“Handsome Guys” – A Horror-Comedy Filled with Laughter
Handsome Guys is a horror-comedy film where two brothers, Kang Jae Pil (played by Lee Sung Min) and Kang Sang Gu (played by Lee Hee Joon), are mistaken for psychopathic killers due to their unattractive appearances. Directed by Nam Dong Hyub, this is his debut project and a remake of the 2010 Canadian-American film Tucker & Dale vs. Evil.
The story follows the Kang brothers, who consider themselves “handsome guys,” as they move from the city to a rural area. On their first day in their new home, a supernatural phenomenon is awakened in their basement, leading to a series of comedic and terrifying events.
The film cleverly blends elements of horror, comedy, and thriller. The characters of Jae Pil and Sang Gu, though menacing in appearance, are actually kind-hearted and enjoy keeping their home clean. However, when they encounter a girl named Mina (played by Gong Seung Yeon), she mistakes them for killers due to their looks.
After saving Mina by a lake, the brothers are wrongly suspected of being “psychopathic kidnappers” by her group of friends. The friends plot revenge and report them to the police. This leads to a series of accidental deaths within Mina’s group, including one person being impaled by a tree branch and another falling into a wood chipper.
What seemed like a dream home for the brothers turns into a nightmare, filled with life-threatening incidents. Despite the chaos, they maintain a positive attitude and work together to overcome the challenges.
The film uses the characters’ appearances to criticize societal prejudice and discrimination. The Kang brothers, though rough-looking and awkward, are actually gentle and warm-hearted. In contrast, the college students, who are good-looking, are portrayed as selfish and materialistic.
The cast delivers solid performances, with Lee Sung Min and Lee Hee Joon bringing humor through their dialogue and facial expressions. Their portrayal evokes empathy in scenes that require deeper emotional engagement. Gong Seung Yeon convincingly plays Mina, showcasing both innocence and bravery. Supporting actors Park Ji Hwan and Lee Kyu Hyung, who play police officers, add to the film’s entertainment value with their investigation scenes.
The film’s visual effects and sound design contribute to a realistic and eerie atmosphere, though it avoids excessive use of jumpscares. The pacing remains consistent, and while it retains elements from the original Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, it also introduces culturally relevant details for a Korean audience and criticizes the issue of substance abuse among youth.
Critics have generally praised Handsome Guys. As determined by The Korea Herald, the humor is a standout feature, offering a fresh experience for those unfamiliar with the original film while preserving the spirit of the source material. The Korea Times highlighted the performances of Lee Sung Min and Lee Hee Joon as key factors in the film’s success, noting their ability to convey a wide range of emotions.
However, the film has some shortcomings. The horror elements are somewhat underdeveloped, leading to moments where the film loses tension. Additionally, the music doesn’t always enhance the atmosphere of the scenes.
Despite these issues, Handsome Guys has been a box office hit in South Korea, ranking among the top five highest-grossing films of the year. Upon its release in late June, it attracted 1.77 million viewers.
