User reviews

The DVD box says: "This film either serves as a political parable about Korean society, a microcosm of Korean social problems or, alternately, just a hell of a lot of fun." I couldn't sum it up any better.

"Attack the Gas Station!" can be many things... or nothing at all. Therein lies the mark of a great work of art. I'm not familiar with Korean politics or society, so I can't comment on whether it's a fitting allegory for those... but I personally saw this film as a brilliant "immorality play" and definitely a lot of fun.

Like the classic morality plays of the 15th century, it uses characters to personify certain human virtues & vices. However, unlike a classic morality play which is supposed to teach a moral lesson, "Attack the Gas Station!" draws no moral conclusions ...except maybe that you should never p*ss off Chinese food delivery boys. They can get nasty.

Instead of moralizing over right & wrong, this film simply tells it like it is. The plot & premise is summed up in the title: a bunch of hoodlums decide to attack a gas station. They do it for no real reason other than "just because". If you're a fan of Camus ("The Stranger") and certain other influential writers of the 20th century, already you see an interesting theme of existentialism here.

As the film progresses, we see that theme become more powerful. Characters answer to no higher morality other than their own individual instincts. Good & bad become irrelevant. Actions, reactions and situations seem almost random. Folks, if I were to teach a 10th grade English class about Existentialism, I'd say to heck with Camus, Sartre & all those heady books... just watch "Attack the Gas Station!" and have a blast.

On the flip side, if you watch this movie and try to judge what's right & wrong, you may hate it. Like "Pulp Fiction" the lines of right & wrong are erased, and often the most likable characters are the ones who are doing horrible things.

OK, enough of that deep stuff. Let's assume the movie is just intended to be "a hell of a lot of fun". It's definitely a comedy, but the comedy isn't in your face. It's more like an absurdist comedy where the situations are so bizarre you can't help but laugh. In that respect it reminded me of Buñuel's 1962 surrealist classic "Exterminating Angel". In the DVD interview, the director of "Attack the Gas Station!" states that the gas station is designed to represent a fantasy bubble, separate from the rest of the world, where peoples' true natures come out and anything goes.

Also in the DVD interview, he mentions that each of the 4 main characters represents a different emotional aspect, and the 4 put together represent a complete individual. I can't remember exactly who represents what, and you'll probably have more fun figuring that out for yourself, but for example "Mad Dog" may represent frustration, "Rock Star" may represent regret, etc.

The presentation itself is stylish, hip and fast paced, like an MTV video. It may remind you of "Amelie" or other Jean-Pierre Jeunet films (who, himself, claims to be influenced by Japanese and Korean films). If you're familiar with Asian cinema, think of "Kamikaze Girls" or "Cutie Honey (live action)". But there are also some sober moments giving us time to reflect on the deeper significance... if there is any.

Like I said, "Attack the Gas Station!" can be many things... or nothing at all. The best part is that it doesn't pretend to be anything, so it's up to you. I highly recommend it for a philosophical/socio-political mind trip as well as a mindless action-comedy flick. See it if you get the chance.

A group of 4 dissatisfied and bored youths set out to smash up and demolish an all night gas station. They soon find that they can make more money if they pose as staff, fuel peoples vehicles and keep the earnings.

The film is constantly amusing and entertaining with some great characters that, despite being nameless (except for 'Bulldozer') are still likable, regardless of their motives. That may sound odd, as after-all, the 4 lead characters are technically the bad guys of the film due to the fact that they are out causing trouble simply because they are bored. And yet you feel no animosity towards them and they are all likable and entertaining right from the start without any need to build up any sympathies for them. There are some tiny flashback moments, and while these may explain some of the characters motivation, the movie would of worked just as well without them.

The movie is well shot and well acted and keeps up its amusing, entertaining pace throughout its almost 2 hour duration.

There are many great moments littered throughout. I especially liked a scene where one of the characters breaks open a vending machine to steal the change, which he subsequently uses in another vending machine to buy a drink.

Other highlights include things such as, the best way to get a bit of background music whilst they are working and why Pepsi might be Korean.

The events that unfold at the gas station are a clever social commentary on the state of Korea, the gas station itself actually representing the country and the people representing the North or South and other nations.

Those that don't pick up on the message (I didn't the first time I watched it), or don't care about the social commentary should still enjoy this as it is an excellent, funny and entertaining movie. The only downside for me is that the subtitles on my version seem to suffer from being poorly translated at times, but that doesn't detract from understanding events or from the enjoyment of the film overall.

Taking a single location and having all this chaos erupt turns Attack the Gas Station! into one of the more entertaining foreign films to come out in a long time. With many surreal and absurdist moments, the film is hilarious to boot, while offering some insight into Korean culture.

Unfortunately, much of the humour doesn't translate properly, while many of the cultural nuances will be lost on a non-Korean audience member. Although Ddan-Ra being chastized for drinking Pepsi and supporting American companies, while he defends himself because the Pepsi logo vaguely resembles the mark on the South Korean flag, should be understood by most.

After a conversation with a person more versed in Korean culture, it is easy to see how much gets lost on the non-Korean viewer. The four central characters, set up as a group of tough-guys, play elementary school games during their seige of the gas station (the syllable game, the paper-scissors-rock variant, etc.). While amusing, they don't hold much resonance for a non-Korean viewer, but for a Korean viewer, are much easier to identify with.

Sadly, Sang-Jin Kim's follow-up, "Kick the Moon", lacks much of the absurdism and satire of AtGS, instead punching up the level of violence.

I can definitely see the cult potential of this movie but is the actual movie itself being that good? Not really.

Of course it's a very entertaining movie to watch but also a real simple and shallow one. It isn't being that terribly clever with its story and it mostly purely relies on its main concept of having a bunch of anarchist youngsters taking over a gas station, holding employees and costumers prisoned, while a whole bunch of other crazy stuff is happening. And yes, the concept of the movie does make this movie fun but in terms of being a comedy, this movie really isn't being clever or even funny enough.

The movie doesn't do a very good job with fleshing out its characters or making them interesting or compelling ones. It makes the whole movie a quite distant one to watch and it also turns it a bit into a long sit, even though the movie itself is just under 2 hours, so nothing that long in itself actually.

The story itself just doesn't ever take the trouble to take itself serious or believable. This is of course the right approach for a comedy of this sort to take but it actually more often comes across as some lazy writing. Seriously, these guys didn't even had real weapons but yet nobody attempts seriously to escape, even though the numbers are being heavily in their favor. And sometimes characters just disappear out of the story or add nothing to it at all. In the end, the movie does feel like an ultimately pointless one.

It was also obviously a quite cheap movie to make, which can mostly been seen back in the entire way and style the movie got shot in. Most of the people involved with this movie come across as talented ones but they still made tons of mistakes with this movie. At multiple times throughout the movie its clearly getting day, while the entire movie is supposed to be set during one night and it shouldn't be in the morning till at the very end of the movie.

So plenty of criticism about this movie, yet it was still one that I enjoyed watching. Despite everything, I regard this movie as a perfect one to kill some time with. It doesn't stand out in any way but it at least is something unlike anything else. Despite that the movie is not being really clever with its story or concept, it's still being an original movie to watch. This of course has also everything to do with the fact that you are watching a South Korean movie here, so it's unlike anything else that you would usually watch or would expect to see (unless you are Korean yourself of course). And yes, there are also definitely being some good and fun moments in this movie, that help to make it an entertaining one to watch.

But in truth the movie did really seem to have far more potential in it. It seemed to try to make some statement regarding human/group behavior and it almost seemed to me as if it was going for a "A Clockwork Orange" done more comedy-style, like approach. Needless to say that the movie does not really work out as a social commentary but does this take away any of the fun of this movie? I think not.

6/10

http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/

Its been a while since I've commented on IMDb, the only excuse I have for that is that no film in the past year or two has moved me, or even made me want to comment at all on here.

Well I'm back at it and might I say its an uplifting return. "Attack the Gas Station" by Kim Sang-Jin was above and beyond what I expected for a pick off the blockbuster wall. This film takes you from the beginning all the way to the end, at first you really don't like these protagonist, but near the end you want to join their gang.

Anarchy is an understatement here, The film centers around 4 guys who have all grown a grudge with society for one reason or another, and one night decide to take it out on a little gas station and the enviorment around that station.

This film is awesome, and if you really want to have a good time(Laugh, Root, and Edge of your seat action) WATCH THIS MOVIE.... out of a possible 10, I give it a sparkling DIME!

Don't know what took me so long to watch this film, but it was sure worth the wait.

This movie is so awesome. The anarchy, the insanity and pure emotions unleashed throughout the film. All of these factors make the movie both extremely entertaining and tantalizing. Yes, I agree that this is definitely a morally bankrupt flick, but you actually feel satisfied, and I mean like cartharsis, after the credits that roll finally end(yea, you gotta see the credits too)

Above all, this is one of the best comedies I have ever seen in my life so far. And it's got a great soundtrack too :)

Go Bulldozer! "I only attack one!"

This is a comedy ... but then again, not to everyones taste. The jokes/humor here on display, will offend many and is sometimes hurtful to watch. Some things might get lost to western audiences, since this is a Korean production!

There is many things, that might pull you off, because this is nothing you can expect really. For once there is the (occasional) arbitrary violence! Of course this is meant, as a social commentary, but it didn't feel right to me or the mood of the movie. Then again, the mood of the movie changes, from fun to violent, in no time! And back again! Although I'm not disappointed watching this movie, I can't just recommend it, because of it's flaws and comically drawn characters! Speaking of which, one of the "main" actors here, is played by the guy who was the villain in "Old Boy" (by Park Chan Wook)!

I've been on the IMDb since 2001 and have written very few reviews, but this movie was so bad that I feel compelled to warn everyone I can. I can honestly say that this movie has no redeeming features and is one of the worst movies I have ever seen.

You've already seen the plot outline, but it doesn't give tell you enough.

You've got 4 thugs who rob a gas station, then decide to stay and work there all night, presumably to make some money. Of course, given their violent carefree tendencies, they would logically just go rob some other business. Instead, they stay and willingly work a crappy service sector job that most people don't want.

Their staying there is mostly a vehicle to provide encounters with obnoxious customers, à la Clerks, but any comedic value in these is squandered.

The biggest flaw would be the characters. The protagonists are just violent and obnoxious thugs with no charisma whatsoever. The growing group of hostages consists of one-dimensional whimpering crybabies, which wears thin very fast. There isn't a single likable person among the whole cast.

After 45 minutes of pointless slapstick with nary a funny occurrence, the film takes a wild stab at character development, showing why these thugs are the way they are. But it's all very shallow and perfunctory.

The technical aspects of the film are also severely wanting. The camera-work is rough and jarring, the editing is mess and the lighting (or lack of it) is a disaster.

The "comedy" is repetitive and unfunny, the cast is totally unlikeable and the whole movie is an aimless mess. I watched the whole thing in hopes that it would improve. It doesn't. In the end, it's just a lame and boring disaster. There are many good Korean films. Go rent a different one.

Hilarious comedy of disaffected youth in Korea. Stylish and action packed (and a close second to Glengarry Glen Ross in the most swearing stakes). Bored again after their first attack on the gas station our 4 heroes return and start running the place with the staff held hostage - the situation begins to go out of control after run ins with the local gangsters, the "delivery boys union" and the cops. If this film comes within 100 miles of you don't miss it!

This is a rather mediocre film, that doesn't has a lot going for it. It taps into a kind of anarchic 80's sensibility, and that is it's only selling point. The leading quartet is not very likable, and their, at times, sadistic behavior towards their hostages leaves a rather crude impression of the filmmakers.

The only ones who have a chance of really liking this film, are troubled teenagers at odds with the world. And even they could do a whole lot better.

The plot goes nowhere really, and it doesn't help that you're stuck in the goddamn gas station for the whole movie. I know it is 'that' kind of movie, but it could be done more charming and interesting.

this korean movie was different then i thought it was i was in for some kind of crime action movie but it turned out to be a comedy, with a crime element to it. i thought it was great. quite a different plot, not what americans are used to, i wasnt used to it. who would go back to the gas station they robbed previously to rob it again? but this makes for an interest movie, and how to deal with people who want gas and various other things that happen during the movie, this was great 8/10

"Attack the Gas Station!" is not only the most entertaining film Korea has produced during it's recent industry boom, but one of the most fun, tongue in cheek, genre-aware action/comedies from anywhere since heck knows when. Serving as both a parody of siege/hostage films and a camp action extravaganza in it's own right, ATGS moves at breakneck speed, leaving not a dull moment as the quartet of luckless youths try to avoid detection and learn running a gas station isn't as easy as it seems.

Despite feeling like an effective throwback to American cult B cinema of the 1970s and 80s - namely the works of Walter Hill and John Carpenter, ATGS also has such a refreshing, contemporary feeling and a razor sharp sense of humour that I can't think how the film can possibly get boring or how anyone could not enjoy it.

If I had to watch one film on a loop for the rest of my life, this would be a strong contender. By the time the end credits rolled (and they came VERY quickly), I wanted to watch the film again, and again. There isn't anything bad I can say about ATGS, and my words cannot do it justice. I can't remember the last time I was this entertained by a film. If "Attack the Gas Station!" doesn't restore your faith in cinema, and the human race in general, I can't think what will.

Four guys decide to attack a gas station. It's quite interesting. I think its a comedy. Yeah. So it's good to watch if you are looking for something light.

other's have very nicely described what this movie is about, so I'll keep it simple. This movie got me hooked into watching other great korean movies like "chin goo(friend), my sassy girl....etc. it's was very funny and entertaining to me, who wasn't too exposed to korean cinema.

'Attack The Gas Station' is a marvellous movie, and uncommonly difficult to describe.

It's what would result if you gave Quentin Tarantino a sense of humour and a sense of good taste. And improved his ability to direct. And gave him good actors to work with. And an impeccable writer.

The English subtitles are odd. At times their errors are amusing, and add something to the movie; at other times there has evidently been painstaking care taken to make the subtitles at least try to make sense - the attempt at translating a vocalised word-game is, while not perfect, a surprisingly good try.

I've never before seen a movie constructed of a montage of separate scenes that came together so well as a whole. If only it weren't so hard to find this one.

This is actually the first Korean movie i ever saw, and it was really hilarious. If this is Korean crazy comedy, I want to see more. Recommended if you don't hate "foreign" film.

a riot. literally. there's little more that can be done to a gas station maintaining good taste. the single location of this film has thoroughly been put to use. every development only escalates the level of trouble the four antiheroes get themselves in, and its exhilirating to see them face every new challenge with the same bravura.

I managed to get through about 2/3 of this terrible movie before deciding that I'd go for a root canal to improve my day. The title covers the plot. There is nothing, but absolutely nothing humorous about four thugs beating up and endlessly intimidating the gas station employees. I can't imagine that anyone with an IQ above the single digits would find this amusing. I have enjoyed many Korean movies and expected something fun given the glowing reviews. I can only think that these were written by folks with some stake in this sad performance.

On the surface, this tale of a brutal gang who rob a gas station (hence the name!) and take the workers hostage appears to be just another been-there, seen-that Asian thriller, but underneath there's a soft centre waiting to be discovered - short vignettes give us clues as to how these thugs came to be this way, one of the hostages learns to stand up for himself, characters who are even nastier than the robbers end up worst off, and even the thugs themselves get a shot a redemption. OK, it's not especially profound, and like so many Asian films, it suffers from an inconsistency of tone (lashings of violence, swearing, slapstick comedy and musical numbers make for a strange mix) which might alienate some western viewers, but it's fast-moving, never boring, surprising in all the right places and a definite recommendation for a fun evening's viewing.