[Review] Why Did Ajeossi Jo Jung-seok Become a Cross-Dressing 'Pilot'?

'Pilot' Who Became a Woman Desperate for Reemployment
Even with a Clich? Theme... A Comedy with a High Laugh Rate

Movie 'Pilot' stills
[Photo by Lotte Entertainment]

*This article contains spoilers revealing parts of the movie.

Summer, comedy, Jo Jung-suk. This combination, considered a kind of box office formula, raises the question of whether it will succeed in the summer theaters. Parody is just a side dish, as actor Jo Jung-suk delivers a one-man show, even going so far as to cross-dress and perform personal tricks. This is the movie "Pilot."

"Pilot" was unveiled at a press screening held on the 16th at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul. The film is a comedy depicting the story of a reckless man who tries to escape a dead end in life by transforming into a woman and attempting a fresh start. It is directed by Kim Han-gyeol, who debuted with the film "More Than Family" (2019).

Han Jung-woo (played by Jo Jung-suk), the flagship pilot of a Korean airline, graduated top of his class from the Air Force Academy and became famous for his good looks and excellent flying skills. After appearing on the variety show "You Quiz on the Block," his social media followers skyrocketed. He is also adept at socializing. One day, at a company dinner, he witnesses a superior humiliating female flight attendants and tries to let it slide but ends up making a careless remark. His attempt to coax the flight attendants by calling them "bouquets" and pouring drinks for them is exposed online, causing him to fall into disgrace overnight.

Han Jung-woo loses everything and becomes penniless. After being fired, he tries to join another company but finds himself blacklisted and rejected everywhere. Eventually, with his bank account empty and drowning in debt, he disguises himself as a woman to get a job at another airline. With the help of his younger sister Han Jung-mi (played by Han Sun-hwa), a beauty YouTuber, he learns makeup techniques and even borrows her name to successfully cross-dress.

Movie 'Pilot' stills
[Photo by Lotte Entertainment]

Thus, he starts working as Han Jung-mi instead of Han Jung-woo. Although the task of flying the plane remains the same, a different daily life unfolds for him as a female pilot. He encounters Pilot Seo Hyun-seok (played by Shin Seung-ho), who persistently flirts in a pathetic manner whenever he gets the chance, and a middle-aged man at company dinners who openly evaluates female employees based on their looks. Amid this, he meets female colleague Yoon Seul-gi (played by Lee Joo-myeong), who supports him unconditionally. They trust and follow each other, forming a bond.

The "cross-dressing man" trope is familiar from previous films, so there is nothing particularly new about it. Perhaps for this reason, the movie attempts to present a different perspective by incorporating themes such as the absurdity of a conglomerate-centered society, the show-off culture on social media chasing popularity, and male-dominated workplace culture.

The comedy hit rate is high. Jo Jung-suk’s comedic acting is excellent. He strikes the right balance with neither excess nor deficiency. His "comedy prowess" built up through previous roles?Paeng Heon in "The Face Reader" (2013) who spat rice grains into the air, Nabttuk in "Architecture 101" (2012) who rubbed his hands to demonstrate kissing techniques, and Yong-nam in "Exit" (2019) who struggled to survive wearing clothes made from garbage bags?is palpable. Some scenes even evoke memories of the musical "Hedwig."

Han Jung-woo’s mother, a fan of singer Lee Chan-won, also provides a source of humor. She calls Lee Chan-won her "son," communicates through YouTube, and is delightfully portrayed as being deeply immersed in "deokjil" (fan activities). In this way, the film quickly reflects recent trends, offering empathy and laughter.

However, the film feels somewhat excessive at times. It actively uses social media, seemingly to appeal to younger audiences, and rapidly switches scenes, but the repetitive similar setups create a cluttered feeling. The storyline tries to cover friendship, growth, relationships, and more, making an effort to conclude as a "family movie," but this development feels somewhat overwhelming. Running time is 110 minutes. Rated suitable for viewers aged 12 and above. Opens July 31.