Going by the Book (2007) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A meticulous traffic officer's commitment to realism turns a police simulation into a public crisis whose outcome is left unrevealed.

Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases

A Ticket for the New Chief

Do-man stops Seung-woo for an illegal turn and issues a ticket despite his new rank. Colleagues criticize Do-man's strictness and recall his demotion after an investigation tied to the governor.

Key Events

• New Chief Arrives — Lee Seung-woo arrives to take charge of the local police station. Characters: Lee Seung-woo Location: Sam-po
• Illegal Turn Stopped — Do-man stops Seung-woo for making an illegal left turn. Characters: Jeong Do-man, Lee Seung-woo Location: Sam-po road
• Ticket Issued to Chief — Do-man insists on issuing the ticket after learning the driver's identity. Characters: Jeong Do-man, Lee Seung-woo Location: Sam-po road
• Colleagues Criticize Strictness — Colleagues say Do-man's strictness causes trouble and question his duties. Characters: Jeong Do-man Location: Local police station
• Past Demotion Recalled — Colleagues recall Do-man's demotion after pursuing a governor-related corruption inquiry. Characters: Jeong Do-man Location: Local police station

The Robber Simulation

Seung-woo assigns Do-man to play a bank robber in a police exercise. Do-man commits to the role, ordering people around and taking their phones and watches.

Key Events

• Simulation Announced — Seung-woo launches a simulation assigning Do-man the robber role. Characters: Jeong Do-man, Lee Seung-woo Location: Local police station
• Bank Drill Begins — Do-man treats the exercise as a real robbery rather than a routine drill. Characters: Jeong Do-man Location: Bank
• Hostages Ordered Around — Do-man gives orders to customers and staff inside the bank. Characters: Jeong Do-man Location: Bank
• Phones and Watches Taken — Do-man removes phones and watches from people in the bank. Characters: Jeong Do-man Location: Bank
• Hostage Reactions Differ — Some hostages are upset by Do-man's methods while others remain calm. Characters: Jeong Do-man Location: Bank

A Drill Loses Control

The exercise grows chaotic as officers, civilians, and reporters become involved. A safety-vest mistake prompts Do-man to question whether those inside are properly protected.

Key Events

• Drill Turns Chaotic — Officers, civilians, and reporters become involved as the exercise grows chaotic. Characters: Jeong Do-man, Lee Seung-woo Location: Bank
• Safety Vest Mistake — A mistake involving a safety vest makes Do-man question whether people are protected. Characters: Jeong Do-man Location: Bank
• Exercise Broadcast Nationally — National coverage makes it difficult for police to stop the exercise quietly. Characters: Jeong Do-man, Lee Seung-woo, Reporter Location: Bank

The Crisis Goes Public

National coverage makes it difficult for police to stop the exercise quietly, and a reporter challenges the authorities' handling of the scene. The governor arrives amid questions about his connection to Do-man.

Key Events

• Reporter Challenges Authorities — A reporter challenges the authorities' handling of the scene. Characters: Reporter, Lee Seung-woo Location: Bank
• Governor Arrives — The governor arrives amid questions about his past connection to Do-man. Characters: Jeong Do-man, Lee Seung-woo Location: Bank

Demands at the Bank

Do-man demands a route to Sam-po Harbor and a boat, threatening hostages if his requests are refused. Seung-woo stays in command, while Do-man's interview comments reveal his excitement and stated wish to be caught; the outcome remains unknown.

Key Events

• Harbor Route Demanded — Do-man demands a route to Sam-po Harbor and a boat. Characters: Jeong Do-man, Lee Seung-woo Location: Bank
• Hostage Threat Issued — Do-man threatens to kill a hostage every ten minutes if refused. Characters: Jeong Do-man, Lee Seung-woo Location: Bank
• Chief Maintains Command — Seung-woo remains in command as the drill blurs into a real crisis. Characters: Jeong Do-man, Lee Seung-woo Location: Bank
• Robber Role Described — In an interview, Do-man calls the role exciting and says he wants to be caught soon. Characters: Jeong Do-man, Reporter Location: Interview setting
• Outcome Left Unrevealed — The account ends before the training's outcome is revealed. Characters: Jeong Do-man, Lee Seung-woo Location: Bank

Story Breakdown

• Chief's Arrival — Seung-woo takes charge in Sam-po and immediately encounters Do-man's strict enforcement.
  • Illegal Turn — Do-man stops Seung-woo for an illegal left turn.
  • Ticket Issued — Do-man insists on issuing the ticket after learning the driver's rank.
• Do-man's Reputation — Colleagues object to Do-man's strictness and recall his earlier demotion.
  • Colleague Criticism — His colleagues say his strictness has caused trouble.
  • Past Inquiry — They recall that his corruption inquiry involving the governor went nowhere.
• The Police Simulation — Seung-woo assigns Do-man to play a bank robber in a realistic drill.
  • Robber Assignment — Do-man is selected to take the robber role.
  • Role Taken Seriously — He treats the exercise as more than a routine simulation.
• Bank Hostage Drill — Do-man controls the people inside the bank while reactions to his conduct vary.
  • Orders and Seizures — He orders customers and staff around and takes phones and watches.
  • Mixed Reactions — Some hostages are upset while others remain calm.
• Safety and Disorder — The exercise becomes chaotic, and a safety concern makes Do-man question the protection of those inside.
  • Growing Involvement — Officers, civilians, and reporters become involved.
  • Vest Mistake — A mistake involving a safety vest prompts concern about proper protection.
• Public Scrutiny — National attention prevents the police from quietly ending the exercise.
  • National Broadcast — The training attracts national public attention.
  • Reporter Challenge — A reporter questions the authorities' handling of the scene.
• Harbor Ultimatum — Do-man raises the stakes with demands while Seung-woo continues to command the response.
  • Boat Demand — Do-man demands a route to Sam-po Harbor and a boat.
  • Hostage Threat — He threatens to kill a hostage every ten minutes if refused.
• Unresolved Outcome — Do-man discusses the exhilaration of the robber role, but the account ends before the drill's outcome is shown.
  • Interview Admission — He says the role felt exciting and that he wants to be caught soon.
  • Ending Withheld — The training's outcome is not revealed in the provided account.

Directed by

Ra Hee-chan

Key Cast

• Jung Jae-young — Jeong Do-man
• Son Byung-ho — Lee Seung-woo
• Shin Gu — Do-man's Father
• Lee Yong-yi — Do-man's Mother
• Kim Kyu-chul — Kim Seon-mae