Foreign Detective
| Foreign Detective | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Ania Pakulski |
| Written by | Katiuscia Alderisi |
| Produced by | Adam Lavrenty |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Feliks Wojewoda |
| Edited by | Felicja Pakulski |
| Music by | Janina Pasternack |
Production company | Ascension Production |
| Distributed by | Ascension Production |
Release date | 1 March 2023 |
Running time | 120 minutes |
| Countries | Breheim, Malgrave. |
| Languages | Malgravean Ancient, Mystrian Common, Breheimian |
Foreign Detective is a 2023 drama film starring Rhee Chae-Yeong, Kim Hye-jin and Even Sørensen. Foreign Detective forms part of a series of recently produced films set in the Breheimian Republic, a location often used by filmmakers to showcase different elements of Malgravean society by comparing it to something vastly different.
History
Foreign Detective was first proposed in 2019 with scenes set to be filmed in the Research Colony to reduce filming costs, however, regional crisis and pressure from trade union groups resulted in the project being delayed and filming being moved to genuine locations in the Breheimian Republic.
Foreign Detective was filmed in 2022, with assistance from local Breheimian and Malgravean officials. It was released in early 2023 with Breheimian theatres being given an advanced copy of the film, a measure which was used during the release of Unity? in 2019.
Synopsis
Foreign Detective starts by showcasing Kim Eun-Yeong's (Kim Hye-jin) journey from Malgrave to rural Breheim, with the detective seen boarding multiple methods of transport with declining levels of sophistication, as the journey starts on an advanced hypersonic airliner and ends in an ancient SRM-era taxi.
It is soon revealed that Eun-Yeong has switched careers, with the Malgravean taking up a detective position in Breheim after resigning from their position in Malgrave. Initially, the film focuses a little on Eun-Yeong's attempts to settle in to her new life in Breheim and get-used to how different life is, however life quickly picks up when a local prominent resident and their child is found murdered and Eun-Yeong is soon put on the case by her superior.
Eun-Yeong initially makes good progress in the case, however, during her off-work hours she is constantly pestered by a local child who appears to lack any parents or guardian figures. After some investigations, Eun-Yeong eventually decides to look after the child (who Eun-Yeong discovers is called Ingrid) until she can find her parents.
Matters are made even more complicated when Eun-Yeong's ex-girlfriend turns up at her house. Lee Chae-Yeong's (Rhee Chae-Yeong) surprise at the presence of Ingrid quickly turns to anger when she discovers that Eun-Yeong is still heavily drinking and the two have a massive argument which results in Chae-Yeong leaving and returning to her hotel.
Unknown to Eun-Yeong the entire affair is being watched by Torstein Kristiansen (Erik Berntsen), a local business owner who quickly reports his findings to the local media. In response to the public pressure caused by this scandal, Eun-Yeong's superior Steinar Larsen (Even Sørensen) has no choice but to remove Eun-Yeong from the case.
Left devastated by this news and her private life being released to the public, Eun-Yeong travels to the hotel Chae-Yeong is staying at intent on making her feelings known, however, instead of having an argument the two end up rekindling their romantic relationship and together start to have a conversation on their future.
It is at this point which Eun-Yeong is reminded of a piece of evidence she thought was insignificant earlier on in the film, a matchbook that Ingrid found which includes advertising for a local business. Inspired Eun-Yeong returns to Steinar Larsen and with the support of Chae-Yeong is able to present the evidence which links Torstein Kristiansen to the killing.
Upon being confronted by his crimes by Steinar Larsen, Torstein Kristiansen starts to transform into a Breheimian dragon and brags about how his riches and power will wipe Steinar from the face of the earth. Steinar delivers some witty one-liners as he beats Torstein to a pulp with his bare hands. After Torstein is defeated he explodes which results in another series of massive explosions as the dragons own property was rigged to explode upon his death.
After successfully catching the murderer Eun-Yeong's reputation in the local area is restored. At the end of the film Eun-Yeong is shown living together with Chae-Yeong and Ingrid, an unconventional situation in Breheim but one which has earned the respect of the local community.
Characters/Cast
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Kim Hye-jin as Kim Eun-Yeong | Kim Eun-Yeong is a new arrival to Breheim, with the detective arriving in Breheim for the first time at the start of the film. It is not known why Eun-Yeong decided to quit her position in Malgrave and work in Breheim, however, it is known to be linked to her alcoholism. |
| Rhee Chae-Yeong as Lee Chae-Yeong | Lee Chae-Yeong is introduced as Eun-Yeong's ex-girlfriend who broke up with her after tensions arose in their relationship back home over Eun-Yeong's refusal to talk about her problems. Chae-Yeong still deeply cares about Eun-Yeong which leads to them rekindling their relationship, and at the end of the film she is able to convince Eun-Yeong to seek professional help. |
| Even Sørensen as Steinar Larsen | Steinar Larsen is Eun-Yeongs boss and helps introduce Eun-Yeong to Breheim alongside providing some assistance in the early stages of the investigation. Steinar's respect for Eun-Yeong eventually leads him to accepting her evidence. Steinar takes part in an action scene at the end of the film in which he delivers justice to the killer. |
| Hilda Strøm as Ingrid Jensen | Ingrid Jensen is a small child that is known for skipping school and being in trouble with local villagers, a lot of people seem to tolerate her behaviour but Eun-Yeong is curious about the lack of parental figures in her life and investigates further which results in her looking after the child. Ingrid is shown to be intelligent and even uncovers evidence which leads to the arrest of the killer. |
| Erik Berntsen as Torstein Kristiansen | Torstein Kristiansen is a local business owner who oversees several companies that are crucial to the local economy. Torstein also owns several properties including the one which Eun-Yeong decides to settle in. Torstein is shown to be egotistical and even is willing to kill children to increase his profits, at the end of the film he is arrested by Steinar who is shown to contrast the positive aspects of Breheimian society. |