The Man From Nowhere

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Movie: The Man From Nowhere (English title)
Revised romanization: Ahjeosshi
Hangul: 아저씨
Director: Lee Jeong-Beom
Writer: Lee Jeong-Beom
Producer: Lee Tae-Hun, Kim Sung-Woo
Cinematographer: Lee Tae-Yoon
Release Date: August 5, 2010
Runtime: 119 min.
Genre: Action / Drama / Best Film-Movie of the Year
Production Company: Opus Pictures
Distributor: CJ Entertainment
Ticket Sales: 6,170,611
Language: Korean
Country: South Korea

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

A heroin deal is set to occur at a nightclub. Undercover police are also in the nightclub waiting to make their move. A nightclub employee takes the heroin into the locker room. While the nightclub employee changes out of his uniform he is tazered from behind. Hyo-Jeong (Kim Hyo-Seo), a dancer at the nightclub, walks off with the heroin.

Cha Tae-Sik (Won Bin), known only as "ajusshi" in his neighborhood, runs a dilapidated pawn shop in a seedy part of town. He associates little with those around him except a young girl named So-Mi (Kim Sae-Ron). So-Mi lives near Cha Tae-Sik's pawn shop and often comes over when her junkie mother Hyo-Jeong has men over. One day, So-Mi's mother Hyo-Jeong comes into the pawn shop. She pawns off to Cha Tae-Sik a bag with a camera, which he will hold until she pays him back. Cha Tae-Sik is unaware that in the bag is the heroin she stole from the nightclub.

In a few days vicious mafia men come looking for So-Mi's mother knowing she stole the drugs. In the process they break into Cha Tae-Sik's pawn shop and holds him up. He hears on a cellphone young So-Mi's screaming voice and then gives the gangsters the bag that was brought to him by So-Mi's mother. The gangsters leave the pawn shop, but before they leave they shoot one of their own men dead. The gangsters also drive off with So-Mi and her mother.

Cha Tae-Sik must now go after the dangerous mobsters who stole So-Mi. In the process, Cha Tae-Sik must also face off against the police and his own mysterious past …

Notes

Korean title "Ajusshi" means literally "mister".
Director Lee Jeong-Beom started writing the screenplay in January, 2010. The first draft was finished in 3 months.
Initially the main character was written as a 60 year old North Korean agent, but then revised to a 40 year old man. By chance actor Won Bin read the script and wanted to play the main character. The main character was then re-written to accomodate his younger age and his background as well.
Yang Ik-Jun was originally cast to play a detective, but due to differences with the production staff dropped out of the film. In his place actor Kim Tae-Hun took over his role.
Filming began December, 2009.
The notable scene with actor Won Bin jumping out of a window while being pursued by police officers was actually filmed in several takes. A cameraman ran behind the actor as he jumped out the window and both used wires.
"The Man From Nowhere" opened #1 at the South Korean box office collecting 702,631 admissions on its opening August 6 - 8 weekend. The movie took the #1 spot for ticket sales for 5 weeks straight & currently sold a total of 6,170,611 tickers.[1]

Cast



Won Bin	Kim Sae-Ron
Cha Tae-Sik	Jung So-Mi



Kim Hee-Won	Kim Sung-Oh	Kim Tae-Hoon	Lee Jong-Pil	Thanayong Wongtrakul
Man-Sik	Jong-Suk	Det. Kim Chi-Gon	Det. No	Ramrowan

Additional Cast Members:

Kim Hyo-Seo - Hyo-Jeong (So-Mi's mother)
Song Young-Chang - Oh Myung-Gyu
Baek Soo-Ryun - comic book store lady
Nam Kyung-Eup - section chief
Park Seong-Taek - loan shark boss
Jo Hyun-Woo - Moon Dal-Seo
Jo Jae-Yun - Jang Doo-Sik
Hong So-Hee - Kim Yeon-Soo
Hwang Min-Ho - Nam Sung-Sik
Jung Min-Sung - information bureau
Kwak Byung-Kyu - Det. Kim
Yoo Yeon-Mi - Mi-Jin
Ryoo Ui-Hyun - delivery boy
Lee Jae-Won - Ddochi
Jang Nam-Boo - Oh Sang-Man
Kim Chul-Moo - workspace big man
Ki Se-Hyung - unit member
Ryoo Sung-Hoon - golf course big man
Han Chul-Woo - private loan office employee
Jo Yong-Hyun - waiter
Lee Sang-Hong - NIS agent 1
Son Sang-Kyung - Gom
Kim Young-Ah - female police officer
Seo Dong-Suk - Turkish bath gang member
Kim Si-Kwon - club bodyguard
Han Sa-Myung

Trailers

Image Gallery

Film Festivals

2010 (29th) Vancouver International Film Festival - Sept. 30-Oct. 15, 2010 - Dragons and Tigers *Canadian Premiere
2010 (15th) Pusan International Film Festival - October 7-15, 2010 - Korean Cinema Today: Panorama
2010 (30th) Hawaii International Film Festival - October 14-24, 2010 - Spotlight on Korea *Hawaii Premiere
2010 (19th) Philadelphia Film Festival - October 14-24, 2010 - The Graveyard Shift
2010 (5th) The London Korean Film Festival - November 5-23, 2010
2010 (5th) Korean Film Festival In Paris - November 9-November 16 - Feature Films
2011 (35th) Hong Kong International Film Festival - March 20 - April 5, 2011 - Gala Presentation
2011 (13th) Udine Far East Film - April 29-May 7, 2011 *Italian Premiere
2011 (10th) New York Asian Film Festival - July 1-14, 2011 - Sea of Revenge: New Korean Thrillers
2011 (2nd) Korean Film Festival in Australia - August 24-29, 2011
2011 (17th) L'Etrange Festival - September 2-11, 2011
2011 (5th) Seoul-Stockholm Korean Filmfestival - September 10-15, 2011
2012 (45th) Sitges Film Festival - October 4-14, 2012 - Brigadoon

Awards

2010 (19th) Philadelphia Film Festival - October 14-24, 2010
- "Graveyard Shift Special Mention"
2010 (47th) Daejong Film Awards - October 29 , 2010
- "Best Actor" (Won Bin)
- "Best Editing" (Kim Sung-Bum, Kim Jae-Bum)
- "Best Visual Effects" (Jeong Do-An)
- "Popularity Award" (Won Bin)
2010 (8th) Korean Film Awards - November 18, 2010
- "Best Actor" (Won Bin)
- "Best New Actress" (Kim Se-Ron)
- "Best Cinematography"
- "Best Lighting"
- "Best Editing"
- "Best Visual FX"
- "Best Music"
2010 (31st) Blue Dragon Film Awards - November 26, 2010
- "Technical Award"
- "Most Popular Film (by ticket sales)"
- "'Most Popular Stars" (Won Bin)
2010 (13th) Director's Cut Awards - December 17, 2010
- "Best Producer" (Lee Tae-Hun)
2010 (2nd) KOFRA Film Awards Ceremony - January 27, 2011
- "Best Actor" (Won Bin)
2011 (47th) BaekSang Arts Awards - May 26, 2011
- "Best Movie"
2011 (33rd) Golden Cinematography Awards - September 1, 2011
- "Gold Medal Cinematography"

Comments

Mister Nov 03 2022 10:56 am Nice movie the acting of Won Bin is so crazyyy!!!

mastergousau Sep 26 2022 12:57 pm brilliant movie, i just rewatched it the 3rd time(first time in 2019, then 2020 then 2022). I wish Won Bin would come back to acting, especially in action films like this.

Wonbin’s fan Jul 17 2022 6:45 am 5 time (or maybe more) watch this movie and never feel bored with it. This movie will forever be my number one. Hope can see Wonbin as a action actor again?

Winnie Alcantara Jan 15 2022 1:22 pm The best action movie I watched ?

Cris Aug 09 2020 7:16 pm This is probably the best Korean movie I have ever seen as of yet. It’s a combination of The Professional and John Wick. I honestly think the screenwriter of John Wick, had ripped off the idea from this movie. Anyway, I really enjoyed The Man From Nowhere from start to finish. Unlike other action films, this movie has a heart. The emotional roller coaster is so intense. I was bawling my eyes out on some of the scenes. Won Bin is an excellent actor. If this movie was to be remade in current time, the only actor I could think of who could pull this off would be Kim Soo Hyun. Anyway, I’m sure I will be rewatching this movie over and over again.

Pallu Apr 18 2020 11:26 am I saw a indian movie called rocky handsome,it is a remake of this movie.but I like Korean version.won bin is the world best actor. Please come back now I miss u so much,

Sarah Feb 26 2020 6:40 am My god.... I can't get tried of this movie even after 10 years. Such a incredible actor WON BIN. I wonder why he didn't doing any movie after this? I love the screenplay and cinematography. I cried many times. Definitely won bin is the treasure to Korean cinema industry.

Excuse me Feb 19 2020 1:44 pm It's been 10years already. Why don't we have man from nowhere 2. Kim sae ron already a grown up girl now. Let her meet her uncle now please ?

gege Dec 31 2019 9:54 pm bullshit that won bin didn't get the best actor awards in the blue dragon awards. Too be completely honest he deserved it more then the other guy

AJ May 31 2019 6:13 am This is a fine movie that has both powerful action scenes and intensely emotional moments on many themes. Won Bin is a superb actor who can develop his character more through his eyes and the quiet play of emotions across his face, than most actors can do even with training. What Won Bin does can't be taught: it's a gift. It is also Won Bin's last film before leaving the entertainment business 10 years ago. I've read that he left at the height of his career to focus on his personal life, marriage, and child. I have also read that he has become a mutimillionaire from doing CF and modeling--both of which I'm guessing are not as draining as acting in brilliant films that win lots of awards--especially when the star is as good as Won Bin. Still, I join the chorus of voices that would love to see him in another film, when and if he chooses to do so.

Jane Nov 13 2018 9:32 am It's is really a good movie... Won Bin's acting is superb.... he is really a good actor, no doubt of it.... Looking forward to see him in a big screen.... and I really miss his innocent looking while he is smiling and the eyes.....

michaela Sep 23 2018 5:55 pm I like to pretend that after they hug at the end of the movie the cops are like "Okay we can't separate them. You can be her new dad.". I have to or else I feel depressed. lmao

Bouw Mar 08 2018 9:05 pm I was waiting for spin off or sequel. But i guess still there's no any writer came up with the idea

Just me Dec 31 2017 7:08 am I fall in love with won bin in this movie.. I watch this excellent movie over and over, and never get bored.. Good job for everyone, the actors, the director, the story writer, especially you Won bin-ssi..

Hope you'll back to act in 2018.. I really hope this, can see u again in more movies. Won bin-ssi, saranghae.. ?

Noburo Mar 15 2017 10:05 am Question: Who is the prettiest girl at 55:13? lol She's one of those three girls at the bar.

Thx. :)

Reet Jan 31 2017 2:07 pm Question. Who is the pretty actress playing Tae-sik's wife?

Thx. :)

m Jan 28 2017 12:39 pm i give this movie a try bcs everyone said this is a very good movie... and it's indeed a very excellent movie! won bin's acting is so good T_T

Ping Dec 13 2016 9:03 am Awesome film. Awesome story. Awesome acting. Moved me to tears.

Marleth Corbe Sep 10 2016 6:21 am Woahhh he deserves all of the awards. He's a great actor!

feelontee Aug 07 2016 12:33 pm I can say that won bin is the best drama actors that you can feel the stir inside you, in his facial expressions, the emotion is there, and so was Kim sae ron, they're best fit together in acting, I wish Won bin come back movie will be with Kim sae ron as a grown up young lady, something like, it's a continuation of "a man from no where" which the Somi(kim Sae ron) grew up all the way and tries to find her savior Tae Shik(Won bin) it would be a great hit to the movie or showbiz industry specially Kim sae ron has grown up as an excellent actress this time. I though agree with @naika by the way in saying that: "the villain who saves the girl fights with ajhussi out of any reason and even throws his gun away and gets killed..dont know what is the logic here..action was ok not xtremely gud cuz many stunts were shown not continuous but in different frames..won bin acting is gud but it being action movie not extremely intense" Because me either don't get it.

I really wish for your comeback movie "Won bin" Since the Autumn in my heart, I was caught by your acting, your the best when it comes to drama and acting like a good/bad guy character.

Logic May 28 2016 3:22 pm @naika

the logic is that he wants a fair fight. Since the 1st time they fought, he recognized his abilities.

naika Apr 25 2016 8:56 am a good movie but has some flaws..the bond btw the girl and ajhussi couls have been more developed..the villain who saves the girl fights with ajhussi out of any reason and even throws his gun away and gets killed..dont know what is the logic here..action was ok not xtremely gud cuz many stunts were shown not continuous but in different frames..won bin acting is gud but it being action movie not extremely intense

sheila Apr 05 2016 6:38 pm One of the best action/thriller movies i've seen. Won bin's character is unforgettable. I even enjoyed his violent fight scenes...which is a bummer for someone as sensitive as me. Also, when he is with the little girl, his eyes are so emotional that I shed a few tears while watching some of their scenes. This movie is a must watch!!

Stéphan Dec 28 2015 10:24 am I'm so glad this movie made it accross the ocean! Very few action movies give you a chance to know and appreciate the characters before the killing starts. Great fight scenes and an amazing 'through a window' stunt that deserves an award by itself. We all want a sequel but, let's face it, it might not be a good idea. It can't get any better than this!

Mia Dec 12 2015 9:12 pm Best movie I've ever seen.

Neli Sep 14 2015 11:49 am Best movie i've seen in a long time, watch it, i highly recommend it to those that love drama and action. You won't be dissappointed.

Mimi Jul 23 2015 2:57 am Stop wandering to watch the movie or not..JUST GO and WATCH!!!! Best movie ever!! Worth watching!! Believe me.you're not going to waste your time...Won Bin oppa,cannot wait for your next movie!!!love from Malaysia

alex Jul 05 2015 4:12 am Its kinda leon professional and also melgibson payback. Normall korean movies sucks big in action scenes . They are posers. This one is ok for me. But lead actor did his role to perfection. The reason i did n't like is when the assasin villain had gun with bullets and he chose knife knowing he will be dead and he even saved the girl prior.

There is hole in the story.

I feel direction is pretty good that action. Action still was too much posing. Best action is thailand toni jaa guy or that crazy girl jeeja yanin (Chocolate )

Those two action scenes were breath taking. so much risk involved. Korean action they worry too much lead actor investment. So they cover up too much by posing. Pathetic

mir Apr 08 2015 3:55 pm CRIED ! so damn much.. best korean movie ever

Randy Mar 28 2015 1:37 pm What a movie and the ending is just WOW! I too would like a Part Two This was well done and worth owning as well

moon Mar 12 2015 5:25 am kim sae ron's acting is the best.

ace Feb 07 2015 6:30 am I have watched this several times now. And each time I watch it, I notice even more and am even more impressed. It deserves all the praise heaped upon it. Heart-wrenching melodrama, stellar action, great villains, great hero. Cinematography was amazing. Acting was flawless. Love the whole Avenging Angel character. So, yeah...recommended.

I actually want a sequel. Because you just know So-Mi will be waiting at the gate when her ajusshi walks out of the prison.

Nanci Nov 29 2014 11:51 pm Wow - what a ride! Finally viewed this after all these years. Won Bin's performance is amazing and the rest of the cast is great as well. Kudos to the director, the writer, the camera men, the make-up artists, and everyone involved. South Korea does it again! Have recommended this to all my American friends. Ko Mop Day, South Korea!

yan Dec 17 2013 2:11 am intense movie, very good acting of all the actors... Won Bin - Kim Sae Ron great chemistry...

fransec Aug 25 2013 3:29 am best movie action and recomend movies for viewers ... won bin hyung , his act very cool .. DAEBAKKK

Novita Mar 21 2013 10:57 am best movie and best actor Won Bin...

nahed Jan 04 2013 10:19 am this is one of the best movies! absolutely amazing!! a lot of actions!! the story is just amazing!! this movie deserves 10/10 ! i loved it ! such a great experience!! i saw it like ten times! won bin is a great actor , and his chemistry with the little girl touches my heart!! love it !!

Zoe Dec 28 2012 6:44 pm There is a lot of blood in this movie, but overall it is one of the best movies I've seen. Great character development and great actors.

karai Nov 10 2012 7:50 pm What a beast of a film... DAMN!

Cindy Nov 05 2012 11:11 pm Awesome fight scenes, won bin was great! director of fight scenes - how talented! Love the knife fighting scene at the end!

Not to mention the part when he buzzes off his long hair!! argh...what a hottie!

Lina Sep 30 2012 9:00 pm I'm so happy he's more well-known across the globe now. Yoshhhhh!!!

Consus Feb 08 2012 12:41 am Good movie so far. Kim Song Oh is not the sweet heart in this movie he's a great sadist. Can't wait to see how it'll play out.

Consus Feb 08 2012 12:40 am Good movie so far. Kim Song Oh is not the sweet heart in this movie. Can't wait to see how it'll play out.

May Jan 23 2012 8:19 pm I just got done re-watching this movie and love it even more. Won Bin's acting is amazing. There are little things he does that are so subtle and brilliant and really adds rich and complex layers to the character. Absolutely superb acting. Now, I know it is just a movie, but does anyone else think Tae-Sik is not going to prison at the end? Because in the scene when the government officials were talking to the local detectives, and the local detectives thought the government official were going to take credit for bringing down the bad guys, the government officials said something like, "You have no idea..." and then proceeded to tell about how heroic Tae-Sik was in his service to the government. I would like to think that they will guarantee that he is not harmed or prosecuted. I know it's only fiction, but I was totally pulled into it. So glad to have come across such a great movie.

Bao Sep 01 2011 1:17 am I can not stress enough on how much I recommend this movie for viewers to watch! Won Bin is such a good actor and i will forever be a fan!

Binus May 21 2011 9:37 am It's one of the best movie i've ever seen and one of the greatest actor in a decade.

Karo Apr 30 2011 3:13 pm Well, this is one of the successful movies of Won Bin. I never doubt in his acting. Whatever or whomever he acts, he does it greatly! WB u r the BEST FOREVER!!! All girls from Uzbekistan love & support u!^.^

Anonymous Apr 24 2011 7:54 pm I love this movie..!

chie Apr 09 2011 12:10 pm Wow .. So many award .. *goodjob

A little bit violence, but the story it's real happen in real life, in the other dark side of this world.

Good Joob

richy Mar 15 2011 8:41 am I love it

Riisa Mar 14 2011 9:07 pm This movie had very good fight choreography. Won Bin mostly did all the stunts on his own!

Temberh Mar 10 2011 12:01 pm I love this movie so much...

Abby (^_*) Jan 19 2011 5:41 am My student introduce this movie last year and only in this year I was able to watch it.

I must say that it is extremely splendid. I am from Philippines and I am very happy to experienced what Korean movie really like. And of course, not only Won Bin did a great job but as well as the other characters who did their part neither good or bad.

All of the personnel is worth praising.

Congratulations guys.

Even though, I watched this movie just now, well, It's worth watching for not a single episode was dull.

God speed guys!!!!

Kim Tae-Hyun Jan 06 2011 2:01 pm From the second I heard about this movie I wanted to see it. I waited and waited for months and when I finally got the chance, I was not disappointed in the least. I'm from the US and this is one of the first few Korean movies that I have been able to see and the others are no match to this one. Absolutely amazing.

If you can handle the large amount of violence and bloody action scenes, then I highly recommend this movie for you.

Banu Dec 27 2010 4:20 pm I just watched the movie.. really i gave a 100000 of 10... Awesome movie.. enjoyed every sec.. not even bit boring.. Must watch Won Bin such a great actor loved him in Autumn in my Heart... he should make more lead and action movies... he was like James Bond but hotterrrrr... I would have cast him in Iris 3... he is awesome..

^__^

Violera Dec 27 2010 3:00 pm Three words: best movie ever! (I mean it) ♥

Banu Dec 18 2010 5:35 am That little girl is so lucky.. ^__^ if she grows up and still be making movie.. or famous.. she would be so proud of herself that she was in this movie.. with WON BIN... O__O awesome.. looking forward to watch this movie..

munah za Oct 09 2010 4:41 am is the beast

S@lly Sep 05 2010 10:52 pm I hope they release the DVD soon because I'm planning on buying it, Won Bin you SEXY BEAST, and Kim Se Ron is absolutely adorable! I'm willing to stomach the heavy violence, but I probably won't even notice it because my eyes will be on Won Bin the whole time! hahahahahaha

Ki Aug 05 2010 9:48 am If you're able to stomach the heavy violence and some of the grim subject material in the film then you'll be blown away by "The Man From Nowhere". Due to heavy interest in the film, the screening I went to in Daegu, South Korea had only seats left in the front row (the size of the theatre & screen was massive). While walking to my seat I wondered "I am going to see boogers in Won Bin's nose?" and "can my neck actually support my big head at a 45 degree angle for 2 hours?" Well when when the film started all that didn't matter.

Stylistically you can compare "The Man From Nowhere" with Kim Ji-Woon's "A Bittersweet Life" and Park Chan-Wook's "Oldboy". Stylish, slick, heavily saturated colors leaning towards the dark. There's also gangsters, drug dealers, black market organ dealers and whole lot of scummy villains.

Won Bin also strikes an incredibly charismatic figure in the movie. Personally I felt Bong Joon-Ho's "Mother" was a great film in spite of Won Bin's mediocre performance. In "The Man From Nowhere" the film is a great film because of Won Bin's superb performance. The man takes over the screen in a way I last saw by So Ji-Sub in 2008's "Rough Cut". But I do have one axe to grind with the film - they did push Won Bin's striking image to the limits in too many magazine like poses. Girls may not mind, but I did become mildly annoyed with one or three too many panoramic shots of Won Bin in contemplation mode while gazing away into the distance. With that said, it's a very minor quibble in a vast sea of positives for the film.

There's also Kim Se-Ron who turns in a eye popping performance as the young girl stuck in a dead end life. Something about her expressions went way beyond her young years. Excellant casting choice. Also, all the ancillary performances were also on the money.

The action is slick and really keeps you on the edge of your seat. As stated earlier there's also oodles of blood spewed by razor sharp knives, glock hand guns, punches and kicks. Excessive? Depends on your taste. It teetered perilously close to my limits but by the end of the film, the means seemed to justify the end. Did I mention there's a helluva a lot of bloody action in this film?

Seriously if you can stomach heavy violence and want to see a great action/thriller check out "The Man From Nowhere". It's a heck of a movie.

The Man From Nowhere

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