Going by the Book (2007) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A rigid traffic cop's meticulous approach to a police drill role blurs the lines between simulation and reality.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

The Strict Enforcer

Jung Do-man establishes his rigid adherence to rules by pulling over his new boss, Lee Seung-man, and issuing a traffic ticket. This initial conflict highlights his uncompromising nature and sets the tone for his professional interactions.

Key Events

• Traffic Stop Incident — Do-man pulls over his new boss and issues a fine. Location: Roadside
• Boss's Annoyance — Lee Seung-man is surprised and annoyed by the unexpected fine. Location: Police Car
• Sampo Bank Robberies — A string of bank robberies hits the town. Location: Sampo Town
• Public Pressure — Lee Seung-man faces pressure to reassure citizens. Location: Police Station
• Drill Decision — He decides to organize a realistic police drill. Location: Police Chief Office

The Drill Mandate

Facing a wave of bank robberies and public anxiety, Chief Lee Seung-man decides to organize a realistic police drill to demonstrate department capability. Do-man is selected to play the bank robber, shifting the narrative toward preparation.

Key Events

• Drill Decision — He decides to organize a realistic police drill. Location: Police Chief Office
• Do-man's Selection — Do-man is chosen to play the bank robber. Location: Police Station
• By the Book Mentality — His tendency to follow rules strictly is highlighted. Location: Traffic Cop Station
• Role Preparation — He studies details to prepare for the criminal role. Location: Safe House
• Perfect Crime Concept — He aims to commit a flawless crime for the drill. Location: Police Station
• Drill Launch — The realistic drill begins with Do-man as the robber. Location: Sampo Bank

The Perfect Crime

Do-man approaches his role with fastidious attention to detail, aiming to commit a flawless crime for the simulation. The drill launches, escalating in intensity as his meticulous planning pushes the boundaries of the exercise.

Key Events

• Drill Launch — The realistic drill begins with Do-man as the robber. Location: Sampo Bank
• Robbery Execution — Do-man executes the robbery with meticulous detail. Location: Sampo Bank
• Police Response — The police force responds to the simulated crime. Location: Sampo Bank
• Detail Obsession — Do-man's fastidious attention causes minor complications. Location: Police Station
• Drill Escalation — The simulation intensifies as Do-man pushes boundaries. Location: Sampo Streets
• Boundary Testing — Tension rises over how realistic the drill becomes. Location: Police Command

Reality vs. Protocol

As the simulation peaks, tension rises over how realistic the drill has become. Both characters reflect on the exercise's success, concluding with Do-man's unwavering commitment to doing things by the book.

Key Events

• Boundary Testing — Tension rises over how realistic the drill becomes. Location: Police Command
• Public Demonstration — The drill aims to showcase police capability. Location: Sampo Town
• Role Blurring — Do-man struggles to separate the role from reality. Location: Sampo Bank
• Drill Climax — The simulation reaches its peak intensity. Location: Sampo Bank
• Aftermath Reflection — Both assess the drill's success and Do-man's dedication. Location: Police Station
• Bookish Resolution — Do-man's strict adherence to the 'book' defines the outcome. Location: Sampo Town

Story Breakdown

• Protagonist Introduction — Establishes Jung Do-man's strict adherence to rules and his dynamic with his new superior.
  • Traffic Cop Role — Do-man works as a low-ranking officer focused on protocol.
  • Rule-Following Trait — His tendency to do things by the book causes friction.
  • Boss Encounter — He pulls over and tickets his new police chief.
• Crisis Emergence — External threats force the police department to address public safety concerns.
  • Bank Robbery Wave — Sampo town experiences a series of bank heists.
  • Public Anxiety — Citizens demand visible police action and reassurance.
  • Chief's Dilemma — Lee Seung-man must restore confidence quickly.
• Strategic Response — The department plans a large-scale training exercise to demonstrate readiness.
  • Drill Proposal — A realistic simulation is designed to showcase capability.
  • Do-man Selection — Do-man is assigned the critical role of bank robber.
  • Role Assignment — The chief delegates criminal simulation duties to him.
• Preparation Phase — Do-man applies his meticulous nature to studying and planning the simulated crime.
  • Detail Research — He gathers blueprints and studies bank layouts.
  • Perfect Crime Vision — He aims for flawless execution of the drill role.
  • Methodical Planning — Step-by-step protocols guide his preparation.
• Simulation Execution — The drill begins, escalating in intensity as Do-man's realism pushes boundaries.
  • Robbery Act — Do-man executes the simulated heist with precision.
  • Police Mobilization — The force responds to the realistic threat.
  • Boundary Testing — Tension rises over the drill's extreme authenticity.
• Climactic Resolution — The simulation peaks and concludes, leaving both characters to reflect on the outcome.
  • Drill Peak — The exercise reaches maximum intensity and stakes.
  • Role Blurring — Do-man struggles to separate fiction from reality.
  • Outcome Assessment — Both evaluate the drill's success and Do-man's dedication.

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