Based on a story idea by Kim Ki-duk, Rough Play unfolds like something of a sequel to the Kimscripted Rough Cut (2008). An aspiring unknown actor aims for stardom with the help of his manager. But the road to success is filled with traps and there is much he needs to endure. Oh Young is a young actor who can overshadow his partner when he concentrates on his performance. He ignores the basic rule of acting?teamwork?but that just demonstrates his desire for success. His manager knows how to survive show business and sticks with him until he reaches the top. The problem is, staying at top is much harder than getting there. Young is surrounded by violent people and becomes increasingly vain. Rough Play makes clear the illusion of show business. The director moves away from the Kim Ki-duk screenplay through repeated filming, and makes this story his own. The cross between a stage set and reality effectively expresses Young’s psychology. (NAM Dong-chul)