Derailed, directed by Lee Seong Tae, is a gritty and intense drama that takes us into the lives of four teenagers living on the streets. These youngsters have all run away from home and are forced to resort to criminal activities just to survive. They steal and sell stolen goods for money, and sometimes engage in mugging and robbery if the opportunity presents itself.
The film opens with the introduction of the four main characters: Jin Il (played by Choi Min Ho), Ga Yeong (played by Jung Da Eun), Bong Gil (Lee Yoo Jin), and Min Kyung (Baek Soo Min). All of them come from dysfunctional families and have chosen to live on the streets, where they have to face constant hunger and cold.
One day, when their financial situation becomes extremely dire, Ga Yeong decides to sell her body to make some quick money. Although Jin Il and the other teenagers are against this decision, Ga Yeong goes ahead with her plan and meets a man named Hyung Suk (played by Ma Dong Seok), who has his own motives for wanting to recruit her as a hostess at his struggling karaoke bar.
However, Ga Yeong’s decision ultimately puts not only herself but also her friends in grave danger when they inadvertently steal Hyung Suk’s car. In order to pay off their debt, Jin Il must work for Hyung Suk’s crew, and Ga Yeong is left to work as a hostess if he fails to come up with the money.
One of the film’s standout performances comes from Choi Min Ho, who plays Jin Il with excellent nuance and complexity. He portrays a teenager who has to navigate the harsh realities of the street while also trying to protect and save his girlfriend Ga Yeong.
The film is gruesome and intense, showing the bleak conditions that young people living on the streets face. However, the director manages to keep the pacing of the film tight and adrenaline-filled, making it an engaging watch.
Conclusion:
Derailed is a gritty and unsettling drama that takes us into the dark world of teenage runaways who are forced to survive on the streets. With excellent performances from the cast and solid direction, the film manages to keep audiences engaged from start to finish. Its themes of poverty, crime, and desperation are universal and continues to be relevant to this day.
