The Killer

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.

The action sequences were well crafted and shot. This movie is filled with terrific fight choreography and cutting edge fight sequences.

Also appreciated how self-aware the story is, with characters often commenting on other similar movies or with small gestures with certain props (no spoilers, sips a coffee).

A man gets suckered into watching the daughter of his wife's friend with the explicate instruction of making sure she is safe only to learn the teen is being targeted by a sex trafficking ring. No problem though because this fella is a top notch mercenary/hitman and willing to go to great lengths to keep the girl safe.

Great action choreography and stunt work but the story is lacking.

There wasn't enough focus on the story to help the viewer care about what was happening. We find out very little about the teen, the hitman and his wife or a GOOD reason as to why the girl was targeted. However, the action scenes are really done well and sorta carry the entire film.

Not the best woven story but still a decent watch for the action.

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))

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.