“Afrika” Korean Theatrical Poster
Director: Shin Seung-Soo
Writer: Shin Seung-Su
Cast: Lee Yu-Won, Kim Min-Sun, Jo Eun-Ji, Lee Young-Jin, Sung Ji-Ru, Park Young-Gyu
Running Time: 109 min.
By Mighty Peking Man
Lee Yu-Won (“Attack the Gas Station”), Kim Min-Sun (“Memento Mori”), Jo Eun-Ji (“Tears”) and Lee Young-Jin (also of “Memento Mori”) star in this colorful, light hearted, chick-flick that brings back fond memories of 1985’s “The Legend of Billie Jean.”
It’s quite clear that “Afrika” has the makings of something great: Four girls, who need to get away from their everyday troubled life, take a road trip and discover a case full of guns in the backseat of their borrowed car; After they’re forced to use the guns for the sake of self-defense, things start to get ugly and exciting at the same time. Running from the law and the underworld, the four females discover that they’re all over the news as being “armed and very dangerous”; They also reach celebrity status gaining fans of all ages around the world.
Overwhelmed by the media madness and overjoyed with their sudden popularity, the girls continue on with their harmless, fun-filled rampage. The public labels them “A.F.R.I.K.A.” which stands for Adoring Four Revolutionary Idols In Korean Area. At one point, A.F.R.I.K.A. becomes so big and inspirational that copycat gangs start to develop and internet fan sites start “getting so many hits that they don’t work…” (actual quote from the movie).
“Afrika” is a very cheesy film. Cheesy in a “Britney Spears Movie” kind of way; Despite it’s Britney Spear-ish feel, “Afrika” did get brutal. Where else can you see a babe getting smacked around in a chick-flick comedy? You also have a couple other scenes filled with beatings (Is it me, or do Koreans love “beatings”?), not to mention some blood splatter on walls. The makers of this film made it a point to show the audience that they have what it takes to capture the realistic sound of people taking shits. For all you Kim Min-Sun fans, you get to see and hear her go for a number 2. Like I said, brutal.
To sum up it up, “Afrika” is a forgettable film. It needs a little more work in the plot and a couple of characters could’ve used more depth. It’s almost safe to say that this film was a poor excuse to showcase its four stars who have branched out from their hit films.
Mighty Peking Man’s Rating: 4/10
