In the late eighties, the Chinese Economic Reform that turned its eyes overseas brought enormous changes to people′s lives. In reality it was not very favorable to individuals, just as the Korean economic policy of the sixties and seventies concealed the people′s frustrations and sufferings behind a facade of economic prosperity. At this time, a large number of farm workers left their villages to move to the cities and make their fortunes. But the harsh city refused them and left them broken on the cold streets of the city. Close friends Dong Zi and Gao Ping come from same village, and now live in the city. Dong Zi works in the docks, believing that hard work will pay off someday, even though he doesn′t get paid well at present. In contrast, Gao Ping dreams of fortune. After he is cheated in a scam, Gao Ping asks Dong Zi to help him to kidnap a girl, Ruan, the girl friend of the notorious gang boss. Gao Ping and the girl soon become lovers, and Dong Zi also feels for Ruan, however he keeps his feelings toward her hidden because of his passivity. Finally, the lives of the three turn into a nightmare with the getaway and death of Gao Ping. So Close to Paradise is a portrayal of the 1980s with a detailed and realistic description of the socioeconomic background of China in that era. (Kang So-Won)