In 18th Century Korea, ice is a much sought after commodity; initially controlled by the government, an unscrupulous businessman manages to take over the product and use it for his own ends. Meanwhile, ice guardian and soldier Dong-Soo (Ji-ho Oh) is arrested and exiled for a period of time after his crew dies in the takeover bid; and mild bookseller Duk-Moo (Tae-hyun Cha) becomes determined to take revenge when the same businessman has his best friend tortured to death. So Duk-Moo comes up with an elaborate scheme to steal all the ice from the businessman's warehouses, and soon he draw Dong-Soo into the plot. But they need to gather together the top specialists in the fields of information-gathering, tomb robbing, explosives expert, driver, master of disguise and money-man if they're to be successful in pulling off the plan.... Elements of a wacky Ocean's 11 type plot mix with some serious treatment about the class system in Korea in the 18th Century and a little bit of romance to sweeten the plot; this is very clever, with an excellent ensemble cast and a lot of funny moments mixed with action-packed suspense. I have to say that there were so many characters (I've only described a couple of the main ones here), at times I was kind of confused about what was going on, but it was quite a lovely experience just the same.
7 Reviews
Not on the level of Cha Tae-hyun's other big hit movies, but still fun
mrwickedproductions6 July 2013
Warning: Spoilers
In 2012, towards the end of July, a Korean film with an ensemble cast called The Thieves was released. Around two weeks later, another Korean ensemble film more focused on comedy came out, titled The Grand Heist. While The Grand Heist is also about a robbery carried out by a group of "professionals," it is set in the late 18th century. During this time, ice is a valuable commodity which is regulated by the government. However, corrupt officials (who the two main characters have beef against) take over the business and form a monopoly. An avid reader, Duk-moo (Cha Tae-hyun), along with his stern, combatant partner, Dong- soo (Oh Ji-ho), come up with a plan and gather 11 members total to steal the ice blocks in the royal storage to distribute back to the people. It is an interesting story that unfortunately, comes with a few weak plot points.
Let's start with the diversity of characters. Because there are 11 heist members, it's difficult to get to know all of them and care about them. In a couple of scenes, some of the members are on the verge of getting killed. Even when Min Hyo-rin's character, Baek Soo-ryun, is in a dire situation, it takes some effort to be concerned about whether or not she'll get out alive. This is probably because most of the characters lack a background story to show who they really are. You could say some of the characters in The Thieves suffer the same fate. However, The Thieves makes up for it with lots of suspense. In The Grand Heist, there's just nothing suspenseful about the dangerous scenes, even if characters are close to drowning. The camera flows too well, like the water being shown on screen, rather than rapidly cutting back and forth to build up tension.
Also, the film has a couple of unlinked references that seem out of place when shown. Towards the end of the film, when Duk-moo is about to fire a gun, a book about guns and the posture to hold when aiming is shown, to indicate Duk-moo's recollection of the stance. It wouldn't have been that strange if the film actually showed Duk-moo reading the book early on. The film sort of digs its own grave by putting so much emphasis on the gunshot when the outcome doesn't really lead to the ultimate victory for the protagonists. Perhaps it would have been better if throughout the film, multiple short recollections of information from books pop up that aid Duk-moo in pinches, since he's a book collector. Just having that one scene kind of throws the viewer off.
The bonds between characters aren't addressed very well, and the love stories all feel a bit forced. Even so, once you let go of certain expectations, the film can be funny and entertaining. You definitely shouldn't expect the level of humor of Cha Tae-hyun's big hit movies, like My Sassy Girl and Speedy Scandal. There's an O.K. joke that gets a bit overused. However, the film guarantees a few laughs (disregarding the childish fart jokes) and has a pretty satisfying ending. The Grand Heist should be viewed for the actors and their interactions with the historical Korea setting.
The movie is... O.K. ^^
Let's start with the diversity of characters. Because there are 11 heist members, it's difficult to get to know all of them and care about them. In a couple of scenes, some of the members are on the verge of getting killed. Even when Min Hyo-rin's character, Baek Soo-ryun, is in a dire situation, it takes some effort to be concerned about whether or not she'll get out alive. This is probably because most of the characters lack a background story to show who they really are. You could say some of the characters in The Thieves suffer the same fate. However, The Thieves makes up for it with lots of suspense. In The Grand Heist, there's just nothing suspenseful about the dangerous scenes, even if characters are close to drowning. The camera flows too well, like the water being shown on screen, rather than rapidly cutting back and forth to build up tension.
Also, the film has a couple of unlinked references that seem out of place when shown. Towards the end of the film, when Duk-moo is about to fire a gun, a book about guns and the posture to hold when aiming is shown, to indicate Duk-moo's recollection of the stance. It wouldn't have been that strange if the film actually showed Duk-moo reading the book early on. The film sort of digs its own grave by putting so much emphasis on the gunshot when the outcome doesn't really lead to the ultimate victory for the protagonists. Perhaps it would have been better if throughout the film, multiple short recollections of information from books pop up that aid Duk-moo in pinches, since he's a book collector. Just having that one scene kind of throws the viewer off.
The bonds between characters aren't addressed very well, and the love stories all feel a bit forced. Even so, once you let go of certain expectations, the film can be funny and entertaining. You definitely shouldn't expect the level of humor of Cha Tae-hyun's big hit movies, like My Sassy Girl and Speedy Scandal. There's an O.K. joke that gets a bit overused. However, the film guarantees a few laughs (disregarding the childish fart jokes) and has a pretty satisfying ending. The Grand Heist should be viewed for the actors and their interactions with the historical Korea setting.
The movie is... O.K. ^^
Flawed, but the cast is up for it
Leofwine_draca10 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
THE GRAND HEIST is a South Korean action comedy best described as MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE meets OCEAN'S ELEVEN in a historical setting - this time the Joseon era of the 18th century. It's typically quirky fare, in which an ensemble cast of larger-than-life characters meet up to rob an ice warehouse, ice being a valuable commodity with the same intrigue as gold or oil during this era. On the downside, this is overlong and dragged out at times, and increasingly cheesy at the climax. On the plus side, it's always lighthearted and fun with it, with typically invested performances from an enthusiastic cast.
Bland heist movie that takes place in the Joseon Dynasty
KineticSeoul29 April 2014
This is a bland heist movie that seems at first to have the potential to be fun but falls short. Quite a bit of characters and scenarios was just pointless and doesn't really add anything to this movie. I was never a fan of the actor Cha Tae-Hyun and once again he plays the same character he does in just about all of his movies. Since the beginning build up seemed to have potential I thought the exciting and clever parts would be when the heist actually takes place. However it just turned out to be generic and pretentious while it trying to be more than what it really is. The plan is way more simple than what it really is, with quite a bit of unnecessary elements. The heist revolves around a group trying to steal ice which was a rare commodity back in the Joseon Dynasty. I am not quite sure which movie is worse this or "The Thieves" 2012. Oh and the theme song is alright but it's way overplayed, like WAY too much.
4.8/10
4.8/10
A Fun Movie!!!
vks_vishwa14 June 2016
The movie revolves around a guy who wants to take revenge of his past by a witty trade. The journey also involves around various other interesting, funny and unique characters like the tunnel digger, bomb maker, etc. Really, when the movie picks up, you feel thrilled and excited as to what would happen the next. Broadly, the story of the movie isn't a very great one, but the screenplay is something that amazes you. The unique style of characters, their roles, etc. takes the show away. The main character plays through out the movie as the centre piece weaving the entire scheme of theft carefully, but as an interesting one should be, it has it's own twist and turns.
I loved this movie!
baekms22 April 2019
A lot of fun
inspirelake26 January 2024
Surprised at every level. I thought this would be ultra silly or just bad but it was plain fun. Not to be taken seriously but a fun way to spend a couple of hours.
Apparently this is a directorial debut and I have to say it's an achievement as it's a bit complicated and you have to watch carefully not to get a bit lost.
Some of the humor is hilarious and it's a bit cliched at times but it pulls it off without any harm done.
I've seen worse heist movies and what this film misses out on in perfection it makes up in being thoroughly enjoyable.
Nice acting all round, some stunning scenery and a good plot.
Apparently this is a directorial debut and I have to say it's an achievement as it's a bit complicated and you have to watch carefully not to get a bit lost.
Some of the humor is hilarious and it's a bit cliched at times but it pulls it off without any harm done.
I've seen worse heist movies and what this film misses out on in perfection it makes up in being thoroughly enjoyable.
Nice acting all round, some stunning scenery and a good plot.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
