'Dirty Money,' 'A Normal Family,' '4PM' and other must-see films in cinemas

A still from ″Dirty Money″ [ACEMAKER MOVIEWORKS]
Dirty Money (15)
Thriller / 100 min. / Korean / Oct. 17

Desperate cops turn to crime to pay their debts, but their seemingly perfect heist quickly puts them in a pickle.

A demoted police officer, Kim Myung-deuk, is investigating a suicide case with his detective partner, Lee Dong-hyuk. Previously, Kim was caught committing corruption to pay for his wife's surgery, while Lee was burdened with gambling debts. While investigating the case together, Kim and Lee discover an SD card containing information about a criminal organization involved in money laundering. Despite being ordered to drop the case, they secretly take the card.

Kim is later desperate for money to fund his daughter's medical treatment. So, Kim and Lee devise a plan to steal from the criminal organization. They infiltrate a location where the organization's money is and make off with approximately 40 billion won ($29 million). Believing they've committed the perfect crime, they soon find themselves under investigation and struggling to conceal their actions.

Actor Jung Woo, known for his roles in Netflix thriller “A Model Family” (2022) and “Reply 1994” (2013) plays detective Kim Myung-deuk. Kim Dae-myung, known for TV series “Misaeng” (2014) takes on the role of detective Lee Dong-hyuk. Director Kim Min-soo is also known for helming “The Merciless” (2017) and “Kingmaker” (2022).

The film has opened to 15,709 viewers on its release date, coming in second at the Korean box office to Korean film "A Normal Family."

A still from ″A Normal Family″ [HIVE MEDIA CORP.]
A Normal Family (15)
Drama / 109 min. / Korean / Oct. 16

Two brothers, one driven by ambition and the other by compassion, find their family torn apart when a heinous crime links their teenage children to a brutal attack on a homeless man.

Successful attorney Jae-wan and his younger brother Jae-gyu, a compassionate doctor, are often at odds with each other due to their contrasting values. While Jae-wan prioritizes wealth and fame, Jae-gyu is dedicated to the care and well-being of his patients. Their familial bond is tested when a homeless person is brutally attacked, leaving him in a coma.

Suspicion falls on their teenage children, Hye-yoon and Shi-ho. Faced with this ethical dilemma, Jae-gyu urges his children to confess, but Jae-wan, determined to protect his family's reputation, seeks to cover up their crimes.

Sul Kyung-gu, known for his roles in "Kill Boksoon" (2023) and "Memoir of a Murderer," (2017) portrays the ambitious attorney Jae-wan. Jang Dong-gun, renowned for his work on the 2012 drama "A Gentleman's Dignity," takes on the role of the morally conflicted Jae-gyu. Kim Hee-ae, known for "The World of the Married" (2020), plays Jae-gyu's wife Yeon-kyung.

The film’s director Hur Jin-ho made his debut as a director in 1998 with his work "Christmas in August.” Other films he has directed include "The Last Princess" (2016) and "Forbidden Dream" (2019).

Based on Dutch author Herman Koch's novel "Dinner" (2009), the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023 and is now in theaters.

A still from ″4PM″ [HOLLY GARDEN]
4PM (12)
Thriller / 111 min. / Korean / Oct. 23

A retired couple's tranquil retirement is disrupted by a mysterious neighbor who visits daily without a word, leaving them puzzled and increasingly frustrated.

A retired professor, Jeong-in, and his wife, Hyeon-sook, relocate to a quiet rural area to enjoy their post-retirement life. One afternoon at 4 p.m., their neighbor, Yook-nam, unexpectedly knocks on their door. They warmly welcome him in and engage in casual conversation. However, the visitor remains unusually silent for an extended period, making the couple uncomfortable.

To their bewilderment, Yook-nam becomes a daily visitor, arriving at 4 p.m. without fail, yet offering no explanation for his frequent visits. Jeong-in attempts to break the ice by asking casual questions, but his efforts are consistently met with awkward silence. Despite their hospitality, the couple's growing frustration reaches a boiling point.

Oh Dal-su, known for his previous roles in “Old Boy” (2003) and “Veteran” (2015), portrays the retired professor, Jeong-in, while Jang Young-nam, renowned for her role in “Project Wolf Hunting” (2022), plays his wife, Hyeon-sook. Kim Hong-pa, known for the two seasons of Disney series “Casino” (2022-23) takes on the enigmatic character of Yook-nam.

The film is directed by Jay Song, also known for his previous works “Stellar” (2022) and “Tomb of the River” (2021).

A still from ″Venom: The Last Dance″ [SONY PICTURES]
Venom: The Last Dance (15)
Action / 109 min. / English / Oct. 23

Eddie Brock and Venom, hunted by all, must fight for their lives against an alien invasion while also clearing their names.

Eddie Brock and Venom remain on the run, pursued by both the military and the law. Venom's creator, Knull, has unleashed a horde of alien creatures upon Earth in search of the "codex," the only key that could set him free. To make matters worse, Eddie is framed for the murder of Detective Mulligan.

Cornered and desperate, Eddie and Venom decide to make a daring escape to New York City, hoping to turn the tide in their favor.

Tom Hardy reprises his roles as Eddie Brock and Venom in this final installment of the trilogy, with Chiwetel Ejiofor joining the cast as Rex Strickland, who leads the military force on Eddie’s trail.

Screenwriter Kelly Marcel, who penned the previous two films of the franchise, returns to helm this latest chapter. The film opened to a strong box office performance, drawing nearly 120,000 viewers on its opening day, according to the Korean Film Council.

A still from ″Smile 2″ [LOTTE ENTERTAINMENT]
Smile 2 (19)
Horror / 127 min. / English / Oct. 16

A pop star's world tour turns into a nightmare when a tragic friend's death unleashes a terrifying curse that haunts her every step.

Global pop sensation Skye Riley, on the brink of a world tour, is overwhelmed by pressure. Seeking solace from her high school friend Lewis, she's met with a chilling discovery. Lewis, fixated on something invisible to Skye, screams before tragically taking his own life, inadvertently casting a terrifying curse upon her.

As Skye embarks on her tour, she's haunted by unsettling visions showing abnormal smiling faces among the cheering crowds. Her friend Morris, aware of the curse's origins, explains that Lewis' death has transferred the haunting entity to Skye. Together, they desperately search for a way to break the curse.

“Aladdin” (2019) actor Naomi Scott takes on the role of Skye Riley, the pop star tormented by the entity. Peter Jacobson, known for his roles in TV series "Colony" (2016-18) and "Ray Donovan" (2013-15), plays Morris, her loyal friend and ally.

Director Parker Finn, who helmed the previous film, returns to the franchise. The original film achieved significant success, holding the No. 1 spot at the U.S. box office for two consecutive weeks.