Gate ~ The Crime of the Century? (Not Really.)

“Gate” is a 2018 Korean movie, categorized as Crime and Comedy; and streaming on Freevee and Tubi TV (platforms that stream free content with ads). SUMMARY: If you can steal my money from me, can you steal her money for me? ♦ A Loan Shark Can Be Reasonable (NOT!) So-Eun is down on her luck. It isn’t bad enough that she got fired from her part-time job, but her roommate, Mi-Ae, took out a loan with a loan shark. When So-Eun gets to her apartment, two thugs are standing outside trying to get inside. Oh no! What has Mi-Ae done? It’s just a loan of about $100,000 ($70,000 plus interest). The guys work for Min-Wook, and they want his money! If the debtor can’t pay, they are willing to harvest their organs instead. So-Eun tells the men to go away, and she’ll make sure they get their money. She vouches for her roommate.
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I had fun watching Gate! I wasn’t expecting it to be so silly, but once I understood that it’s not a serious crime movie, I started to enjoy it. The group trying to steal from a loan shark and then joining him for a bigger heist? That’s crazy, but in a good way! The cast had great chemistry. I really liked So-Eun and her dad’s complicated relationship. Even if the movie was over-the-top, I appreciated the story about a daughter trying to survive and a father trying to make up for past mistakes. It felt warm under all the madness. I also liked the message: never underestimate regular people. They can be clever and strong when needed.

When I saw Gate last year, I thought it was strange but fascinating. I respect the plot's attempt to blend comedy and crime, even though it doesn't always succeed. The most important character, in my opinion, is So-Eun's, and I liked watching her change from victim to activist. I sensed the film's message, which is about surviving, unjust systems, and broken people helping one another—even when they aren't flawless. Additionally, I think Gyu-Cheol's character is well crafted. Despite his confusion, he is bold and generous.

Perhaps the exaggerated depiction of the loan shark was intended to highlight the cruelty and greed of those in positions of authority. Although I don't always enjoy the humor, I believe the actors gave it their best go.

So we’re supposed to believe that a mentally disabled ex-prosecutor, a broke part-timer, an ex-con dad, and his shady friend suddenly become master thieves? Sure, why not. I get that it’s a comedy, but this one pushed it too far. The jokes didn’t land for me, and the characters seemed to act randomly just to move the plot. I didn’t care about anyone. Even the bad guy felt like a cartoon. I watched it all the way, but I kept rolling my eyes. Not my kind of humor, sorry.