Real 2017
"Only the real one takes all."
In "Real (2017)", masterful director Lee Sa-rang crafts a gripping tale of ambition and moral ambiguity set against the neon-lit underworld of Seoul's criminal elite.
Director: Lee Sa-rang
Cast
Kim Soo-hyun
Jang Tae-yeong
Sung Dong-il
Jo Won-geun
Lee Sung-min
Choi Jin-gi
Sulli
Song Yoo-hwa
Jo Woo-jin
Sa Do-jin
Kim Hong-pa
Choi Nak-hyeon
Jeong In-kyeom
Professor Kim
Choi Kwon
Manager Baek
Ko Kyu-pil
Bald man
Han Ji-eun
Han Ye-won
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Real (2017) about?
Real (2017) follows Jang Tae-Young, a cold and calculating troubleshooter in Seoul's criminal underworld who dreams of escaping his violent past to build a luxury casino empire. When an investigative reporter closes in on his secrets, Tae-Young must navigate a treacherous game of power and deception.
Who directed Real?
Real was directed by Lee Sa-rang, known for crafting tense, atmospheric thrillers that blend crime and psychological drama.
Who stars in Real?
The film stars Kim Soo-hyun as the ambitious protagonist, alongside Sung Dong-il, Lee Sung-min, Sulli, and Jo Woo-jin in pivotal supporting roles.
Is Real (2017) worth watching?
With its tight pacing, strong cast, and stylish blend of action and crime thriller elements, Real delivers a satisfyingly tense experience. Fans of morally complex narratives and gritty Seoul-set dramas will find much to appreciate, even if it leans more toward thriller than pure escapism.
How long is Real?
Real has a runtime of 137 minutes.
About Real (2017) — A Seoul crime thriller of ambition, power, and deadly stakes
In "Real (2017)", masterful director Lee Sa-rang crafts a gripping tale of ambition and moral ambiguity set against the neon-lit underworld of Seoul's criminal elite. The film follows Jang Tae-Young, a ruthless trouble-shooter whose icy exterior hides a burning desire to transcend his violent origins by building an extravagant casino empire. When a persistent reporter digs into his past, Tae-Young is forced to confront the cost of his ambitions and the fragility of his carefully constructed façade.
Blending high-stakes action with dark psychological thriller elements, "Real" delivers a tense narrative that explores themes of identity, power, and the blurred lines between legality and corruption. The atmospheric cinematography captures the sleek decadence of underground gambling dens while maintaining a gritty realism that heightens the film's suspense. With strong performances from Kim Soo-hyun and Sung Dong-il, this Korean crime thriller offers a compelling, morally complex journey into Seoul's shadowy financial and criminal networks.
