Gook (2017): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
Gook is a 2017 drama directed by Justin Chon, starring Chris Jai Alex, Curtiss Cook Jr. and Simone Baker. It runs 1 hour 34 minutes and earned $251,541 worldwide. Critics gave it 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and 69 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 34m (94 min)
- Director
- Justin Chon
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Samuel Goldwyn Films
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Gook About?
The premise of Gook without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
In Los Angeles, Eli and Daniel, two Korean American brothers, manage their family’s shoe store located within a predominantly African American neighborhood. Their lives take an unexpected turn when they befriend eleven-year-old Kamilla, forging an unusual connection. As racial tensions escalate, the brothers find themselves facing difficult choices and must examine their sense of belonging when the devastating Los Angeles Riots break out, challenging their identities and loyalties.
Gook Themes & Keywords
· 6 tags- brother brother relationship
- shoe store
- 1990s
- african american
- dead child
- unsimulated sex
Gook Cast
Chris Jai Alex leads the cast, with Curtiss Cook Jr. and Simone Baker. Directed by Justin Chon; 9 actors are credited in all.
- Director Justin Chon
Also Starring in Gook
· 5 moreMore from Justin Chon
More films directed by Justin Chon, best-rated first: Ms. Purple, Blue Bayou and Jamojaya.
Gook Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Gook 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and 69 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 77/100, strongest in art & craft (82) and weakest in rewatch factor (65).
Gook Echo Score Breakdown
In overall terms, Gook is a compelling independent drama that combines striking visual artistry with genuine emotional depth. Its artful black-and-white photography and lyrical framing anchor a narrative that resonates with urgency and empathy, supported by authentic performances and sharply drawn dialogue. While the film’s uneven tone and sporadic pacing undercut some of the emotional payoff, its thematic ambition and immersive style leave a strong, lasting impression. The net effect is a thought-provoking work that remains both affecting and artistically bold.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 82
In terms of art & craft, Gook excels with its striking black-and-white cinematography and expressive visual framing. Reviews acclaim its hypnotic beauty, precise composition, and lyrical editing that elevate key moments, even as some note occasional undisciplined camera movements. This visual confidence results in a compelling aesthetic that powerfully supports the film’s thematic ambitions.
- Character & Emotion 78
When it comes to character & emotion, Gook delivers authentic portrayals through nuanced performances and carefully observed interactions. Critics praise the sharply drawn dialogue and emotional resonance in the shoe-store scenes, noting moments of genuine connection and underplayed humor, though some feel the film underestablishes the groundwork for its tragic climax. Overall, these elements foster meaningful engagement with its protagonists.
- Story & Flow 70
When considering story & flow, Gook offers a raw and engaging narrative that conveys urgency and empathy. Reviews highlight its compelling tension during the riot sequences and the poetically structured arc, yet also point to uneven pacing, tonal shifts, and a predictable tragic resolution that weakens its momentum. In sum, the plot remains absorbing but inconsistent.
- Sensory Experience 80
In terms of sensory experience, Gook creates an immersive audiovisual environment anchored by its expressive visual style and ambient soundscapes. Observers commend the artful black-and-white palette, poetic compositions, and measured sound design that heighten tension and mood, despite occasional critiques of unrefined camera movement. These sensory elements cohesively reinforce the film’s atmospheric impact.
- Rewatch Factor 65
When it comes to rewatch factor, Gook offers lasting thematic depth but a challenging viewing experience that may limit repeat appeal. Its poetic imagery and insightful character interactions reward further reflection, while the intense, gut-punch climax and uneven tone could deter casual revisits. Ultimately, the film’s relevance endures even if routine replay remains modest.
-
IMDb 7.0 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 94% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 83%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 69 Metascore
User score 6.2
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 65% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.6 /5
32 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 3.7 /5
See on Movie Insider
Gook Plot Summary
What happens in Gook from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 5-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Eli and Daniel are two Korean American brothers who run their late father’s shoe store in Paramount, California, a neighborhood where the local dynamic is complex and multiethnic. The shop is a small beacon for their family history and we see them navigate daily pressures from both within their community and from outside, all while trying to keep the doors open. Their bond is at the center of the story, and their relationship is tested by a shared hunger to keep their father’s legacy alive.
Full summary
The whole story of Gook, scene by scene
Gook Box Office
Gook grossed $251,541 worldwide. $250,130 came from the US and Canada and $1,411 (1%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$251.5K
- US & Canada
- $250.1K
- International
- $1.4K
Gook Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 2 trailers.
- Trailer Gook Trailer #2 (2017) | Movieclips Indie
How Well Do You Know Gook?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the main business operated by Eli and Daniel?
Cars in Gook
1 car on screen: the 1985 Toyota Corolla.
-
1985 Toyota Corolla Main role
Gook Also Known As
3 alternative titles, including “국” and “Гук”.
- Also known as
-
- 국
- Гук
- 韩国佬
Seen Gook?
Movies Like Gook
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Gully, Kinship and Gang Boys.
Gook FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Gook, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Gook?
Gook runs 1 hour 34 minutes (94 minutes).
When was Gook released?
Gook was released on August 18, 2017.
Who directed Gook?
Gook was directed by Justin Chon.
More films by Justin Chon Who is in the cast of Gook?
Gook stars Chris Jai Alex, Curtiss Cook Jr. and Simone Baker, among 9 credited actors.
How much did Gook make at the box office?
Gook grossed $251,541 worldwide ($250,130 domestic, $1,411 international).
How is Gook rated?
Gook has 7.0/10 on IMDb, 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 69 on Metacritic and 65% on TMDB.
Does Gook have a post-credit scene?
No. Gook has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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