O Matador: Missão Resgate

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.

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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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).

The action sequences are entertaining as hell and the lead actor is a Korean John Wick. His wife has a friend with a daughter and the hitman is convinced to watch over the teenage girl for a couple of weeks. It seems simple enough until the teen is abducted by a sex trafficking ring run by the Russian mafia.

The story becomes a bit confused as the hitman climbs the ladder of bad guys, killing legions along the way, using his hands, feet, knives and occasional gun to accomplish his mission.

He is a combination of Bruce Lee and John Wick and has the charisma to carry the film to its' predictable conclusion.

Do not expext Citizen Kane here but just sit back and enjoy the ride for an hour and a half.

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))