1 star. Shim Hyung-Rae has some kind of ego. He takes money from fellow Korean investors, goes to the Paramount lot in Hollywood, and shoots this self-indulgent and unwatchable "film." Harvey Keitel, Michael Rispoli, and Jason Mewes, am...ong others, try in absolute vain to save this wreck and bring some form of realism to the proceedings. Maybe they shouldn't have bothered. It's like Shim saw a couple mob films and wanted to recreate them without any knowledge of the genre. Worst of all, his Younggu character comes across as being the worst Asian stereotype to grace the screen in a long time...with his broken accent, combed over hair, stumbling, and bad teeth. It's impossible to even watch this thing. He even tries to throw in a "magical" musical number that is his montage to the Hollywood greats but just seems random. There were maybe 7 people in the auditorium....5 walked out before the end. Maybe I should've as well, I was just too curious to see how this monstrosity would end.
19 Reviews
Absolutely terrible.
imsorrydave10 January 2011
I saw it in Busan a few days ago and my two friends and I all agree that it is probably the worst film we have ever seen. I am British and my two friends are both American so its certainly not a case of us having a homogeneous sense of humour yet we all felt that 'The Last Godfather' was so bad that we actually left the cinema about an hour and ten minutes in.
The film was absolutely terrible in every possible way and it saddened me to see a Hollywood legend like Harvey Keitel stoop so low. Slapstick can certainly be entertaining, Rowan Atkinson and Charlie Chaplin are two good examples of actors that make me laugh heartily but this was just puerile drivel. I am honestly finding it hard to give a sober and balanced perspective on this film when I'm enraged at just how flat, predictable and pathetic it was.
The film was absolutely terrible in every possible way and it saddened me to see a Hollywood legend like Harvey Keitel stoop so low. Slapstick can certainly be entertaining, Rowan Atkinson and Charlie Chaplin are two good examples of actors that make me laugh heartily but this was just puerile drivel. I am honestly finding it hard to give a sober and balanced perspective on this film when I'm enraged at just how flat, predictable and pathetic it was.
This movie is god-awful.
royvalencia3331 December 2018
This is NOT a movie for children!
sethompson-807754 February 2019
A moderate rated film that's funny!
burakpirincci7 September 2012
This film is not brilliant in terms of plot however it does what it is meant to do - make you laugh! I admit that they are no comedian jokes just silly jokes like falling over and hitting a person with a baseball bat by accident.
This film made me laugh quite a lot when I watched it because it made my family laugh too. These type of films make some kinds of people laugh, not all!
This film is not designed for kids however I think that kids will enjoy this film more that adults as the film don't contain any adult jokes just pure silly falling down and clumsiness.
I am giving this a fair rating which is 5/5 = Moderate/OK film!
This film made me laugh quite a lot when I watched it because it made my family laugh too. These type of films make some kinds of people laugh, not all!
This film is not designed for kids however I think that kids will enjoy this film more that adults as the film don't contain any adult jokes just pure silly falling down and clumsiness.
I am giving this a fair rating which is 5/5 = Moderate/OK film!
Stupid. Not funny at all.
attilathehun20118 June 2019
This is okay for children.
ratmfan-28-40443714 April 2011
Hello.
First I am Korean. I know a lot about this movie and the directer. Actually, in Korea, lots people have been arguing about the quality of this movie.
Yes! Most adult Koreans do not like this movie and the rating is very low like here, but children do like this movie and seem to enjoy a lot.
If you have kids and wanna see one movie with them this is for you, but if you expect a really fun comedy movie for adults this may not be your movie.
Thanks for reading this.
First I am Korean. I know a lot about this movie and the directer. Actually, in Korea, lots people have been arguing about the quality of this movie.
Yes! Most adult Koreans do not like this movie and the rating is very low like here, but children do like this movie and seem to enjoy a lot.
If you have kids and wanna see one movie with them this is for you, but if you expect a really fun comedy movie for adults this may not be your movie.
Thanks for reading this.
funny for kids
jethc13 April 2011
This movie is not excellent but it makes us (me and my kids) laugh.
From the beginning, my kids didn't pay attention too much but sooner of later they laughed...
Not bad as 2 or 3 out of 10 I think...
I agree that Most kids will enjoy it.
but
if you have a plan to watch this (in case of adult only), there are better movies out there.
I think if you want to have funny time with your family, I recommend.
have fun.
From the beginning, my kids didn't pay attention too much but sooner of later they laughed...
Not bad as 2 or 3 out of 10 I think...
I agree that Most kids will enjoy it.
but
if you have a plan to watch this (in case of adult only), there are better movies out there.
I think if you want to have funny time with your family, I recommend.
have fun.
The movie is for kids, not for adults
sungpillhan13 April 2011
Shim had made movies for only kids for more than 10 years in Korea. The reviewers here saw this movie seem as adults. I don't watch Shim's movies since I became over 13. I don't know why you guys saw this movie???? Maybe there was something wrong with critics' review because I don't see they pointed this in their reviews. But in Korea, everyone knows, his movie is only watched by kids. It's more than Power ranger movie in US, pure 99% kid's movie. Because the reviewers of this movie here are adults and rate this movie in their level, the rate is also meaningless. For a little remedy, I'm giving 10 rating. It's that so funny to kids' eyes.
almost brilliant ..... almost !
endangeredrecords12 August 2011
what a fun movie . i have to say i watched it twice and although found some parts corny , other parts made my son and i chuckle . i can see why harvey wanted to do this film . where some other reviewers miss the point , harvey obviously does not . the film does try to go "deep" and yet manages to skim the surface more often then not and occasionally take a nose dive or two or three.... to some degree the humor is not unlike the film " they call me bruce ". it is slapstick humor that sometimes makes it and other times falls flat on it's face. some of the acting is strong while other times way overboard . there is a little something for everybody . if nothing else , a redeeming factor is the film tries to show beauty is more then skin deep and how pure and simple love should be . what is wrong with that ? i disagree with the reviewers that trash it . i suggest you watch and decide for yourself. know going in this is not going to win any awards but then again sometimes those awards miss the point also !
This movie deserves more than 2 stars!
SingingNerd11 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
My personal movie rating is 6/10, but I'm giving it 10 stars because people gave such bad ratings to this movie. I watched the whole movie and wondered why it got such bad ratings on IMDb. Honestly, this movie did not deserve such critical rating. I've seen worse movies that were rated higher than this movie.
I also don't understand why people are saying this movie is purely based on "nationalism" since I don't see a single scene in the movie that promotes Korea - in fact, Young-gu makes fun of himself so much that people might think that Koreans are all silly!
I do admit, the slapstick comedy is rather childish for adults to find it hilarious, but it would definitely make children laugh. In certain scenes, I laughed at the silliness of it, too, and was able to enjoy the movie.
Watch the movie, and please tell me if you don't find the scene funny where Young-gu is eating spaghetti with his father!
I also don't understand why people are saying this movie is purely based on "nationalism" since I don't see a single scene in the movie that promotes Korea - in fact, Young-gu makes fun of himself so much that people might think that Koreans are all silly!
I do admit, the slapstick comedy is rather childish for adults to find it hilarious, but it would definitely make children laugh. In certain scenes, I laughed at the silliness of it, too, and was able to enjoy the movie.
Watch the movie, and please tell me if you don't find the scene funny where Young-gu is eating spaghetti with his father!
People are too PC
Ismaninb17 September 2011
Sure The last Godfather is silly and stereotypical. It's also nice and sometimes very funny. Just look at it the same way as you looked at good old slapstick. We don't expect Buster Keaton and Laurel and Hardy to be politically correct, do we? Besides spoofing the mafia genre it also turns Romeo and Juliet into a comedy. Those who complain about the "retarded Asian" stereotype - Younggu is also a very likable character. Moreover he wins, after accidentally inventing new fashion and the Big Mac. There is no need to leave your house to watch this in cinema, but there is no need to avoid it when on television either. It could have done with more jokes and not all of them are great. Still there are enough for some silly enjoyment.
Nice feel-good movie
YouGoToHellandYouDie16 April 2011
I would actually rate this movie 7.5 out of 10, but due to the overly negative reviews and ratings I've rated it 10 to compensate.
If you aren't aware of this, be forewarned that this movie is geared toward kids. You may have wondered why Harvey Keitel agreed to do this film, and according to the director (Shim), Keitel expressly told Shim that he wanted to do a movie that he can watch with his own son. As you know, Harvey Keitel's movies are generally geared toward adult audiences and not suitable for children, so he wanted this movie to be the one he could watch with his young son. In other words, Keitel agreed to take on his role because this movie was to be made for children to watch. Shim's movies are all "children's movies", including D-War, so don't watch it if you want something complex, modern or refined. This is traditional, old-school slapstick geared towards kids or people who aren't expecting too much.
Unfortunately, most of the people who posted their ratings here on IMDb seem to have expected something else, and couldn't accept the movie for what it is -- a feel-good movie that will make you (and your kids) feel good for having watched it.
If you aren't aware of this, be forewarned that this movie is geared toward kids. You may have wondered why Harvey Keitel agreed to do this film, and according to the director (Shim), Keitel expressly told Shim that he wanted to do a movie that he can watch with his own son. As you know, Harvey Keitel's movies are generally geared toward adult audiences and not suitable for children, so he wanted this movie to be the one he could watch with his young son. In other words, Keitel agreed to take on his role because this movie was to be made for children to watch. Shim's movies are all "children's movies", including D-War, so don't watch it if you want something complex, modern or refined. This is traditional, old-school slapstick geared towards kids or people who aren't expecting too much.
Unfortunately, most of the people who posted their ratings here on IMDb seem to have expected something else, and couldn't accept the movie for what it is -- a feel-good movie that will make you (and your kids) feel good for having watched it.
It was a cute movie. Let's be gentle!
commentingjay11 January 2011
The movie was not as bad as I have read from some foreign friends who might have been living a frustrated life surrounded by a bunch of "nationalists" in South Korea. I know how you guys must be struggling trying to mingle with them. I myself am not very fond of Korean movies either but thanks to you guys, I watched it and am probably giving it a higher rating than it may deserve. Your unnecessarily harsh reviews ignited my urge to protect this silly movie.
As an individual movie reviewer, it would be quite safe for me to say that I loved this movie and the rather ridiculous persistence of this "proud" director Shim in continuing his work. Harvey Keitel's brilliant performance also added a good flavor into this movie. What he's doing may not be manufacturing a fantastic blockbuster, but he has his messages and Koreans seem to understand them more than enough.
Once again, this movie may have disturbed some non-nationalist minds though unintentionally. Or it could be that he's using nationalism to hide his inability to be a great director he wants to be? Or you could just let him keep trying instead of trying to humiliate his works and all Koreans who are not against his movies? Above all, I couldn't stand that all Korean movies and what Koreans do to help its movie industry grow are severely criticized because of this one director and this one movie... maybe two lol If you should say this director's nationalism could have been more bothersome than some of you guys' colonialism or imperialism in ancient times, exploiting defenselessly small countries, depriving them of many opportunities those countries could have had earlier, I feel deeply sorry for you guys. That's of course now all in the past but it may help you people understand the Korean culture and its people if you intend to continue living in Korea, while they're rising to catch up with all their lost opportunities to be a winner.
Koreans do seem to have a weird culture which occasionally puts them all together even when what they're doing isn't quite objectively fair or logical, but after all I found them and this very controversial movie even cute. This movie may be targeting the Korean spirits and it may be time that we let them have the best time of their history.
As an individual movie reviewer, it would be quite safe for me to say that I loved this movie and the rather ridiculous persistence of this "proud" director Shim in continuing his work. Harvey Keitel's brilliant performance also added a good flavor into this movie. What he's doing may not be manufacturing a fantastic blockbuster, but he has his messages and Koreans seem to understand them more than enough.
Once again, this movie may have disturbed some non-nationalist minds though unintentionally. Or it could be that he's using nationalism to hide his inability to be a great director he wants to be? Or you could just let him keep trying instead of trying to humiliate his works and all Koreans who are not against his movies? Above all, I couldn't stand that all Korean movies and what Koreans do to help its movie industry grow are severely criticized because of this one director and this one movie... maybe two lol If you should say this director's nationalism could have been more bothersome than some of you guys' colonialism or imperialism in ancient times, exploiting defenselessly small countries, depriving them of many opportunities those countries could have had earlier, I feel deeply sorry for you guys. That's of course now all in the past but it may help you people understand the Korean culture and its people if you intend to continue living in Korea, while they're rising to catch up with all their lost opportunities to be a winner.
Koreans do seem to have a weird culture which occasionally puts them all together even when what they're doing isn't quite objectively fair or logical, but after all I found them and this very controversial movie even cute. This movie may be targeting the Korean spirits and it may be time that we let them have the best time of their history.
Slapstick Comedy safe for the family
edehrmann9 August 2018
I saw this on cable tv and it made me laugh. Yes, it is NOT a top quality movie like "The Godfather." It is not meant to be. There are good actors in it acting silly. Lots of stupid stuff. Funny stupid. No blood and guts. Family safe. Some of the humor is strange to Americans but the director/star is Korean and the humor is sometimes Korean, too.
Slapstick humor. Scenes that are spoofs of other movies. Lots of stereotypes, overplayed for laughs. Recognizable actors.
I grew up watching Abbot and Costello, The Three Stooges, and Saturday morning cartoons starring Bugs Bunny and the Road Runner. Stereotypes, slapstick, idiotic pranks and outcomes. A nice comic break from life. This movie is in the same vein.
LONG but not Lost Young-gu in the Last Godfather !
soongshil4 January 2011
So what do you do for an encore after Hollywood makes some rather caustic remarks causing some everlasting damage to a director's debut as with Shim Hyung Rae's convoluted D-War affair ? Harken back to the character that made the same man the king of Korean comedy of course ! And so it follows that Shim is the #1 reason why many Koreans will go see the new movie The Last Godfather which isn't exactly a tribute to any lurid Mafia epic but does star veteran Hollywood actor Harvey Keitel as the 1950's Mafia don Carini.
As many fans may recall, Shim's rise to fame to become Korea's top entertainer in which he played the good-humored Young-gu was due to his nightly appearances on TV sitcoms on KBS since the early 90's.
As for The Last Godfather, talk about a flash from the past ! Except for a few costume changes and other theatrics everything does seem to fit the bill all right. That is, once the audience settles in and realizes that yes, he's cast himself in the role of Young-gu, then its pure whimsy! In the new movie in which he ventures off to the Big Apple, Young-gu turns out to be the illegitimate son of a powerful mafia boss. Even after a brief stint training to head the organization, he is no where close to being prepped for all the responsibilities bestowed upon him as Carini's heir . Even though things are suppose to be run exactly the same way a la Carini, poor Young-gu proves to be ever so slightly non-composmentis . He starts becoming chummy with Nancy Bonfante and seems to be perfectly oblivious to the fact that her dad 's the head of the rival mob organization !
So what is the significance of "Young-gu" which means "fool" in Korean to American moviegoers ? Let's put it this way. It's Shim's trademark sense of humor known as slapstick, that in any assessment is the most difficult kind to develop on screen compared to the kind most of us have whether its's dry , sarcastic, witty, or campy. Then again, even if you don't have a sense of humor, you will leave the theater feeling some sense of relief since a minute of laughter usually is enough to feel the same benefits of a work out at the gym! And Shim's brand of comedy developed in The Last Godfather will do that .
However , despite Shim's numerous attempts at directing an entire cast of brilliant talents, one of the major pitfalls that left me a little miffed was that he never brings out the star power of the leading roles and leaves Harvey Keitel's character a little devoid of artistic direction. Plus,it takes two to tango but the pace of the romance between Nancy and Younggu does seem a bit brisk and it doesn't seem that's he's all that interested in his leading lady.
All in all , even though Shim is probably not trying to be the next Korean Francis Ford Coppola, he is smart enough to earn his fair share of accolades for the mastery of CGI displayed in his movies and will surely gain instant recognition from moviegoers worldwide.
As many fans may recall, Shim's rise to fame to become Korea's top entertainer in which he played the good-humored Young-gu was due to his nightly appearances on TV sitcoms on KBS since the early 90's.
As for The Last Godfather, talk about a flash from the past ! Except for a few costume changes and other theatrics everything does seem to fit the bill all right. That is, once the audience settles in and realizes that yes, he's cast himself in the role of Young-gu, then its pure whimsy! In the new movie in which he ventures off to the Big Apple, Young-gu turns out to be the illegitimate son of a powerful mafia boss. Even after a brief stint training to head the organization, he is no where close to being prepped for all the responsibilities bestowed upon him as Carini's heir . Even though things are suppose to be run exactly the same way a la Carini, poor Young-gu proves to be ever so slightly non-composmentis . He starts becoming chummy with Nancy Bonfante and seems to be perfectly oblivious to the fact that her dad 's the head of the rival mob organization !
So what is the significance of "Young-gu" which means "fool" in Korean to American moviegoers ? Let's put it this way. It's Shim's trademark sense of humor known as slapstick, that in any assessment is the most difficult kind to develop on screen compared to the kind most of us have whether its's dry , sarcastic, witty, or campy. Then again, even if you don't have a sense of humor, you will leave the theater feeling some sense of relief since a minute of laughter usually is enough to feel the same benefits of a work out at the gym! And Shim's brand of comedy developed in The Last Godfather will do that .
However , despite Shim's numerous attempts at directing an entire cast of brilliant talents, one of the major pitfalls that left me a little miffed was that he never brings out the star power of the leading roles and leaves Harvey Keitel's character a little devoid of artistic direction. Plus,it takes two to tango but the pace of the romance between Nancy and Younggu does seem a bit brisk and it doesn't seem that's he's all that interested in his leading lady.
All in all , even though Shim is probably not trying to be the next Korean Francis Ford Coppola, he is smart enough to earn his fair share of accolades for the mastery of CGI displayed in his movies and will surely gain instant recognition from moviegoers worldwide.
Wholesome fun
puhzuuzuu8 December 2022
This movie was a lot of fun to watch. I saw it on Tubi because it has Harvey Keitel in it but Shim Hyung-Rae was actually pretty funny.
It was well edited and i liked the use of color.
The Young-goo character was endearing but i must admit it had a shaky start. But by the end i was won over and i rooted for the guy.
I love the way he solves the conflict with his father and the ending was great.
Jason Mewes was awsome in this, it was a total suprise to see him! He was used excellently and he gave a great preformance! Totally underrated!!!
The gun flipping was 10/10.
I reccomend this movie if your looking for a relief from grim and pessimistic media. It's definitely not the kind of PG you expect though so watch it alone first before showing to your kids. It has mild violence and one scene depicting a sexual act, nothing explicit obviously. Personally i think it's fine, you should be talking to your kids about that yourself anyway.
It was well edited and i liked the use of color.
The Young-goo character was endearing but i must admit it had a shaky start. But by the end i was won over and i rooted for the guy.
I love the way he solves the conflict with his father and the ending was great.
Jason Mewes was awsome in this, it was a total suprise to see him! He was used excellently and he gave a great preformance! Totally underrated!!!
The gun flipping was 10/10.
I reccomend this movie if your looking for a relief from grim and pessimistic media. It's definitely not the kind of PG you expect though so watch it alone first before showing to your kids. It has mild violence and one scene depicting a sexual act, nothing explicit obviously. Personally i think it's fine, you should be talking to your kids about that yourself anyway.
Movie for kids
heav213 April 2011
The director has been making movies for kids.
That's why he doesn't show blood coming out of bodies or bodies getting chopped off in his movies. It's not like he doesn't know how to use those special effects. He's not money-driven enough to break his own rules.
It may be unrealistic for adults to watch, but the director sure knows how to make kids laugh and entertained.
Most kids will love it.
If they don't, they have grown up too quickly.
Hope to see Mr Bean and young-gu act together in the next movie.
That's why he doesn't show blood coming out of bodies or bodies getting chopped off in his movies. It's not like he doesn't know how to use those special effects. He's not money-driven enough to break his own rules.
It may be unrealistic for adults to watch, but the director sure knows how to make kids laugh and entertained.
Most kids will love it.
If they don't, they have grown up too quickly.
Hope to see Mr Bean and young-gu act together in the next movie.
Delightfully awful
ianstewartr30 September 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is bafflingly bad in such a beautiful way. I genuinely am unsure whether they knew this movie would be bad or not. Harvey Keitel plays a mafia don who passes his empire on to his oafish Korean son (who looks about the same age as Keitel) Young-gu. Young-gu is such a bizarre character. His decisions make no sense except to get him into wacky farcical situations. Along the way he falls in love with a woman who is young enough to be his granddaughter. He also literally changes the dynamic of the world (invents the beehive, mini skirt and big mac). I don't know why this movie exists or how it got the quality of stars it has (was this really the best job offer Harvey Keitel got?). This movie is a must watch for fans of very bad movies. The plot is nonsense, the characters motivations boil down to being goofy and the entire premise is flawed. If you want to watch an old Korean man act like a cartoon character and Harvey Keitel try to work around that, I highly recommend The Last Godfather. If you want to watch a good movie, watch literally anything else.
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