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THE GOLDEN HOLIDAY IN SUMMARY
This Korean film was released in South Korea in 2020, with Kwak Do Won (Byeong-soo) as the main character along with Kim Dae-Myung, Kim Sang-ho, and Kim Hee-won. This movie is about a Korean cop who celebrated his 10th anniversary in the Philippines with his wife and child. He is also in search of his friend that fled to the Philippines after he scammed him. But in a twist of fate, his holiday vacation turns into a hunting expedition when he was accused of murder after he was involved with a criminal organization that hunts for the famous Yamashita treasure. And the story goes on with his retaliation to prove his innocence and finding the treasure.
THE BRIGHT SPOTS
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Filipinos love Korean films and dramas. To think that a Korean movie will be filmed in our country is exciting. It makes us proud. The Golden Holiday was indeed packed with veteran Korean actors that we often see in K-dramas. Most of them are familiar faces. And for them to cast Filipino actors was a good strategy to make the host country involved.
Mon Confiado, a Filipino veteran character actor, made his debut in a South Korean film through this movie. He has played antagonist roles excellently. Loren Burgus, an actress and a former beauty queen, was also cast to play the character of Stellar. Christian Villete, and Fredie Abao, not-so-popular actors, were also cast for the roles of jobless persons who hang around.
Highlighting the famous Yamashita treasure in the story is also reviving our country’s history in the eyes of treasure-hunters. Though some experts have dismissed the existence of the treasure, many still believe that it is hidden somewhere in the Philippines. Only time could tell when it will resurface and shock the world.
This movie also featured our prime tourist spots in Coron, Palawan, and Manila. This will help boost interest in viewers in South Korea. South Koreans are the leading tourists of the Philippines.
THE GLOOMY SIDE
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Aside from being known as a perfect vacation spot, the idea that our country is a hideaway for criminals from South Korea is a bit bothering. It was not only in this movie where they refer to the Philippines as an escape place. But in some Korean dramas, the Philippines was also mentioned for the same reason. It was all a movie, yes it was, but it has put our country in a negative light. Like how pickpocketing is a tourist’s problem to deal with when visiting our country. Although this crime was always a problem in crowded places. Police lieutenant Martinez (played by Mon Confiado) made deals with Patrick and made the evidence disappear to clear the name of Byeong-soo, put our police force on a downslope.
CONCLUSION
All in all, the movie was entertaining to watch. Though it was not as comedic as I expected it to be, still, you cannot hide the fact that each actor has portrayed their characters well enough to consider this movie a must-watch one. This is also a good promotion to attract tourists, not just from Southeast Asia, but also around the world. Check the movie out and find out for yourself if you can agree to this review.
Source: The Golden Holiday
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