to join their group. But things start to take a dark turn when they become involved with a powerful gang leader, Rak (Greena Park).

Rak runs a nightclub and is involved in illegal activities, including drug trafficking and prostitution. Joon-ik becomes Rak's right-hand man while Dong-woo falls for Rak's girlfriend, Sun-hwa (Lee Hae-young).

As the boys get more involved in the gang life, they start to lose sight of their own values and beliefs. Joon-ik becomes obsessed with money and power, while Dong-woo struggles with his love for Sun-hwa. The boys end up on opposite sides of the law, with Joon-ik becoming a ruthless gangster and Dong-woo trying to save his friend from the life of crime.

The movie is set against the backdrop of the 1970s in Seoul, a time when the city was undergoing rapid modernization and social change. The film accurately depicts the gang culture prevalent during that era and the struggles of ordinary people who were caught up in the violence and corruption of the times.

The performances by the actors are outstanding, with Wan Lee and Chang-ui Song portraying their characters convincingly. Wan Lee captures the essence of Joon-ik's troubled yet charming personality, while Chang-ui Song portrays Dong-woo's desperation and vulnerability perfectly.

Greena Park is equally impressive in her role as Rak, portraying the character's cold and calculating nature with ease. Her on-screen chemistry with Hae-young Lee, who played Sun-hwa, is also noteworthy.

The film's soundtrack comprises mainly of popular Korean and international songs from the 1970s, which adds to the movie's retro vibe. The music also serves as a metaphor for Joon-ik's love for music and his desire to escape the gang life.

Overall, Once Upon a Time in Seoul is a gripping crime drama that explores the dark underbelly of Seoul's gang culture and the devastating impact it has on the lives of ordinary people. The film's excellent performances, accurate portrayal of the era, and compelling storyline make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.