Monster

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.

Korean thrillers are usually pretty decent, but this movie is one of the most misguided and misdirected thriller ever. There is literally ZERO direction in the themes, the story, the acting, and the overall feel of this movie.

This movie is a bunch of random stuff put together, and it is pretty damn bad. It starts of dark and bleak, then suddenly turns into some weird comedy, then dark and bleak again, then back to a comedy but this time it is all slapstick, and it just goes back and forth. Also towards the end it becomes a buddy comedy coming of age movie for about 5 minutes. This is one of the worst movies I have ever seen. Also the two main girls are good but all they ever freaking do is cry CRY cry. What is wrong with this movie?!?!?!

There is no real plot to this movie, it makes no F(_)cking sense. The story literally makes no freaking sense. It is about many things, but the main plot is about this guy who hired his serial killer brother to go find a cell phone for him. It is later revealed that they are not real brothers but they are afraid of him but keep calling him to come over too. It makes no sense.

Second plot is about this girl who has a mental illness (done very poorly in this movie and also kinda offensive). She is trying to find the serial killer because he killed her sister, but along the way she meets a young girl whose sister got killed by him too. The little girl happens to know where the cell phone is at. Along the way they go on a wacky adventure, a lot of annoying crying scenes, some very very weird and out of place comedy, a lot of annoying screaming, and the ending is just bad.

Also the serial killer has no real back story, and there is no explanation as to why he is a skinny dude but somehow is also part Terminator, being able to take multiple heavy blows to the back of the head that will kill even the strongest man, or being able to survive getting stabbed in the kidneys. Also he is able to easily destroy 5+ Korean soldiers in a fight which makes no sense.

The first act is not bad, but from the half way point it is pretty much unwatchable. This is one of the worst Korean movies I have ever seen, and also one of the most annoying movies too.

2/10 (only good thing is that the actresses are kinda cute)

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.

A couple awkward parts here and there, but still, a tense and brutal movie!

I first saw Kim Go-Eun in "Memories of the Sword" (which I plan to watch again sometime; I don't think I paid enough attention to it last time), and now, this creepy thriller "Monster". And after this film, I simply must say: I ADORE her acting soooooooooooooooooooo much!!!! She commits to the role incredibly well, occasionally making me laugh, as well as making me cringe and whisper "oooo", or "eeek", or "woah", during an intense scene, or if she does something totally unexpected! After seeing Memories of the Sword again, I'll be able to compare both roles she played, while also preparing to check out some other performances of hers. But after today, I think I may personally like her performance in this brutal shocking thriller the best!! No lies here!

Definitely a sick and twisted villain too! Nice job to that actor's work as well!

This instantly became one of my favorite films, even when I watched it without subtitles and couldn't understand a lick of Korean. I adore that the hero is a grown woman with a developmental disability and her relationship with the child has so much chemistry. The way in which the villain disposes of his victim's bodies and collection of mementos of his murders was my absolute favorite detail. It's the iconic theme that I always think of to identify this film. The cinematography is excellent as well as the acting. The script combines humor and horror in a fluid way that does not break immersion. The only thing that would make this film better in my opinion is to stray away from the campy blood splatter effects, but thankfully they are hardly used. What more, the minimal amount of blood used up until the climax made it all the more impactful. I definitely recommend.