Psychokinesis

Psychokinesis 2018

Directed by

Sang-ho Yeon

Sang-ho Yeon

Made by

Netflix

Netflix

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Plot Summary


Shin Roo-mi is the proud owner of a thriving fried chicken restaurant located in a bustling traditional market. However, her life takes a downward turn as she finds herself entangled in a fierce real estate struggle against the mob-associated construction company, Tae-san. This company aims to demolish the cherished small businesses in the area to make way for a massive shopping center targeted at Chinese tourists. During one harrowing night, as Roo-mi faces eviction from her shop at the hands of Tae-san’s thugs, tragedy strikes when her mother is accidentally killed amidst the chaos. In her grief, Roo-mi reluctantly reaches out to her estranged father, Shin Seok-heon, to inform him about the devastating loss and the ensuing funeral.

Seok-heon, who now works as a security guard while dabbling in petty crime, unexpectedly gains telekinetic abilities after drinking from a mountain spring that has been struck by a meteor. He makes his way to the funeral where he witnesses a heated exchange between Roo-mi and President Min, the manager of Tae-san’s operations. Despite President Min’s attempts to offer compensation for her mother’s death, Roo-mi’s heartache drives her to vehemently reject his advances, insisting he leave the funeral in peace. Gaining insights into the ongoing turf battle from Kim Jung-hyun, an attorney and Roo-mi’s ally, Seok-heon attempts to mend their fractured relationship. However, Roo-mi’s pain from his abandonment during her childhood remains a significant barrier to reconciliation.

The local business owners unite alongside Roo-mi in their quest for justice against Tae-san, as they collectively seek compensation for the destruction of their livelihoods. In a daring act of solidarity, they barricade themselves within a shopping arcade, only to be met with the violent wrath of Tae-san’s enforcers. Just when all hope seems lost, Seok-heon arrives and unleashes his telekinetic powers, driving the attackers away and shocking everyone present. A police officer, witnessing the chaotic scene, fails to believe President Min’s claims, which only bolsters the spirits of the embattled shop owners, who now feel a renewed sense of fight with Seok-heon on their side.

As Seok-heon’s powers grow, he constructs a formidable barrier around the market area, providing a shield for the local businesses. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Min confers with Director Hong, the true mastermind behind Tae-san. Aware of Seok-heon’s powers, she instructs Min to shut down his activities and feign the termination of their development contract. Soon, she lays plans to establish a new company, soon misleading law enforcement to eliminate Seok-heon from the equation. Under the guise of maintaining order, Min and his thuggish accomplices summon riot police and SWAT teams to apprehend the shop owners and dismantle their barricade. In a daring escape, Roo-mi and her allies are forced to flee to a nearby building, pursued by the relentless police.

As the conflict escalates and makes the news, Seok-heon breaks free from his imprisonment and discovers his newfound ability to fly. He quickly joins the fray, rescuing one of the shop owners from a precarious fall during the heated pursuit. As the group of shop owners reaches the roof of another building, the SWAT team makes an unprecedented entrance via a shipping container hanging from a crane. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Roo-mi is captured and dragged aboard the container. When the crane malfunctions and Roo-mi tumbles, Seok-heon swoops in to save her, before hastily leaving her with the other escaped shop owners. However, during a final confrontation with Min, who stands alongside the riot police, Seok-heon takes matters into his own hands, ultimately ending Min’s life before surrendering himself to the authorities.

Fast forward four years, Seok-heon is released from prison, greeted by Kim Jung-hyun, who excitedly reveals his engagement to Roo-mi. Together, they visit the former site of Roo-mi’s restaurant, now an empty lot, where Jung-hyun informs him that Tae-san’s ambitious project never materialized, leading to delays in construction. Finally, they arrive at Roo-mi’s new eatery, where a heartwarming reunion transpires between Seok-heon, his daughter, and the local owners. Demonstrating his telekinetic prowess, he joyously serves drinks to customers, bringing smiles all around. In a delightful twist, it is revealed that Roo-mi has aptly named her new establishment, “Superpower Chicken.”

Timeline


Roo-mi's Flourishing Business

Shin Roo-mi owns a busy fried chicken restaurant in a vibrant traditional market. Her success brings joy to her and the local community, showcasing traditional cuisine amid urban challenges.

Traditional Market

Threat from Tae-san

Roo-mi faces a grave threat as the construction company Tae-san plans to demolish her restaurant along with other small businesses. The aim is to clear the area for a massive shopping center designed for Chinese tourists, intensifying her fight for survival.

Tragic Night of Eviction

One fateful night, Roo-mi confronts thugs sent by Tae-san attempting to evict her from her restaurant. In the chaos, her mother is accidentally killed, plunging Roo-mi into profound grief and prompting her to reach out to her estranged father.

Roo-mi's Restaurant

Seok-heon's Life Changes

Roo-mi's father, Seok-heon, lives a mundane life working as a security guard, engaging in petty crimes. His life takes a dramatic twist when he unexpectedly gains telekinetic abilities after drinking from a spring struck by a meteor.

The Funeral Dispute

At Roo-mi's mother's funeral, a heated confrontation erupts between Roo-mi and President Min from Tae-san. Roo-mi rejects Min's offer of compensation, fiercely insisting on respecting her mother's memory and preserving their dignity.

Funeral Grounds

Rekindling Relationships

Despite their tumultuous past, Seok-heon tries to reconnect with Roo-mi after learning about their mother's death. However, Roo-mi's lingering resentment over his abandonment complicates their efforts to mend their relationship.

Local Business Owners Unite

Roo-mi and other business owners band together to fight against Tae-san's oppressive tactics. They barricade themselves in a shopping arcade, determined to protect their livelihoods from an impending threat.

Shopping Arcade

Seok-heon's Heroic Intervention

As Tae-san's enforcers attack the barricading shop owners, Seok-heon arrives just in time to unleash his telekinetic abilities. His unexpected display of power drives the attackers away, instilling newfound hope among the struggling business owners.

Shopping Arcade

Barrier of Protection

Seok-heon continues to harness his telekinetic powers by constructing a protective barrier around the market area. This newfound defense inspires the local businesses to stand firm against Tae-san's aggressive tactics.

Market Area

Tae-san's Devious Plans

As conflict escalates, Director Hong plots to eliminate Seok-heon from the equation. She instructs President Min to fake the termination of their development contract while planning to bring in law enforcement against the shop owners.

Riot Police Intervene

Riot police and SWAT teams are summoned to dismantle the owners' barricade and restore order. This unexpected escalation puts the livelihoods of Roo-mi and her allies at serious risk as they are forced to flee.

Market Area

Seok-heon's Newfound Ability

Breaking free from captivity, Seok-heon discovers that he can now fly. He uses this ability to rescue one of the shop owners during a frantic escape from the SWAT team, showcasing his growing powers.

Daring Rescue at the Rooftop

As the shop owners reach a rooftop, a SWAT team descends via a shipping container, escalating the situation. Roo-mi is captured and thrown into danger, but Seok-heon swoops in just in time to save her.

Rooftop

Final Confrontation

In a climactic standoff, Seok-heon confronts President Min and the riot police. Taking matters into his own hands, he ultimately ends Min's life, making a significant sacrifice for the sake of his daughter and the community.

Four Years Later

Upon his release from prison, Seok-heon reunites with Kim Jung-hyun, who is now engaged to Roo-mi. Together, they visit the site of Roo-mi's former restaurant, discovering the canceled construction plans and celebrating her new venture, 'Superpower Chicken'.

Former Restaurant Site

Characters


Shin Roo-mi

Roo-mi is the determined owner of a fried chicken restaurant who tirelessly fights to protect her business from demolition. Her character embodies resilience and tenacity, especially following the tragic loss of her mother. Throughout the film, she evolves from a victim of circumstance to a leader rallying her community against injustice.

💪 Strong 🍗 Entrepreneur 💔 Grief

Shin Seok-heon

Seok-heon, Roo-mi's estranged father, transforms from a petty criminal to a heroic figure with telekinetic powers. His journey is one of redemption as he seeks to mend his broken relationship with Roo-mi while helping her stand against the forces threatening their community. His character adds depth to the narrative of familial bonds and personal growth.

⚡ Telekinetic 🛡️ Protector 💔 Estranged Father

Kim Jung-hyun

Kim Jung-hyun serves as Roo-mi's ally, supporting her in her battle against Tae-san. His character embodies loyalty and hope, especially as he advocates for the local business owners. His relationship with Roo-mi evolves into a romantic one, showcasing themes of love and partnership amidst chaos.

💖 Supportive ⚔️ Allies 👔 Lawyer

President Min

President Min is the antagonist representing Tae-san, driven by profit and greed. His character is portrayed as ruthless and manipulative, attempting to exploit situations for corporate gain. Min’s interactions with Roo-mi highlight his cold indifference to the human cost of development.

💰 Greedy 🚧 Corporate 🎭 Antagonist

Setting


Time period

The narrative transcends specific historical events but reflects ongoing struggles in modern urban environments where small businesses often clash with corporate interests. It explores themes of community resilience in the face of gentrification and the pursuit of justice.

Location

Traditional Market, Roo-mi's Restaurant, Tae-san's Construction Site

The movie primarily takes place in a bustling traditional market, known for its small businesses that serve the local community. Roo-mi's fried chicken restaurant is a staple in the area, celebrated for its flavorful offerings and warm atmosphere. It faces the looming threat of demolition by Tae-san, a construction company intent on transforming the landscape into a shopping center.

🏙️ Market 🍗 Restaurant 🚧 Construction

Themes


⚖️

Justice

Justice plays a fundamental role in the film, as Roo-mi and the local business owners unite against the corrupt practices of the Tae-san construction company. Their struggle is depicted as a battle for their livelihoods and community against the odds. Seok-heon's emergence as a protector with telekinetic abilities symbolizes the fight for justice and empowerment against oppression.

💔

Family

Family dynamics are prominently explored, particularly between Roo-mi and her estranged father, Seok-heon. Their relationship is strained due to past abandonment, but the tragedy of loss forces them to confront their shared past. This theme emphasizes the importance of reconciling familial ties amidst adversity.

🌪️

Struggle

The theme of struggle encapsulates the characters’ fight against an overwhelming force represented by Tae-san’s aggressive expansion. Roo-mi’s personal battle for her restaurant and community reflects broader societal issues, showcasing resilience and determination in the face of hardships and loss.

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