Monster

This Korean drama has three main characters; Bok-soon, who may be a little slow but is happy enough running her vegetable stall at the local market hoping to fund her younger sister's university tuition. She is however prone to violence if confronted. Tae-soo, a potter who lives in a remote house; he is also a serial killer. Finally there is Nari, a nine year old girl. Their lives will become tragically entangled after Tae-soo's brother asks him to retrieve a phone from a woman who is blackmailing his boss. That woman is Nari's older sister. Tae-soo kills her and tells Nari to run; he will come after her and kill her and anybody she asks for help. She meets Bok-soon and this leads to her sister's death. Together Nara and Bok-soon flee. Bok-soon is determined to save Nari as well as avenge her sister. Tae-soo is now after both of them.

I found this film to be very enjoyable and not what I expected. There is plenty of drama and the violence, of which there is quite a lot, is bloody and brutal; that was expected. What was not expected was the fact that it frequently manages to be rather funny and there is a touching relationship that develops between Bok-soon and Nari. The cast is solid; especially those playing the three leads. Locations are used well and the cinematography is great; at times things had an almost dreamlike feel to them, most notably a foggy scene in a forest. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of Korean films who are looking for something a little different.

These comments are based on watching the film in Korean with English subtitles.

This film is nothing like I expected, I'd almost call it brilliant in a way. The main character is totally great, you find her believable and are hoping she'll win against the odds. The villain is totally evil, crazy psycho but you also want him to win against his foes as well. Combining these elements makes you feel confused on who to cheer for! What's unique is this guys not just some crazy killer, there's a reason he's so screwed up and you learn more about his family throughout the film, as well as the girls. I think this is a masterpiece of crazy madness with insights into what makes someone that way. A very worthwhile movie to watch for sure.

MONSTER is another entry in the popular South Korean genre of serial killer movies. They always make these really nicely, with a maximum of suspense, and MONSTER is no exception. The only negative is that the first half an hour is so complicated and jumpy that I didn't have a clue what was going on, but as is so often the case with Korean cinema, it all works out and becomes quite simplified as it goes on. The story involves a young woman and the child in her care being menaced by a psychopath so unstoppable that he gives the Terminator a run for his money. There's murder, mayhem, fighting and some heavy scenes of melodrama that the Koreans are known for, but it all hangs together nicely.

Another dramatic Korean film that doesn't disappoint. This picture contains a rich evil businessman and his crimes. Through a series of events a psychotic killer is unleashed. The film switches back-and-forth between heart warming scenes and scenes of mayhem, death, and destruction. Events unfold where the victims start piling up until we get to our female protagonist. The two young characters are no match physically for the psycho adopted hitman that has been unleashed on them. You will find the action very believable whether it is in a crowded city or in the beautiful countryside. While the ending is satisfying it does not go over the top.

Title: Monster (2014) Country: South Korea

Plot: Monster follows the intertwined lives of two pairs of siblings - two sisters who share a strong bond, with the elder being mentally unstable and the younger excelling academically; and two brothers, distant from each other, with the elder manifesting psychopathic tendencies, as he burns people alive and collects their ashes in pottery under the guise of an artisanal business. The narrative gains momentum when the older brother finds himself ensnared in a dangerous predicament, and his elder brother comes to his aid, setting off a chain of unforeseen events.

Review: Monster's initial pacing may feel unhurried, as it takes its time to establish the characters and their relationships. However, the film builds momentum as the antagonist enters the fray. The simplicity of the overall plot is balanced by an engaging music score that breathes life into the suspenseful chase sequences.

While the climax may leave something to be desired, seemingly rushed in an attempt to reach a resolution, the movie still provides a worthwhile cinematic experience. The occasional lulls in the narrative do not detract significantly from the overall impact of the film. Monster's exploration of the complexities of family dynamics and the chilling portrayal of a disturbed mind make it a solid, if not exceptional, addition to South Korean cinema.