You brought donuts to a hostage negotiation? Well, sure. Why not? Kidnappers are people, too, right? Just because you wrest a small child from their loving parent and are prepared to execute the same doesn’t mean you can’t crave a cruller or maybe a chocolate glazed with sprinkles, capsice?
Today’s film is not about donuts, but the Reason they’re a talking point, specifically A Man of Reason. Soo-hyuk (Writer/director/badass Jung Woo-sing) is a reformed mobster who just wants to be a dad. Awwww. But even in South Korea, you just can’t quit the mob.
Soo-hyuk went to jail ten years ago for his boss. And when he gets out, the boss questions his loyalty. Seriously. What does one need to do to prove loyalty, anyway? If ten years in the clink don’t do it, what will. OH, and there’s a second surprise, too. Soo-hyuk became a dad while in prison, and instantly he knows his life: get out of the game and raise his daughter.
This, of course, becomes the plot. Boss don’t like it. Super assassin kidnaps the daughter to force Soo-kyuk’s hand. 
And how much reason is A Man of Reason going to show in these circumstances? Luckily, Soo-hyuk doesn’t phase easy. This guy is quite the “see the mission through” kinda guy, which is good, cuz everybody wants to kill him, it seems.
Also, he’s pretty hard to kill, like all protagonists in action films.
As the film is written, directed, and stars a man who plays like an unkillable stoic action figure … would I call A Man of Reason a vanity piece? Yes, I think so. Does this detract from my enjoyment of the movie? Yes, I think so. Would I still recommend this film? Yes, I think so. Am I done saying, “Yes, I think so?” Yes, I think so.
There once was a small-time mobster
Who sought freedom, just like a store lobster
But his boss wasn’t hip
At this disloyal slip
And ended up getting smacked, gob-ster
NotRated, 103 Minutes
Director: Jung Woo-sung
Writer: Jung Hae-sin, Jung Woo-sung
Genre: Quitting the mob
Type of being most likely to enjoy this film: Tough guys
Type of being least likely to enjoy this film: Mob bosses
