The Killer (2022) User Reviews

The Man from Nowhere meets John Wick

[cile-chan · 8/10 · 8 August 2022]

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.

Korean John Wick

[A_Different_Drummer · 8/10 · 12 August 2022]

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))

Was a lot better than I expected!

[larryquach · 8/10 · 29 June 2022]

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.

I loved The Killer

[maclock · 21 July 2022]

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.

Driving attraction

[obi_wan_kenobi_UKR · 7/10 · 12 August 2022]

I liked this movie. In general, the cinematography of the countries of the East, like other industries, knows how to quickly use the inventions and ideas of the West. In our case, it is a replica of the popular American franchise about the hired killer John Wick.

And you know, copied quite well. Certain illogicalities were masked by a dynamic plot that does not allow us to think about inconsistencies. The battles are staged quite well, the camera movements are also copied from Hollywood masters. But there is still a Korean environment and atmosphere. There is a lot of blood, but it does not cut the eyes and harmoniously fits into this meat grinder.

The main character for me is just a killer robot doing his job according to the scripts. This picture is not about empathy for the characters, but about a driving attraction that captivates and draws you into a whirlwind of gunfights and duels.

Therefore, as a project with a meaningful load, it should not be considered. Although he promotes certain moral principles - do not insult the innocent and the weak, for example.

For me, this is a well-deserved 7 points. Hang out in the evening with chips and corned beef.

Let's Talk About It

[Foutainoflife · 6/10 · 5 January 2023]

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.

Korean John Wick

[billcr12 · 7/10 · 19 January 2023]

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.

Big letdown compared to The Swordsman but still satisfying 2nd half.

[p0t80 · 6/10 · 20 December 2022]

Big letdown compared to The Swordsman but still satisfying 2nd half.

Props to the camerawork, stunt team and actors. Writing in 1st half very bad. In 2nd half okeyish. Soundtrack sounded mostly very cheap but got less noticable in 2nd half. I don't know what happened, after the The Swordsman I thought the director/actor team would do be going to the stars, seemed like a dream team. The whole kinda unique camera style from The Swordsman only got noticeable in the 2nd half / last 3rd. Which was a pleasant surprise, after the disappointing and very cliche, cheaply written first half. I was looking forward to this a lot, and it seems at some points a lot of effort went into this and it showed but ultimately was let down by poor writing. Personally OST is a big thing as well and it was not good to say the least. Damn. They could have done more with this. 6 is being generous. Hope they'll go on to be doing something better.

Good action design

[JunotLee · 9/10 · 29 June 2022]

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).

Desperate for action flick,then this killer is for u...!

[PANDIAN120621 · 7/10 · 22 December 2022]

Based on popular novel "THE KID DESERVES TO DIE" by Bang ji ho,this flick embarks on a bloody rampage by a overpowered hero played by Jang yuk...who does get a meaty role and goes effortlessly great which makes the film work... The movie does potray the hard hitting look on a underworld sex trafficking to a modest level thus balancing the action sequences and fast paced screenplay which works.... Hyen soo does a cute role and shines well and good enough with a given less amount of time space...while yoon ji can be thankful for carrying some responsibility in keeping the soul of the movie... Shot with some sought of funny violent stunts choreography does take a major credit and could be a well deserved Korean "JOHN WICK"

A BIT OF BUSY NONSENSE...!

[masonfisk · 5/10 · 17 December 2023]

A 2022 South Korean film about a retired hit man, Jang Hyuk, charged w/taking care of the daughter, Lee Seo-young, of his wife's best friend since they're both going on holiday together. Letting her & a friend hit the town, Seo-Young, at one point jumps on a rando's motorcycle & drives away but after Hyuk gets a call asking how she's doing, he reluctantly follows Seo-Young (he's planted a tracker in her wallet) where she's being menaced by some toughs so Hyuk falls back into old habits saving her & bringing her back home w/the next night during another ride home, a detective stops him at a roadblock where he asked his whereabouts since a murder was committed. It turns out one of the toughs, Sung-yeon, committed the murder in hopes of framing Hyuk using his knife which she somehow got her hands on but since she has Seo-young's wallet, Hyuk tracks them, beats them up & gains the knife but returning home, he finds Seo-young is now missing, apparently kidnapped. Tracking Sung-yeon down & mortally wounding her, he finds out Seo-young was selected by a particular perv involved in a Russian/Korean human trafficking ring w/the cop who stopped him earlier, Lee Seung-joon, also part of the mix. What follows are corrupt judges, a reveal of who his wife's friend really is & a slew of slaughtered henchmen who had the bad luck of meeting Hyuk's wrath (never thought I'd type that sentence!). Using a much better South Korean film, The Man from Nowhere, as boilerplate, the particulars of this story feels so overworked & yet simple at the same time, it becomes an endurance test to make it through the film's brisk 90 minutes.

The (other) Killer

[kosmasp · 9/10 · 3 March 2023]

No pun intended - whenever I hear the Killer ... I always think of John Woos classic movie. A movie that really changed a lot for me - and I suspect not just for me. I like movies from everywhere and try to watch as many as possible (which you may have already figured out) ... but Killer and Hard Boiled were quite the revelations for me.

Now this has nothing to do with that movie and stands on his own. Like the titular character. He knows what he is doing ... and he still will do anything his girlfriend tells him to do ... even babysitting. Which is not an easy thing to do anyway - but even worse when the subject is attracting evil people ... and trouble. I would not entirely blame her - spoiled as she might be. But it also helps the story move along ... and gives us a lot of action sequences ... very well choreographed ones at that.

The stoic nature of our main character, the knowledge that he is better than others ... well maybe you can identify with that - like I do. I'm just kidding of course ... we wish. Great action cinema ... paper thin story, but enough to keep it all moving along. With a main bad guy, we get to see fight our guy over and over again ... what more could you wish for?

The Killer (2022)

[thecinephilereviews · 7/10 · 23 January 2023]

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.

IG: thecinephilereviews.

I only write this review because I feel cheated by the other reviews

[stevenswig · 1/10 · 8 November 2022]

I wouldn't have rated it if it wasn't for the high reviews. The first review I read compared it to John Wick, and it was so convincing that I watched the movie immediately after. First of all, that reviewer should consider a career in sales or politics, because his review was that good.

Some movies can have action that's so good that the story doesn't matter. This isn't one of them. Seeing the main actor fight, move around, and shoot makes me appreciate how good Keanu Reeves and the people working on John Wick are.

The action is average at best. No sequence is good and no sequence stands out. If it had a story I might have made it past halfway, but after a while of subpar everything, I gave up.

I considered myself a fan of Korean action movies, but lately, after watching movies like this, Alienoid, and The Witch part 2, I'm thinking maybe I have changed... or maybe the quality of their movies is going down.

Good entertainment

[janstue · 7/10 · 20 January 2023]

The movie is not dull at all and is pretty entertaining. Even though it's not a comedic movie, there's a lot of subtle humor. It offers anime-like elements that fit the movie really well. Occasionally there are trains of thought in addition to the external dialogue which I really enjoy. It's a rare element that many movies could benefit from, imo. I don't know what it is about movies like that that is so enjoyable to watch even though the protagonist is an undefeatable god who hardly gets bruises.

It's an overall high quality experience: from the visuals to the dialogue, the action scenes, subtle humor, and whatever else I could've asked for. Very enjoyable.

Timely killer. Nice action flick

[kumar_delish · 7/10 · 9 December 2022]

Jang Hyuk- our main hero sient personality at first and we see him on action really amazing

The Hitman's retirement is always end with wrongly try to stay clam but people never leave them.

A teenage college adosalent girl mischief thing lead to fight.

Ended of killing lot of people for good reasons

Action sequences are very well filmed and his love towards his wife is amazing even he is had fighter and a hit man Love is always blind.

Loving person near to urs we never care another thing in the world only she is our world

U must watch the flim if u Love action flik the way the story narrate is good.

good but bloody

[Amr_Farahat · 7/10 · 9 December 2022]

Firstly, in my opinion the movie is good but these is more blood, I think we must decrease the offinsive movies because the increasing of criminal accedant and the next genedar and teen take care, I think we can do better and get the best for our.

I can not agnore that the movie derama is very beutiful iam paniced in the moment discover that the mother is a big criminar it was sulprise to me.

The hereo is a wonderful and have attractive character.

I hope interesting with movie and have agood time.

With my best wishes.

Thanks very much.

Finally I hope in the next time we have got alot of good action movies.

Another Great Korean Action Film

[tkdlifemagazine · 7/10 · 15 June 2023]

This is another really good South Korean action and martial arts film. It is clearly modeled after the John Wick style of films. Its protagonist is a likable but deadly man of few words that gets dragged into an international sex trafficking ring to save a teenage girl in his care. Great acting. Great and violent fight choreography. Visually exciting. It moves from the first moment to the last. I understand this is based on source material; however, I am unfamiliar with it and I don't think it hurts the experience any. I would watch it in Korea with Subtitles to get the best experience. This is Korean film making at its best.

Jang Hyuk is captivating!

[jamiewayside · 9/10 · 25 June 2022]

With subtle glimpses of humor, irony, and even compassion, Jang Hyuk is captivating as Bang Ui Gang shifts from seeing Kim Yun Ji as a nuisance to someone deserving of his protection. Once he is invested in finding "who chose the girl," take a deep breath and hang on for the ride because no one is off limits.

It may seem long but the action gets better

[jordondave-28085 · 7/10 · 17 June 2023]

(2022) The Killer (In South Korean with English subtitles) ACTION

It opens with professional killer, Bang Ui Gang (Jang Hyuk) killing two people upon them coming at him with a weapon as he is also the narrator. We then go back to Bang Ui Gan when he was an ordinary civilian and we learn, he is retired, but like retired from what profession! A killer like the title of the movie. Anyways, he is at home with an ordinary job with his girlfriend he shares his house with, she asks him to babysit 17 year old, Kim Yoon-ji (Seo-young Lee) while she and her mother go on a three week vacation. And it is not long before he is forced back into his old ways of executing people part of the human trafficking ring which the fight sequence at the opening does not occur until after the 40 minute mark, upon him going into a hotel building but is used as a prostitution ring. That our hero, Bang Ui Gang used to be a mercenary, and that the kidnapping of the 17 year old may lead to the higher up, such as a detective name Lee (Lee Seung-joon) and possibly to a court judge name Park Hyung- joo (Hong Seo-jun). And the identity of Mama Pig who we find out is really the daughter's stepmother.

The set up and the expected revelations is nothing more but serves as a backdrop to the action scenes, a good portion of them are a lot of well staged fight sequences and then guns. It is a combination of many movies, including "The Man From Nowhere" which the movie along the way gave a shout out to, "John Wick" because the star is extremely wealthy himself to pay experienced cleaners to dispose bodies similar to what Wick does,"The Equalizer 2" and "Taken" to name a few.

Good fights, bad plot, but loses in trying to be a Korean John Wick.

[Nimbereth · 5/10 · 13 October 2022]

Let's start with the positives: action scenes are well produced, the locations are well done and the music doesn't get in the way. However, while the film shines on the action everything else is average to below.

The plot is the worst aspect of the film. The story is very convoluted and does not convince us in terms of believability. Another aspect that leaves something to be desired is the pace. Even with less than 90min it seems that we are seeing a work with twice the duration.

Other reviews have already mentioned, but the influence of John Wick more hinders than helps the film. Most of the fights would benefit from the melee weapon tradition of Korean films rather than the firearms of the Americans.

All in all, a very mediocre film 5/10.

Action-packed ride!

[yinglovang · 10/10 · 28 June 2022]

If you are looking for an action-packed movie, look no further. Jang Hyuk once again amazes with his martial arts skills. The witty dialogue was an added bonus.

I have seen better films in this genre.

[Vivekmaru45 · 1/10 · 17 December 2022]

Léon 1994, Taken 2008, The Man From Nowhere 2010 are prime examples of good films of this genre and also worth getting for your movie collection.

This movie is about a retired hitman who works as a driver. He takes on the job of looking after his friend's teenage daughter. After she is abducted he makes it his mission to find her, whatever the cost.

This plot has been done to death in my belief. It is the most typical action-thriller formula. But the way the director handles this project is inferior to films I mentioned above. At least those movies were worth watching again and again.

Verdict: not worth your time if you've already seen the movies I've mentioned.

Top Rated Action Movie

[lyanabag · 10/10 · 24 June 2022]

Excellent action thriller movie with amusingly witty dialogues. I am in awe of the action scenes in this movie, most especially the martial arts. Jang Hyuk has a powerful flair for action that fascinates the viewers. And of course, if it's Jang Hyuk, it's always undeniably good!

Like Watching Someone Play a Video Game

[thalassafischer · 4/10 · 24 March 2024]

This stupidly masculine action film barely differs from an American flick except for obvious culture markers. The "bad guys" are even Russian. The violence is constant and utterly unrealistic, akin to watching a teen boy expertly play a video game if his role were The Killer.

It's basically scene after scene of the main character taking everyone else down with his pinky finger. The girl he's protecting is conveniently stashed away safely in a hospital for the majority of the movie.

As someone who frequently watches South Korean cinema, including horror films, this is one of the least interesting.