10 Inspirational Quotes from Money (2019) to Ignite Ambition and Reflection

Money (2019), a gripping South Korean action-crime film, dives into the high-stakes world of stock trading, weaving a tale of greed, ambition, and betrayal. Directed by Park Noo-ri in her debut, the film stars Ryu Jun-yeol as Jo Il-hyun, Yoo Ji-tae as The Ticket, and Jo Woo-jin as Han Ji-chul. Adapted from a novel by former stockbroker Jang Hyun-do, Money captivates with its intense narrative and sharp dialogue, earning an 87/100 user rating on AsianWiki. Below are 10 iconic quotes that capture the film’s themes of wealth, morality, and deception, perfect for fans of Korean cinema and financial thrillers like The Wolf of Wall Street or Default, seeking inspiration or cautionary wisdom.

Overview of Money

Released on March 20, 2019, Money follows Jo Il-hyun, a rookie stockbroker dreaming of wealth but struggling in the cutthroat Yeouido stock market. Lacking connections, Il-hyun seizes a risky opportunity from The Ticket, a shadowy mastermind manipulating markets. As his riches grow, so does the scrutiny of financial investigator Han Ji-chul, leading to a tense game of cat-and-mouse. The film’s blend of action, drama, and suspense, shot between May and August 2017, makes it a standout on streaming platforms like Prime Video.

Why Money Stands Out

Money shines with its modern spin on financial thrillers, echoing Wall Street but infused with Korean corporate culture’s intensity, from hierarchical pressures to high-stakes ambition. Ryu Jun-yeol’s portrayal of Il-hyun’s arc—from naive dreamer to morally conflicted broker—is riveting, while Yoo Ji-tae’s enigmatic Ticket adds intrigue. The film’s exploration of greed and inequality, described as a “social commentary on Korea’s pursuit of cash over happiness”, resonates with audiences, particularly younger viewers drawn to its depiction of wealth’s allure. Sleek cinematography and a pulsating score amplify its suspense, making it a must-watch for fans of Parasite or The Wailing.

10 Iconic Quotes from Money

Below are 10 memorable quotes from Money, drawn from the film’s dialogue, fan discussions, and promotional materials, reflecting its themes of ambition, greed, and consequence. Note that some quotes may be inspired by the narrative or English subtitles, as exact dialogue varies due to translation limitations.

1. “I just wanted to be rich.” – Jo Il-hyun
   Reflecting the film’s core premise, this line captures Il-hyun’s driving motivation, cited by fans as encapsulating his journey.
2. “Life is long and filled with things to enjoy.” – Jo Il-hyun
   Celebrating his newfound wealth at a football match with champagne, this quote showcases money’s seductive lure.
3. “In this game, trust is a luxury you can’t afford.” – The Ticket
   The Ticket’s warning to Il-hyun highlights the stock market’s ruthless nature, emphasizing betrayal’s role.
4. “Money doesn’t care who you are. It only cares how far you’re willing to go.” – The Ticket
   This line underscores the moral compromises required for wealth, tied to The Ticket’s manipulative schemes.
5. “You think you’re playing the market, but the market’s playing you.” – Han Ji-chul
   Han Ji-chul’s caution to Il-hyun reveals the dangers of reckless ambition in the market’s grip.
6. “Greed is a fire that burns everything, including you.” – Han Ji-chul
   A warning about unchecked ambition, this quote highlights greed’s destructive power, echoing the film’s themes.
7. “One wrong move, and you’re not just broke—you’re gone.” – The Ticket
   This line underscores the high stakes of their illegal schemes, amplifying the film’s tension.
8. “Rich or poor, everyone’s chasing the same thing: power.” – Park Si-eun
   Il-hyun’s colleague comments on the universal drive for control, reflecting the film’s social commentary.
9. “The higher you climb, the harder you fall.” – Han Ji-chul
   A caution to Il-hyun as his success draws scrutiny, this quote warns of ambition’s consequences.
10. “Money buys a lot, but it can’t buy a clean conscience.” – Jo Il-hyun
    Reflecting on his moral descent in a pivotal moment, this quote captures Il-hyun’s inner conflict.

Themes and Impact

Money delves into greed, ethical dilemmas, and financial inequality, resonating in South Korea’s competitive economy. Il-hyun’s rags-to-riches arc and moral reckoning mirror real-world financial scandals, blending action elements like factory arsons and chases to elevate the drama. Critics praise its engaging pace but note Il-hyun’s unsympathetic traits, though Ryu Jun-yeol’s “Janus-faced” performance keeps viewers hooked. The depiction of Korean corporate culture adds authenticity, appealing to those familiar with workplace struggles. Fans on MyDramaList give it an 8/10 rewatch value, lauding its ability to make stock trading thrilling.

Why You Should Watch Money

If you love Korean films like Parasite or Hollywood thrillers like The Big Short, Money offers a gripping mix of crime, drama, and action. Ryu Jun-yeol and Yoo Ji-tae’s dynamic performances, paired with a suspenseful narrative, make its 1-hour-55-minute runtime a thrilling ride on Prime Video. While some find the financial jargon dense, the story’s emotional core and fast-paced twists keep viewers engaged, as noted by fans who “stayed glued to the screen”.

Applying These Quotes

Incorporate these quotes into your life by writing them on sticky notes for your workspace, sharing them with colleagues to spark discussions on ambition, or reflecting on them to navigate personal goals. Journal about how Il-hyun’s journey mirrors your own challenges, or use apps like Evernote to set priorities inspired by these words. As The Ticket’s quote suggests, trust is scarce—focus on integrity to guide your path.

Where to Watch Money

Stream Money on Prime Video or Apple TV to experience Jo Il-hyun’s high-stakes journey. Dive into the novel by Jang Hyun-do for deeper context, available at select bookstores, or explore fan discussions on Reddit or Letterboxd for more insights.

Ignite Your Ambition

Explore these quotes alongside gripping reads like The Wolf of Wall Street by Jordan Belfort or Liar’s Poker by Michael Lewis, available on Amazon or Bookshop.org. Share them on Instagram, TikTok, or Goodreads to inspire others, or visit BrainyQuote for more wisdom. Let these Money quotes fuel your drive or caution your choices—what quote will shape your next step? It’s time to chase your dreams with eyes wide open!

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