I watched this film twice. That's how much I loved it. If you're looking for a film about local politics that actually isn't too heavy or depressing to watch, I highly recommend "롱 리브 더 킹: 목포 영웅 (Long Live the King: Mokpo Hero)".

I love films and dramas with cold-turned-warm gangsters who were always inherently good but battled with the hardships of life, poverty and being outcasts of society. There is something about changing your old ways, shedding an old, shameful skin and "being reborn" that attracts me. Perhaps, it is a reminder that everyone and anyone can be a better person if they strive to be. This film is reminiscent of that. If you are a sucker for this trope, get onto this movie.

The only thing I would say is that the film is quite mild and predictable. The film does attempt to dissect politics, corruption and "the evils of capitalism" in the two hours it's got, but the coverage is general and only serves to frame the plot (it is really only scratching at the surface of those issues). However, given the style of the film, I don't think the film was designed to really unravel that. I think people tend to forget that it is a story of self-discovery and romance (even if the romance was subtle) so if you were looking for a thriller, this is not it.

While the film was not exactly riveting, the self-discovery and personal development that our main lead undergoes was pleasant to watch. The development did lack some depth but it was heart-felt and for me, that was all that mattered.

Lastly, I was surprised to hear the pop classic and my 십팔번, "사랑한다는 말 (The Words I Love You)" during the film and ending credits (a lovely song for a lovely film).