Movie Review: T.O.P Delivers Well-Crafted Acting In ‘Tazza : The Hidden Card’
Big Bang member T.O.P (Choi Seung Hyun) proves that he is more than just another acting idol by demonstrating nuanced emotional range in “Tazza: The Hidden Card.” “Tazza: The Hidden Card” (Tazza 2) like “The Divine Move,” places a heavy emphasis on the downside of professional gambling. While the focus of “The Divine Move” was the Korean board game baduk, “Tazza: The Hidden Card” looks at the realm of professional Go-Stop players.
T.O.P portrays Dae Gil, a small time hustler, who has been swindling people on a small scale since his childhood. His primary motivation for hustling is his uncle, who achieved notoriety outside of the community through his epic gambling battles. Later in his gambling career, Dae Gil learns that the story of his uncle is used as a cautionary tale for the trappings of easy money.
During his life in the small town, Dae Gil is employed as a Chinese food deliveryman, who also plays small stakes games. He meets Heo Mi Na, portrayed by actress Shin Se Kyung, during a hometown game. Dae Gil instantly falls in love with Mi Na, while she appears to be unfazed by his attention.
Shin Se Kyung delivers an uncharacteristic jaded and cynical performance throughout “Tazza: The Hidden Card.” From her first scenes, Min Na starkly contrasts with the vibrant exuberance that Shin Se Kyung has shown for her role as feisty game developer Son Se Dong in “Blade Man.” The polarization of the two roles provides context for Korean drama viewers who are watching “Tazza: The Hidden Card.” Shin Se Kyung is more mature in “Tazza” than most of her previous roles, from the beginning of the move to the end.
T.O.P is known for his borderline robotic emotionality during his performance with Big Bang, which prompted audiences to think he would be the best casting choice for the rumored “Absolute Boyfriend” adaptation. In “Tazza: The Hidden Card” he also goes against type, presenting a multifaceted perspective into the life of Dae Gil. T.O.P plays the character of Dae Gil with sorrow during some scenes and humor in others, while also not showing any fear of destroying his well cultivated pretty boy image.
As the photo teasers promised, “Tazza: The Hidden Card” has more than one shirtless scene involving T.O.P. Fans of T.O.P are aware that the conservative rapper has cultivated the image as one of K-Pop’s sexiest idols, while never shedding his clothes. One standout scene for “Tazza: The Hidden Card” involves a sexually charged exchange between Dae Gil and a presumedly wealthy divorcee played by Honey Lee (Lee Ha Nui). The scene injects bawdy humor into the film, helping to break up the heavy subject matter. Scenes such as this one enables “Tazza: The Hidden Card” to avoid the pitfall of the Korean noir gambling film, which can often be so dark that female audiences begin to tune out.
“Tazza: The Hidden Card” benefits from the strength of a seasoned acting cast, in addition to T.O.P and Shin Se Kyung. Actor Yoo Hae Jin of “The Pirates” and “The Flu” is Ko Gwang Reol, a gambler who appears to be less jaded than the rest but in reality is not. K-Drama viewers will recognize actor Oh Jung Se of “Plus Nine Boys,” in the role of the shady gambling den manager, Director Seo. Oh Jung Se previously acted in the television version of “Tazza.”
The film takes many twists to conclude with an unanticipated ending. The hype surrounding T.O.P and “Tazza: The Hidden Card” was definitely warranted, making the film a must see for fans of Big Bang, as well as Korean film buffs.
“Tazza: The Hidden Card” continues to be screened in select U.S. locations, with special fan screenings also occurring in Dallas and Washington.
“Tazza: The Hidden Card” is not rated but due to realistic depictions of violence and sexuality, parental discretion is advised.
Rating: Not Rated Run Time: 147 Minutes
