In the bustling city of Busan, South Korea, there is a hidden world of skilled drivers who handle tasks that the post office would never dare touch. Among them is Eun-ha, a tough and capable young woman played by the talented Park So-dam. Eun-ha may appear to be an ordinary garage employee, but she possesses a unique set of skills that make her one of the best in the business.
"Special Delivery" takes us into Eun-ha's dangerous world as she embarks on a seemingly routine delivery...
job. Little does she know that this particular job will prove to be far more perilous than she could have ever imagined. While waiting for her client, a young boy desperately runs toward her car, signaling that something is terribly wrong. Despite her initial instinct to leave him behind, Eun-ha's compassion leads her to take the boy under her protection.
It becomes clear that the boy is the client's son, entrusted with an incriminating piece of evidence against a powerful and dangerous figure. Both Eun-ha and the boy find themselves pursued by a relentless group of thugs determined to reclaim the evidence. Eun-ha could have taken the easy route, handing the boy over to her boss's associate, but she chooses to take a riskier path to keep him safe.
Director Park Dae-min masterfully crafts a thrilling series of events as Eun-ha must outwit her adversaries to protect herself and the boy. While the focus may not be solely on her driving skills as expected, the film compensates with a gripping action sequence that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The physical impacts are vividly conveyed, thanks to the commendable work from the director and crew.
As Eun-ha and the boy grow closer during their perilous journey, their relationship becomes a significant aspect of the film. Eun-ha, despite her tough exterior, starts to care deeply for the boy, and he relies on her as his only source of help. This tender bond between Park So-dam and young actor Jeong Hyeon-jun, who previously appeared in "Parasite," is palpable on screen, bringing an added layer of emotional depth to the story.
Alongside the stellar performances of the main cast, "Special Delivery" boasts a talented supporting ensemble that adds color and depth to the film. Although I won't spoil their roles, Kim Eui-sung, Song Sae-byeok, Han Hyun-min, Yeon Woo-jin, and Yeom Hye-ran deliver memorable performances that enhance the overall experience. And let's not forget the grumpy pet cat that steals the scene, eliciting a smile or two.
Overall, "Special Delivery" delivers on its promise of entertainment, captivating viewers from beginning to end. While some moments may not align with reality, it does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the film. As my friend and I left the theater after watching this thrilling ride, we agreed that "Special Delivery" is undeniably entertaining, leaving no doubt that audiences around the world will feel the same.