Is A Salaryman Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1962)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Drama cinema, the 1962 release of A Salaryman stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into A man is a chief of accounting who does business honestly, never cheating anyone in his 10 years at the company. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "A man is a chief of accounting who does business honestly, never cheating anyone in his 10 years at the company. But his boss is a completely different man. Regarding him as an obstacle keeping him from stealing the company's money, the boss lays a trap to get him fired. The boss' plot is successful. Now jobless, he and his family suffer a lot. But not long after, the president of the company finds out what's been going on. He comes to see him to apologize and lets him know that he is not only reinstated but also promoted."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Bang Seong-ja provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Lee Bong-rae is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 98 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is A Salaryman truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, A Salaryman explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1962 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Lee Bong-rae respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, A Salaryman is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Bang Seong-ja or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, A Salaryman is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.