Slight hint in the film name perhaps...? Or not?
Cha Seung Won is Yoon Jiwook, a tough detective who uses his advanced martial arts skills to catch the criminals. He is feared and admired by many. However what they don't realise is that Jiwook wants to change into a woman. It's been a lifelong dream of his and through flashbacks we discover how and why this particular idea has come about. Right before taking the plunge to pay for the operation to turn into a woman, thugs Jiwook had previously dealt with want to take him out permanently and threaten those close to him to the point where he has to delay the big change.
Having seen Cha Seung Won in more serious roles where he is the villain or anti-hero with toughness and charisma, I was undoubtedly curious to see how he would fare as a transgender. Applying the make-up when he experiments with his alter-ego definitely progresses over time, becoming more feminine. This is something I noticed when I watched another transgender-themed film by the name of Breakfast On Pluto. Cha Seung Won strutting in heels with lipstick and eye-shadow - it worked when he went all out with his femininity. I always give kudos to any actor or actress who bravely challenges themselves with roles that go beyond their usual style.
The gore and brutality in the film is simmered with the comedic dialogue pops up now and then and there is a deep reflection on gender identity crisis and the exploration on transgenders. If there was one particular thing I wasn't particularly satisfied with, it would be the ending. I really wanted more details on how things turned out that way. Right after the big battle there was a time jump and you have to fill in the middle part yourselves. The ending was almost rushed / a cop-out, though I imagine the director wanted the viewer to work things out themselves since it was supposedly easy to solve.
For male actors (especially heterosexual ones) who may appear 'alpha male' a lot but go for particular roles that dabble with LGBTQ or anything else out of the ordinary, I do give a little salute to them. I was always a fan of Cha Seung Won as an actor so for him to play this role impressed me more.
Do give Man On High Heels a try if you like violent copper films mixed with comedy relief and a nod to transgender identity.
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