Start-Up (2019) User Reviews

Charming comedy-action -drama

[mister_bateman · 7/10 · 17 April 2020]

This movie was an interesting watch. It goes back and forth between slapstick levels of goofy and totally serious, which really caught me off guard at first. You just never know what to expect next. The story itself isn't very well developed or original, but it's more about the different characters. I had quite a few good laughs and there were some rather touching scenes as well. I was especially happy to see Dong-seok Ma again. No matter if he plays a funny goofball or a serious gangster, he's just the best. You'll definitely be entertained.

Less fun more drama

[m-ramanan · 6/10 · 7 July 2021]

RATED 6/10 Language: Korean

From adulthood to manhood... realising the real world and family values... not so entertaining but not boring also...Ma Dong-Seok is the only fun and surprising factor in this movie... One time watchable...

Feelgood that nudges itself up to a 7

[shide_85 · 7/10 · 12 April 2020]

In short: Are we stuck in the roles we currently have and that your life and your decisions has brought you to? That is the question that is being brought up and shown, the step to take and how much it requires to change. Family as a concept is also being brought up, how you choose them and what it means to be close (true). You can do alot worse for a weekend night (with our without company).

In longer: The cast is overall good, some characters might be a little to overly painted with quirks though it brings a little bit of chaos to the story which is needed. The underlying message where a paycheck ends up being the symbol for where the lead wants to invest his time, or where he belongs is both highly disturbing (there is no comment about how wrong that is or how inequal the world is becoming as the systems becomes more and more rigged - one note to easily pick up here would be the question if only the rich should be allowed emotion then?) and spot on in the time of far right fascism that is sweeping the world. Though it does pull on some strings and measurement of value (money) is then connected to other characters in its turn to climax the story. Using materialism to climax the emotional side of the story - Yin and Yang shining through.

Pro's Cast Quirks Nifty (and disturbing) manner of developing the subplot

Con's Some quirks Materialism/fascism partially unreflected over The ending; special effect - if that had been done in a realistic manner it would mean you had a clear ending. No matter if she got her sons affection or ended up without the symbol for it and still realised that they still had their relation.

Ending notes: The itty bitty gritty mobscenes could have set the tone for a darker tale, where sunshine were still to be had that could have made a greter impact. Now it ended up being quite lighthearted. It was still an enjoyable (entertaining) feelgood watch but it could had had quite a punch to it if those darker sides had been in starker contrast.

Coming of age comedy

[Leofwine_draca · 7/10 · 4 June 2021]

A good coming-of-age comedy from South Korea. A cast full of quirky characters who keep you watching and who are easy to sympathise with at the same time. A greater attention to detail and a refusal to sugarcoat things compared to Hollywood productions. Only the occasional lapse into melodrama. Plenty of twists, chases and towards the climax some decent fights to enjoy. The icing on the cake is the quality of the acting, mainly from showstopper Ma Dong-seok in a very different kind of role, although the rest are great too.

Fun and humorous

[stmrdw · 8/10 · 13 November 2020]

Fun and humourous to watch. I would recommend this movie to people who looking for lots of laugh and importance of family. This film telling you "young people, do the right things!"

You won't believe this!!

[jteng-88412 · 17 March 2022]

Make sure you watch this movie The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil first, trust me it will make sense. I'm glad I seeing Start-up after that movie. Was it on purpose? Who knows but just trust me, I couldn't believe it.

Seriously????

[story-elaine · 1/10 · 29 November 2020]

You have two different things going on here. One is a movie and the other is a series. The video trailer is for the series while the cast line up and reviews are for the movie. Get it together...Please.

Funny and involving

[phd_travel · 8/10 · 4 June 2020]

This funny and entertaining movie has a quirky independent feel. The well written story about 2 friends trying to make money. The well crafted plot links things up nicely and has fresh humour and pretty exciting fight action as part of the story. The top notch cast is likeable. Jung Hae In is likeable and moving as the guy who works for debt collectors. He shows he can do different things from romantic roles. Felt quite scared for his character. Park Jung Min is funny as the guy who cannot fight and works in a restaurant doing delivery. Ma Dong Seok is perfect for the gangster chef. Liked the tone and vibe of this funny story.

Its a laughing riot

[majgotra · 10/10 · 27 May 2020]

From the moment the movie starts , its a laughing riot. Few scenes are so hilarious that i started coughing. OMG , please do watch it and share the word. This movie deserve so much attention adding 10 stars to boost up the ratings.

The movie that got Marvel executives attention

[walterltjahnke · 9/10 · 4 July 2021]

Ma Dong-Seok gives a great performance & probably turned heads at marvel from this performance. Although slow starting at first, the movie develops nicely and all loose ends are tied up by the end. It tackles the pressures of what teens face trying to find purpose. It also shows the realities of a life of regret and pain. In the end (no spoilers) what I will say is it's great!!!