Perfect Number (용의자X) 2012
‘Perfect Number‘ (용의자X) is a 2012 film that skillfully combines melodrama and mystery, directed by the talented Bang Eun-jin. This film was released a year before Way Back Home (reviewed here), showcasing her transition from acting to directing. It is an adaptation of the critically acclaimed novel ‘The Devotion of Suspect X” by the esteemed Japanese author Keigo Higashino. This adaptation is the second cinematic interpretation of the story, following the original Japanese film “Suspect X,” it has also seen further adaptions in both Chinese and Indian cinema.
The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast that brings depth and nuance to the characters. Ryoo Seung-bum delivers an unexpectedly softer performance as the introverted and enigmatic Kim Seok-go, while Lee Yo-won portrays the resilient Baek Hwa-sun. Cho Jin-woong steps into the role of Detective Jo Min-beom.
Baek Hwa-sun leads a life steeped in quietude alongside her niece Yoon-ah, exquisitely portrayed by Kim Bo-ra. The film delicately hints at the lack of an explicit backstory regarding Yoon-ah’s guardianship, suggesting through poignant dialogue that Hwa-sun is her sole guardian, possibly indicating the girl’s status as an orphan.
Hwa-sun finds solace in her work at a charming bakery, where her daily routine intertwines with her neighbour, Kim Seok-go—a mild-mannered math teacher with a history steeped in mathematical brilliance and prodigy status. Seok-go, harbouring deep, unexpressed feelings for Hwa-sun, is characterised by an unmistakable shyness that infuses their interactions with tenderness and an undercurrent of longing.
The narrative takes a chilling and dramatic turn as Hwa-sun’s abusive ex-husband, Kim Cheol-min (played by Kwak Min-ho), invades her fragile sanctuary, unleashing a torrent of aggression. The tension escalates alarmingly when Cheol-min directs his wrath at Yoon-ah, sparking a fierce resolve within Hwa-sun and her niece to protect themselves, which leads to a tragic, accidental death. Seok-go, overhearing the chaos from his adjoining space, steps into the fray, morally intertwining his fate with theirs as he aids Hwa-sun in concealing the murder.
Departing from the original novel’s structure—wherein an intricate battle of wits unfolds between the maths genius and lead detective, both bound by longstanding friendship—the film shifts focus. The relationship between Seok-go and Detective Jo Min-beom becomes sidelined with the dramatic core of the film focusing on the blooming romance between Seok-go and Hwa-sun, tilting the film’s tone more toward melodrama than the taut suspense or intricate mystery expected from the source material.
Throughout ‘Perfect Number’, the ambience remains predominantly tranquil, accented only by the intense, suspense-filled moments leading to the pivotal murder. Seok-go’s outwardly composed demeanour serves as a defining characteristic, shaping the film’s overall aesthetic, which deliberately distances itself from the darker palettes typically associated with mystery thrillers. Instead, many scenes are infused with light and warmth, crafting a unique visual experience.
Moreover, the evolution of the love story diverges significantly from the original text. While Hwa-sun initially brushes aside the idea of Seok-go being her type, she does show romantic interest in him, contrasting the more unbalanced affection depicted in the novel.
Bang Eun-jin creates a captivating narrative that diverges significantly from the source material by blending melodramatic elements with the mystery genre. Making it an engaging experience for viewers, regardless of whether they have read the original novel. It’s worth noting that the English title of the film can be somewhat misleading, as it emphasises the warmth and emotional development of Seok-go’s character rather than the mathematical intrigue tied to his prodigious background than expected given the choice to use the name ‘Perfect Number’ rather than the Korean ‘Suspect X’.
Leave a Reply