The Killer

If you follow Korean cinema you already know that Korean auteurs, among the best in the world, prefer to be first with a concept. However if they have to be a copycat, they will be relentless in trying to improve on the original. As good as this is, it has the same failings as the iconic American original, too fast, too furious, too frenetic, too implausible. Which is why it never comes close to the Korean masterpiece THE MAN FROM NOWHERE 2010, on my IMBb list of all time classics. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

Jang Hyuk returns to the big screen with a strong performance of a retired hitman named Bang Ui-gang, whom agrees to watch over middle schooler, Kim Yoon-ji (Lee Seo-young), whilst her family is on vacation. Ui-gang ultimately returns to his roots as an assassin when he uncovers a conspiracy involving Yoon-ji, tying deep into the branches of pedophilia and sex-trafficking.

Adapted from the novel 'The Kid Deserves to Die' written by Bang Ji-ho. The titular character we follow throughout the film is an often cold and calculated individual who always seems to be one step ahead of the rest. Having all the connections and the wealth to be a worthy adversary to those within the criminal underground. Reminiscent to the character John Wick portrayed by Keanu Reeves. His presence manages to stir the pot, leaving no one unscathed. Audiences are spoiled with one of the best action packed South Korean blockbusters of the summer. With brutal executions, and an array of extraordinary stunts and martial arts choreography performed by Jang Hyuk himself. The theater was left in a state of excitement and awe by what we all witnessed with this film. Viewers are even treated to behind-the-scenes footage during the end credits so stay tuned.

Although, the storyline does feel all-too-familiar with tropes that leave viewers yearning for more. Director Jae-hoon Choi tries to make the most of this straightforward shoot 'em up. Applying touches of emotion and witty dialogue between characters that fills some holes of where this rodeo is lacking.

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I was lucky enough to attend the local premiere of the film in LA. Went in not really knowing anything, and was unsure if this was a remake of the John Woo movie.

Later on I found out it was based off a webcomic in which I had some reservations.

I was really surprised at how fun and good the movie was. And it was surprisingly funny! It's like a John Wick type movie, and it's pretty self aware, making references to other movies that are similar to the genre that was pretty tongue in cheek. The action was really good, and some of the shots were really cool.

I would recommend seeing this in the theater if you can. I had a good time.

Stoic man with a violent past must get back into his roots in order to save someone? Yawn. We've all seen that before. It's a tired trope really. But the thing is... this movie knows it - mocks it even at some point.

Instead of focusing in the plot and emotional depth like The Man from Nowhere, The Killer pour it all out on straight action. The fight choreography is impressive, and the John Wick vibe is noticeable from the stylish neon-lit hallway brawls, melee combats, to gun fus.

8/10 One of the best korean martial arts action movies.

One of the few gifts of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the use of Korean films to provide cinema screens in the Western world with content/programming. Until the pandemic hit, I'm unsure whether I had watched more than a handful of Korean movies over the course of my near half-century on this Earth. Since then, I've watched several every year, especially when the reviews are good, and I've rarely been disappointed. If you can handle subtitles, if you can take this in on a big screen, if you're open minded enough to watch foreign films, and if you enjoy action movies, then you should enjoy The Killer. It's recommended viewing for fans of the genre.