The last time Choi Min-sik played a post-separation North Korean, it was in “Shiri”, one of the biggest Korean blockbuster action films of all time and one that heralded the coming of the Korean New Wave. In that, he played a North Korean commander sent to the South to cause havoc. Twenty-three years later, he plays another North Korean in the South in “In Our Prime”, a feature that couldn't be further removed from the 1999 classic.
Despite hailing from a different, poorer social background, Han Ji-woo goes to an elite school, one where children of the rich attend and which is famous for getting its students into Ivy league colleges, by any means necessary. Shunned by his classmates, except for the lovely Bo-ram, his time there is further soured by the fact that he is very bad at mathematics. His homeroom and math teacher recommends that he transfer out, an option that Ji-woo seriously contemplates until he meets school security guard Park. Known as the Commie officer, since he defected from the North not too long ago, Park is pretty much disliked and thus ignored by the students but when Ji-woo realizes that this security guard is actually a genius mathematician, he asks Park to tutor him in the subject. Reluctant at first, Park soon gives in thanks to Ji-woo's persistence.
“In Our Prime” is essentially a story about two outcasts, who don't quite fit into their surroundings yet try to soldier on. While Ji-woo is clearly out of place in the elite schooling system and thus unable to cope, Park too remains quiet and secluded, a soundless presence in the background that not many pay heed to, going on about his duties. Essentially two rejects in their own surroundings, they eventually find comfort in each other, with Ji-woo finding a father figure in Park and alternatively being the son Park lost. Director Park Dong-hoon doesn't let the North-South issue become a driving force of the narrative, and even if it does come into play much later, this approach works in the feature's favour, letting the relationship between the two characters, and math, be the driving force.
The fascination of South Korean society, particularly of those in the higher economic circles, with top schools and the harsh educational environment that admissions in those institutions come with, the lengths parents will go to to ensure their kids get into these schools and succeed there are topics that have gained popularity on the small screen and “In Our Prime” brings these issues to the big screen too. While mostly accurately depicted, the feature does lose focus slightly when trying to find the right balance between portraying these in harmony with the warm drama and the rare humour in the feature. Despite having a North Korean central character, it also manages to reserve judgement for the most part, but can't help itself from taking unnecessary potshots at the hermit country and life for its citizens near the very end, leaving a bitter aftertaste.
The main attraction here of course is Choi Min-sik and he doesn't disappoint with yet another excellent performance which fluctuates between warmth, sorrow and, in a climactic speech, authority without any faults. It is not a particularly unique role, but Choi manages to make it his own. It is a big task to share screen space with an acting giant like Choi in your debut feature as lead, but young Kim Dong-hwi manages to come out the other side unscathed, making many scenes stand out. As pretty much the only female seen on screen often, Jo Yun-seo is a delight, her presence bringing some much-needed respite and humour to the proceedings.
Park Hong-yeol doesn't have to try too hard with his cinematography, opting for a natural look throughout. Some scenes, like the one where their study room is revealed, are impressive in the way they are lit up. The use of some CGI in scenes where the two study mathematics is effective, if serving no other purpose but to add some style to the visuals. Musical choices are interesting, but not always successful. The correlation between math and classical music feels forced, but does make for some amusing viewing in a couple scenes.
There's no denying that ”In Our Prime” is not an exceptional film, yet it manages to be one that is very watchable thanks to some wonderful, crowd-pleasing moments and assured performances, including one from a certified cinema great.
