The Bequeathed is Netflix’s latest Korean thriller series and after its release, it is gaining a ton of traction on the streaming service. The Bequeathed revolves around a college lecturer who inherits a burial ground from an estranged uncle. This prompts her to go to the family mountain but when she gets there all of the buried family secrets come out and ominous things start happening including a murder that might reveal everything the townspeople are trying to hide. If you liked the Korean series here are some similar shows you could watch next.
Stranger
Stranger is a hit Korean series with two seasons already out and a possible third season or a spin-off on the way. The Bequeathed seems very interested in digging up old wounds for our character and that’s the same thing you will see in this Korean drama. The story of the series revolves...
Stranger
Stranger is a hit Korean series with two seasons already out and a possible third season or a spin-off on the way. The Bequeathed seems very interested in digging up old wounds for our character and that’s the same thing you will see in this Korean drama. The story of the series revolves...
- 1/21/2024
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
Stars: Jang Hyuk, Lee Chae-young, Lee Seo-young, Bruce Khan, Lee Seung-joon | Written by Nam Ji-woong | Directed by Choi Jae-hun
Not to be confused with John Woo’s classic film of the same name, The Killer (Jugeodo Doeneun Ai) is the new film from Choi Jae-hun and written by Nam Ji-woong based on a novel and webcomic by Bang Jin-ho. The film made its Canadian debut as part of this year’s Fantasia International Film Festival.
Eui-kang is a retired assassin, married and living a quiet life. When his wife goes on vacation with a friend he ends up, rather against his will, having to watch over the friend’s seventeen-year-old daughter Yoon-ji.
The first night she’s in his care however she becomes the victim of a ring of human traffickers specializing in underage girls. There’s only one thing he can do, come out of retirement to rescue her,...
Not to be confused with John Woo’s classic film of the same name, The Killer (Jugeodo Doeneun Ai) is the new film from Choi Jae-hun and written by Nam Ji-woong based on a novel and webcomic by Bang Jin-ho. The film made its Canadian debut as part of this year’s Fantasia International Film Festival.
Eui-kang is a retired assassin, married and living a quiet life. When his wife goes on vacation with a friend he ends up, rather against his will, having to watch over the friend’s seventeen-year-old daughter Yoon-ji.
The first night she’s in his care however she becomes the victim of a ring of human traffickers specializing in underage girls. There’s only one thing he can do, come out of retirement to rescue her,...
- 4/19/2023
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
TvN’s upcoming K-drama Family will intrigue fans of the well-loved anime Spy x Family. What happens when a seemingly ordinary family has a few secrets? Family is a spy comedy K-drama as fans will meet a husband and wife duo who are madly in love and have a kid, but the husband has a double life of espionage.
Jang Hyuk and Jang Nara for ‘Family’ K-drama | via tvN ‘Family’ K-drama has a Nis agent hide his real job from his homemaker wife
By day, Kwon Do-hoon (Jang Hyuk) is an ordinary office worker who does not raise suspicion. He is charming, kind, sweet, and charismatic. But behind his mundane appearance lies a secret. Do-hoon is a National Intelligence Service (Nis) black agent. At work, he is intimidating to his peers, but he is a devoted and loving husband when he goes home.
At home, Kang Yu-ra (Jang Nara) is...
Jang Hyuk and Jang Nara for ‘Family’ K-drama | via tvN ‘Family’ K-drama has a Nis agent hide his real job from his homemaker wife
By day, Kwon Do-hoon (Jang Hyuk) is an ordinary office worker who does not raise suspicion. He is charming, kind, sweet, and charismatic. But behind his mundane appearance lies a secret. Do-hoon is a National Intelligence Service (Nis) black agent. At work, he is intimidating to his peers, but he is a devoted and loving husband when he goes home.
At home, Kang Yu-ra (Jang Nara) is...
- 3/29/2023
- by Gabriela Silva
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
CineAsia have debuted an exclusive clip from the fast-paced thriller ‘The Killer,’ from acclaimed director Choi Jae-hoon (The Swordman) and adapted from a popular novel.
The movie is a stylish and fast-paced thriller with incredible action scenes which further cements the elite reputation of South Korean cinema.
Ui-gang is a legendary hitman who has decided to retire from the business and pursue legitimate work. When his wife takes a trip, she issues a request, for Ui-gang to look after her travel companion’s 17-year-old daughter, Yoon-ji (K-pop star Lee Seo-young aka Anne from Gwsn). Ui-gang reluctantly agrees, but when the girl with a wild streak falls afoul of gangsters, Yoon-ji finds herself kidnapped and in a situation more dangerous than she ever imagined. However, while the girl is in over her head, her captors will also find themselves with more than they can handle when Ui-gang begins tearing the...
The movie is a stylish and fast-paced thriller with incredible action scenes which further cements the elite reputation of South Korean cinema.
Ui-gang is a legendary hitman who has decided to retire from the business and pursue legitimate work. When his wife takes a trip, she issues a request, for Ui-gang to look after her travel companion’s 17-year-old daughter, Yoon-ji (K-pop star Lee Seo-young aka Anne from Gwsn). Ui-gang reluctantly agrees, but when the girl with a wild streak falls afoul of gangsters, Yoon-ji finds herself kidnapped and in a situation more dangerous than she ever imagined. However, while the girl is in over her head, her captors will also find themselves with more than they can handle when Ui-gang begins tearing the...
- 3/28/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
“Korean cinema has its John Wick” ★★★★★Eastern Film Fans “Superbly choreographed fight scenes” ★★★★Starburst Magazine “A total adrenaline rush” ★★★★World of Martial Arts TV “One of the best action movies of the year” ★★★★The Action Elite “High-octane action” ★★★★The Hollywood News
Trinity CineAsia presents slick South Korean action-thriller The Killer on Digital platforms from 27th March and on Blu-ray and DVD from 17th April.
Synopsis: Ui-gang is a legendary hitman who has decided to retire from the business and pursue legitimate work. When his wife takes a trip, she issues a request, for Ui-gang to look after her travel companion’s 17-year old daughter, Yoon-ji (K-pop star Lee Seo-young aka Anne from Gwsn). Ui-gang reluctantly agrees, but when the girl with a wild streak falls afoul of gangsters, Yoon-ji finds herself kidnapped and in a situation more dangerous than she ever imagined. However, while the girl is in over her head,...
Trinity CineAsia presents slick South Korean action-thriller The Killer on Digital platforms from 27th March and on Blu-ray and DVD from 17th April.
Synopsis: Ui-gang is a legendary hitman who has decided to retire from the business and pursue legitimate work. When his wife takes a trip, she issues a request, for Ui-gang to look after her travel companion’s 17-year old daughter, Yoon-ji (K-pop star Lee Seo-young aka Anne from Gwsn). Ui-gang reluctantly agrees, but when the girl with a wild streak falls afoul of gangsters, Yoon-ji finds herself kidnapped and in a situation more dangerous than she ever imagined. However, while the girl is in over her head,...
- 3/27/2023
- by Peter 'Witchfinder' Hopkins
- Horror Asylum
Streaming platform Paramount+ has set a release date for Korean series “Yonder” that is one of the first titles flowing from Paramount Global’s alliance with Cj Enm.
The show will premiere on April 11 in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, Latin America, Brazil, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and France.
Set in 2032, “Yonder” is a science fiction-drama series about a man who receives a message from his deceased wife inviting him to a mysterious space. The space is designed for the dead to be able to live on by uploading memories of their lifetime from their brain. The show raises questions about life and death and what it means to have eternal happiness as humanity faces a world altered by advancements in science and technology.
It was directed by Lee Joon-ik who has numerous hit film credits including “The King and the Clown,” “Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet” and “The Book of Fish.
The show will premiere on April 11 in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, Latin America, Brazil, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and France.
Set in 2032, “Yonder” is a science fiction-drama series about a man who receives a message from his deceased wife inviting him to a mysterious space. The space is designed for the dead to be able to live on by uploading memories of their lifetime from their brain. The show raises questions about life and death and what it means to have eternal happiness as humanity faces a world altered by advancements in science and technology.
It was directed by Lee Joon-ik who has numerous hit film credits including “The King and the Clown,” “Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet” and “The Book of Fish.
- 3/21/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
A retired mercenary must free a kidnapped teen in this lurid and drum-tight thriller
Charismatic star Jang Hyuk plays Bang Ui-gang, a retired mercenary compelled to shoot, maim, slice and dice an assortment of adversaries in this extremely violent action thriller. At all times, Ui-gang also manages to keep his hair immaculately coiffed in a floppy K-pop-by-way-of-1990s-Hugh-Grant style. He’s so darn cool that at one point he arrives at one of the film’s many dens of iniquity with a large coffee in one hand and a gun in the other, and shoots his adversaries stone dead between dainty sips.
This would all seem faintly ridiculous if it weren’t that director Choi Jae-hoon and screenwriter Nam Ji-Woong have injected some biting social critique among all the bloody malarky – notably through the way the story reveals that the sex trafficking ring at the heart of the evildoing is...
Charismatic star Jang Hyuk plays Bang Ui-gang, a retired mercenary compelled to shoot, maim, slice and dice an assortment of adversaries in this extremely violent action thriller. At all times, Ui-gang also manages to keep his hair immaculately coiffed in a floppy K-pop-by-way-of-1990s-Hugh-Grant style. He’s so darn cool that at one point he arrives at one of the film’s many dens of iniquity with a large coffee in one hand and a gun in the other, and shoots his adversaries stone dead between dainty sips.
This would all seem faintly ridiculous if it weren’t that director Choi Jae-hoon and screenwriter Nam Ji-Woong have injected some biting social critique among all the bloody malarky – notably through the way the story reveals that the sex trafficking ring at the heart of the evildoing is...
- 3/21/2023
- by Leslie Felperin
- The Guardian - Film News
Trinity CineAsia presents slick South Korean action-thriller The Killer on Digital platforms from 27th March and on Blu-ray and DVD from 17th April.
Synopsis:Ui-gang is a legendary hitman who has decided to retire from the business and pursue legitimate work. When his wife takes a trip, she issues a request, for Ui-gang to look after her travel companion's 17-year-old daughter, Yoon-ji (K-pop star Lee Seo-young aka Anne from Gwsn). Ui-gang reluctantly agrees, but when the girl with a wild streak falls afoul of gangsters, Yoon-ji finds herself kidnapped and in a situation more dangerous than she ever imagined. However, while the girl is in over her head, her captors will also find themselves with more than they can handle when Ui-gang begins tearing the city apart to get her back.
From acclaimed director Choi Jae-hoon (The Swordman) and adapted from a popular novel, The Killer is a cool, stylish,...
Synopsis:Ui-gang is a legendary hitman who has decided to retire from the business and pursue legitimate work. When his wife takes a trip, she issues a request, for Ui-gang to look after her travel companion's 17-year-old daughter, Yoon-ji (K-pop star Lee Seo-young aka Anne from Gwsn). Ui-gang reluctantly agrees, but when the girl with a wild streak falls afoul of gangsters, Yoon-ji finds herself kidnapped and in a situation more dangerous than she ever imagined. However, while the girl is in over her head, her captors will also find themselves with more than they can handle when Ui-gang begins tearing the city apart to get her back.
From acclaimed director Choi Jae-hoon (The Swordman) and adapted from a popular novel, The Killer is a cool, stylish,...
- 3/10/2023
- by Adam Symchuk
- AsianMoviePulse
Choi Jae-hoon is positioning himself as one of the new hopes of action-based Korean cinema. His track record consists of 3 features in as many years and as many genres. He gained some international attention with the historical spectacle “The Swordsman” (2020), and the horror-thriller “The Hypnosis” ensued the following year. His third film is a straight-up action thriller “The Killer” (2022) based on the somewhat popular web-novel “The Kid Deserves to Die” written by Bang Jin-ho. After the premiere at last year’s Udine Far East Film Festival and a tour of genre-friendly film festivals, such as Fantasia, it has landed on the streaming/video market.
The story revolves around Bang-ui (Jang Hyuk who already worked with the helmer on his debut feature), a semi-retired mob assassin willing to start a new life with his wife Hyeon-soo (Lee Chae-young) making money in the real estate sector. However, she plans a holiday with...
The story revolves around Bang-ui (Jang Hyuk who already worked with the helmer on his debut feature), a semi-retired mob assassin willing to start a new life with his wife Hyeon-soo (Lee Chae-young) making money in the real estate sector. However, she plans a holiday with...
- 2/14/2023
- by Marko Stojiljković
- AsianMoviePulse
The Killer is a South Korean action thriller movie directed by Jae-Hoon Choi. It stars Jang Hyuk yu.
Merciless action.
Premise
A retired hitman whose wife goes on a trip with her friend, and asks him to look after the friend’s teenage daughter. Things go awry when he is forced to use a little violence to protect the girl from juvenile delinquents, but then they are found dead and the girl is kidnapped.
About the Movie
A “recipe” that worked well – very well – a few years back, and that, applying the same premise and an almost identical character, keeps on repeating itself movie after movie. The elements are there, with the good action sequences, the heroic character, but it not new. However, of what you seek if just raw action this might be to your liking.
Reviews
While the tightly choreographed action scenes in “The Killer” take their cue...
Merciless action.
Premise
A retired hitman whose wife goes on a trip with her friend, and asks him to look after the friend’s teenage daughter. Things go awry when he is forced to use a little violence to protect the girl from juvenile delinquents, but then they are found dead and the girl is kidnapped.
About the Movie
A “recipe” that worked well – very well – a few years back, and that, applying the same premise and an almost identical character, keeps on repeating itself movie after movie. The elements are there, with the good action sequences, the heroic character, but it not new. However, of what you seek if just raw action this might be to your liking.
Reviews
While the tightly choreographed action scenes in “The Killer” take their cue...
- 12/10/2022
- by Elisabeth Plank
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
Korean filmmakers have produced some of today’s most cutting-edge movies by borrowing the best elements from Hollywood, Chinese, and Japanese cinema, and mixing them their own unique cultural vision. So when it comes to the action genre, K-films are all over the map. K-actioners range from irreverent comedies to gritty brutal ultraviolence. Story arcs move from funny to savage in the blink of an eye.
Always well-crafted, Korean action films are filled with clever plot twists, refreshing characters that are fully fleshed out, and superb cinematography, However, Korean cinema tends to defy being as easily pigeonholed into genre boxes as Western contemporaries.
For example, Park Chan-wook’s disturbing Cannes winner, Oldboy, is more of psychological thriller than an action film, and yet the brilliant one-er hallway hammer fight is consistently referenced as one of the top examples of fight choreography from that year. Snowpiercer, which spawned a TNT series,...
Always well-crafted, Korean action films are filled with clever plot twists, refreshing characters that are fully fleshed out, and superb cinematography, However, Korean cinema tends to defy being as easily pigeonholed into genre boxes as Western contemporaries.
For example, Park Chan-wook’s disturbing Cannes winner, Oldboy, is more of psychological thriller than an action film, and yet the brilliant one-er hallway hammer fight is consistently referenced as one of the top examples of fight choreography from that year. Snowpiercer, which spawned a TNT series,...
- 9/2/2022
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
After a hiatus, we’re back with a new episode of Deadline Hallyuwood. Joining us is actor Jang Hyuk, star of the movie The Killer: A Girl Who Deserves to Die.
Although Jang spent much of his career as a heartthrob on some memorable series, he’s getting back into his groove as a martial arts expert in his portrayal of Bang Ui-gang, a retired assassin with a duty to protect the daughter of his wife’s friend. Things go awry as the girl gets herself in with the wrong crowd and Jang entangles himself in a web of corruption and human trafficking.
Debuting at the 2022 New York Asian Film Festival, The Killer was the first Korean film to be released in North America and Korea at the same time, a feat that might catch on for Korean films looking to go global.
Jang gets into the process of designing action sequences,...
Although Jang spent much of his career as a heartthrob on some memorable series, he’s getting back into his groove as a martial arts expert in his portrayal of Bang Ui-gang, a retired assassin with a duty to protect the daughter of his wife’s friend. Things go awry as the girl gets herself in with the wrong crowd and Jang entangles himself in a web of corruption and human trafficking.
Debuting at the 2022 New York Asian Film Festival, The Killer was the first Korean film to be released in North America and Korea at the same time, a feat that might catch on for Korean films looking to go global.
Jang gets into the process of designing action sequences,...
- 8/25/2022
- by Brandon Choe
- Deadline Film + TV
At first glance, Choi Jae-hoon’s latest thriller, which screened at the 2022 Fantasia International Film Festival, may look like something you’ve seen several times before. A retired hitman asked to protect a teenage girl who then gets kidnapped, forcing him out of retirement? It’s not the most original premise – yet in Choi’s hands it manages to be both innovative and respectful, and very thrilling indeed.
The hitman of the title is Bang Ui-gang, played by Jang Hyuk, an actor whose CV is considerably more diverse than that of most who might handle the physical demands of this role. That’s important, because it is in large part his acting which makes this film work. Although it’s never stated directly, it becomes clear over time that Ui-gang could live the life he did because he doesn’t have empathy. He does, however, have a sense of morality,...
The hitman of the title is Bang Ui-gang, played by Jang Hyuk, an actor whose CV is considerably more diverse than that of most who might handle the physical demands of this role. That’s important, because it is in large part his acting which makes this film work. Although it’s never stated directly, it becomes clear over time that Ui-gang could live the life he did because he doesn’t have empathy. He does, however, have a sense of morality,...
- 8/4/2022
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Stars: Jang Hyuk, Lee Chae-young, Lee Seo-young, Bruce Khan, Lee Seung-joon | Written by Nam Ji-woong | Directed by Choi Jae-hun
Not to be confused with John Woo’s classic film of the same name, The Killer (Jugeodo Doeneun Ai) is the new film from Choi Jae-hun and written by Nam Ji-woong based on a novel and webcomic by Bang Jin-ho. The film made its Canadian debut as part of this year’s Fantasia International Film Festival.
Eui-kang is a retired assassin, married and living a quiet life. When his wife goes on vacation with a friend he ends up, rather against his will, having to watch over the friend’s seventeen-year-old daughter Yoon-ji.
The first night she’s in his care however she becomes the victim of a ring of human traffickers specializing in underage girls. There’s only one thing he can do, come out of retirement to rescue her,...
Not to be confused with John Woo’s classic film of the same name, The Killer (Jugeodo Doeneun Ai) is the new film from Choi Jae-hun and written by Nam Ji-woong based on a novel and webcomic by Bang Jin-ho. The film made its Canadian debut as part of this year’s Fantasia International Film Festival.
Eui-kang is a retired assassin, married and living a quiet life. When his wife goes on vacation with a friend he ends up, rather against his will, having to watch over the friend’s seventeen-year-old daughter Yoon-ji.
The first night she’s in his care however she becomes the victim of a ring of human traffickers specializing in underage girls. There’s only one thing he can do, come out of retirement to rescue her,...
- 8/3/2022
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
Greed, brotherhood, violence, betrayal – these are all things that one would typically expect from a crime thriller centred around organised crime. Director Yoon Young-bin squeezes all these tried and tested traits into his 2021 gangster flick “Paid in Blood”. However, despite having the glitz and glam of a great crime thriller, Young-bin’s film disappoints when considering the talent involved.
on Amazon
In Gangneung, construction is almost complete on a large casino resort that promises riches to those in charge. Entrusted with the casino by his ageing boss, Kim Gil-seok (Yu Oh-Seong) is the unpopular choice to take over the project. However, internally rivalries must be put aside when the ruthless newcomer Lee Min-seok (Jang Hyuk) comes to town with his eyes set on the top of the table.
For the vast majority of “Paid in Blood”, we’re presented with lengthy back-and-forth conversations between philosophizing gangsters, with...
on Amazon
In Gangneung, construction is almost complete on a large casino resort that promises riches to those in charge. Entrusted with the casino by his ageing boss, Kim Gil-seok (Yu Oh-Seong) is the unpopular choice to take over the project. However, internally rivalries must be put aside when the ruthless newcomer Lee Min-seok (Jang Hyuk) comes to town with his eyes set on the top of the table.
For the vast majority of “Paid in Blood”, we’re presented with lengthy back-and-forth conversations between philosophizing gangsters, with...
- 7/30/2022
- by Tom Wilmot
- AsianMoviePulse
When a powerful crime ring starts construction on the largest casino in all of Asia, the group is challenged by a young, vicious gangster (Jang Hyuk) from Seoul who will stop at nothing to gain power. In a desperate attempt to stop the newcomer’s plot to kill his way to the top, the gang’s leader declares all-out war on the man and his followers.
- 7/28/2022
- by Don Anelli
- AsianMoviePulse
The history of the transition from the Ming- to the Qing-dynasty stands for one of the most turbulent periods within China’s past, a period of many territorial and political conflicts which would define the future for the nation as well as its culture. Its events have shaped the country and still shows its traces today as its duration, from 1618 to 1683, caused the death of around 25 million people. Considering the significance of the period, it sounds quite challenging for a director to approach this time as the background for his or her project, but then South Korean filmmaker Choi Jae-hoon does not seem to shy away from a task such as this. In his feature debut “The Swordsman” he tells the story of the fall of the Gwanghaegun, the fifteenth king of the Joseon dynasty, and its repercussions. The feature, which premiered in September 2020 in the director’s home country,...
- 7/22/2022
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Choi Jae-Hoon’s “The Killer” has it all: a missing young girl, a man in over his head and a conspiracy that goes all the way up to the top. If that sounds familiar, it’s because Choi’s film, though full of slick action, relies on familiar tropes from gritty thrillers of the past to make too much of a name for itself.
“The Killer” stars Jang Hyuk (Choi’s “The Swordsman”) as the titular killer, Bang Ui-gang, a semi-retired assassin-for-hire, eager to settle down with his wife (Lee Chae-young) and get into the home renovation business. She leaves him to go on an all-too-normal girls’ weekend, entrusting him with the responsibility of her friend’s stepdaughter, Kim Yoon-ji (Lee Seo-young), a 17-year-old girl with a wayward streak.
Ui-gang and Seo-young make for an odd pair: He’s a childless man in his 40s, with a stern, abiding sense of law and order,...
“The Killer” stars Jang Hyuk (Choi’s “The Swordsman”) as the titular killer, Bang Ui-gang, a semi-retired assassin-for-hire, eager to settle down with his wife (Lee Chae-young) and get into the home renovation business. She leaves him to go on an all-too-normal girls’ weekend, entrusting him with the responsibility of her friend’s stepdaughter, Kim Yoon-ji (Lee Seo-young), a 17-year-old girl with a wayward streak.
Ui-gang and Seo-young make for an odd pair: He’s a childless man in his 40s, with a stern, abiding sense of law and order,...
- 7/12/2022
- by Fran Hoepfner
- The Wrap
Tickets go on sale July 1 for the fully in-theater 20th anniversary edition of the New York Asian Film Festival (Nyaff), presented by the New York Asian Film Foundation and Film at Lincoln Center (Flc), running from July 15–28, 2022 at Flc, as well as on July 23 and July 28–31 at Asia Society, which will be co-presenting a selection of key films and a Hong Kong marathon day. International stars and acclaimed filmmakers will return in-person to grace the Nyaff red carpet at Flc, receive awards, speak at Q&a sessions, and impart wisdom during masterclasses and special talks.
Hong Kong cultural icon Josie Ho will headline Nyaff 2022 with her latest project as producer of the inspiring musical documentary Finding Bliss: Fire and Ice—The Director’s Cut, in which she travels with musicians and students from Hong Kong to Iceland for a transcendent collaboration. As a tribute to the acting superstar, the festival...
Hong Kong cultural icon Josie Ho will headline Nyaff 2022 with her latest project as producer of the inspiring musical documentary Finding Bliss: Fire and Ice—The Director’s Cut, in which she travels with musicians and students from Hong Kong to Iceland for a transcendent collaboration. As a tribute to the acting superstar, the festival...
- 7/1/2022
- by Grace Han
- AsianMoviePulse
The 20th edition of the festival will return as a full in-person event in July.
The New York Asian Film Festival (Nyaff) has unveiled the full line-up for its 20th edition, which will include honorary awards for Japanese horror director Takashi Shimizu, acclaimed Japanese actor Hiroshi Abe and South Korean rising star Kim Hye-yoon.
This year will mark Nyaff’s fully-fledged return to the big screen, following a virtual 2020 edition and a hybrid event in 2021. More than 60 new and classic titles from Asia, including six world premieres, will be presented as in-person screenings at Film at Lincoln Center (Flc) and the Asia Society,...
The New York Asian Film Festival (Nyaff) has unveiled the full line-up for its 20th edition, which will include honorary awards for Japanese horror director Takashi Shimizu, acclaimed Japanese actor Hiroshi Abe and South Korean rising star Kim Hye-yoon.
This year will mark Nyaff’s fully-fledged return to the big screen, following a virtual 2020 edition and a hybrid event in 2021. More than 60 new and classic titles from Asia, including six world premieres, will be presented as in-person screenings at Film at Lincoln Center (Flc) and the Asia Society,...
- 6/30/2022
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
When a powerful crime ring starts construction on the largest casino in all of Asia, the group is challenged by a young, vicious gangster (Jang Hyuk) from Seoul who will stop at nothing to gain power. In a desperate attempt to stop the newcomer’s plot to kill his way to the top, the gang’s leader declares all-out war on the man and his followers.
- 6/14/2022
- by Don Anelli
- AsianMoviePulse
Another year, another bountiful crop of action filmmaking. The following article covers some of the best. Like with last year’s installment, the focus will be on action scenes—compact, heightened expressions of action filmmaking craft—rather than films as a whole, which means that some otherwise strong, action-adjacent pictures may be missing and a couple included films look fairly lackluster beyond their set pieces. For the sake of variety, I have limited myself to one scene per film, and all featured films made their official, non-festival, U.S. theatrical and/or streaming debut in 2021. The criterion of “official” excludes the Chinese direct-to-YouTube actioner One More Shot, which was removed after just a few days online. Whenever the film receives a more “legitimate” stateside debut, it will almost certainly be included in that year’s roundup. And now, to the action. The scenes have been organized into loose thematic...
- 1/6/2022
- MUBI
Probably one of the best years for action/martial arts cinema lately, 2021 saw a number of truly impressive titles coming out, as China’s blockbusters seem to be getting better, followed by the Korean ones, Japanese manga adaptations continue to be on a very high-level, at least production level-wise and Asean countries keep on producing some of the most interesting in the category through the combination of social commentary and exploitation elements. Furthermore, a number of movies that do not fall in any of the aforementioned groups but are of equal quality, rounded up a truly great year for Asian genre.
Without further ado, here are the best Asian martial arts/action films of 2021, in reverse order. Some films may have premiered in 2019, but since they mostly circulated in 2021, we decided to include them.
15. Rurouni Kenshin: The Final (Keishi Ohtomo)
On the other hand, the action element is top notch,...
Without further ado, here are the best Asian martial arts/action films of 2021, in reverse order. Some films may have premiered in 2019, but since they mostly circulated in 2021, we decided to include them.
15. Rurouni Kenshin: The Final (Keishi Ohtomo)
On the other hand, the action element is top notch,...
- 12/27/2021
- by AMP Group
- AsianMoviePulse
An intricate tapestry of 17th-century political intrigue and family feuding is bolstered by fabulous costumes as Chinese invaders are dealt with
The Swordsman, a pacy, crisply choreographed South Korean action film set in the 17th century handicaps itself by opting for such a bland, generic title. It’s like naming a Hollywood action movie The Gunman or The Cop. Debutant writer-director Choi Jae-Hoon could have been a little more specific about the protagonist Tae-yul (played by boy-band-beautiful star and sometime rapper Jang Hyuk) by calling it The Blind Swordsman, given the character’s vision impairment. But then that title has already been used several times. Also, Tae-yul is not quite blind yet, although the threat to his vision and his need to access an expensive medicine hang over the plot throughout.
As it happens, the intricate tapestry of action, family drama, political intrigue and period spectacle is anything but generic.
The Swordsman, a pacy, crisply choreographed South Korean action film set in the 17th century handicaps itself by opting for such a bland, generic title. It’s like naming a Hollywood action movie The Gunman or The Cop. Debutant writer-director Choi Jae-Hoon could have been a little more specific about the protagonist Tae-yul (played by boy-band-beautiful star and sometime rapper Jang Hyuk) by calling it The Blind Swordsman, given the character’s vision impairment. But then that title has already been used several times. Also, Tae-yul is not quite blind yet, although the threat to his vision and his need to access an expensive medicine hang over the plot throughout.
As it happens, the intricate tapestry of action, family drama, political intrigue and period spectacle is anything but generic.
- 5/12/2021
- by Leslie Felperin
- The Guardian - Film News
From us: In the end, “The Swordsman” is a very entertaining and captivating period/martial arts feature. Apart from the impressive fight choreographies, its ensemble and the depiction of one of the most difficult phases in Asian history make Choi Jae-hoon’s feature very impressive, thus recommending its director for other projects within the genre. (Rouven Linnarz)
Synopsis:After being partially blinded in a coup against the king, legendary swordsman Tae-yul goes into hiding, living a quiet, peaceful life with his daughter. However, when political unrest leads to traffickers kidnapping his daughter, Tae-yul has no choice but to take up arms once more. In a race against time, losing his sight and with innocent lives hanging in the balance, he must also face a dangerous new nemesis.
A visually stunning martial arts epic with truly exhilarating action, The Swordsman is a must-see for genre fans everywhere.
From Trinity CineAsia:
Pre-order from Amazon: http://www.
Synopsis:After being partially blinded in a coup against the king, legendary swordsman Tae-yul goes into hiding, living a quiet, peaceful life with his daughter. However, when political unrest leads to traffickers kidnapping his daughter, Tae-yul has no choice but to take up arms once more. In a race against time, losing his sight and with innocent lives hanging in the balance, he must also face a dangerous new nemesis.
A visually stunning martial arts epic with truly exhilarating action, The Swordsman is a must-see for genre fans everywhere.
From Trinity CineAsia:
Pre-order from Amazon: http://www.
- 4/21/2021
- by Grace Han
- AsianMoviePulse
The history of the transition from the Ming- to the Qing-dynasty stands for one of the most turbulent periods within China’s past, a period of many territorial and political conflicts which would define the future for the nation as well as its culture. Its events have shaped the country and still shows its traces today as its duration, from 1618 to 1683, caused the death of around 25 million people. Considering the significance of the period, it sounds quite challenging for a director to approach this time as the background for his or her project, but then South Korean filmmaker Choi Jae-hoon does not seem to shy away from a task such as this. In his feature debut “The Swordsman” he tells the story of the fall of the Gwanghaegun, the fifteenth king of the Joseon dynasty, and its repercussions. The feature, which premiered in September 2020 in the director’s home country,...
- 4/8/2021
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Raising kids out in the sticks seems like a great idea when they're little. As long as they're sensible about natural hazards, they can run around and play freely without being at risk from other people. As they grow, however, they almost always become frustrated and want to be around more people. It seems this is is equally true if you're a middle class family with careers in teaching and multimedia work or a solitary swordsman hiding out on a mountaintop after being blinded trying to defend your lord against a coup. And one other rule applies regardless: when that kid starts to break away, there's going to be trouble.
Tae-yul (Jang Hyuk) has, over the years, become resigned to a quiet life, perhaps because he feels ashamed of his defeat. Teenager Tae-ok (Kim Hyun-soo), however, wants something better for herself, and she also wants to find a cure for her.
Tae-yul (Jang Hyuk) has, over the years, become resigned to a quiet life, perhaps because he feels ashamed of his defeat. Teenager Tae-ok (Kim Hyun-soo), however, wants something better for herself, and she also wants to find a cure for her.
- 3/1/2021
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
"I've only tried to protect the nation from torment." Well Go USA has released an official US trailer for the Korean period action movie called The Swordsman, which already opened a few months back in South Korea. "Three different swordsmen meet each other for their own reasons." Tae Yul, a swordsman in his 30s goes out to find his only daughter after losing one of his eyes. Min Seung Ho, the Joseon Dynasty's best swordsman chooses an ordinary simple life after perceiving the transient nature of power. Gurutai, the best swordsman in Qing Dynasty aspires to become the best even in the Joseon Dynasty. After going into hiding, Tae-yul re-emerges to find and rescue his kidnapped daughter. "It's a film in which swordsmen fight one another for their own beliefs and creeds in the time of turmoil." Starring Jang Hyuk, Kim Hyeon-soo, Lee Na-kyung, and popular Indonesian actor, Joe Taslim.
- 12/16/2020
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Exclusive Trailer: The Swordsman Slashes Your Home Screens February 16th On Blu/VOD From Well Go USA
Coming to Blu-ray and digital next year from comtemporary Asian cinema specialists, Well Go USA, is debutante director Choi Jae-Hoon's The Swordsman, starring Jang Hyuk. A veteran of the popular K-drama circuit, Jang Hyuk features here as the titular swordsman, an aging royal guard forced into retirement after a slip-up leads to the fall of a king. Driven into seclusion in the forest with his shame and failing eyesight, he's called back into action when the one thing he loves most, his young daughter, is captured by traffickers. We've been given your exclusive first look at the new trailer for this exciting action film that features Jang in the lead with a special appearance from Indonesian badass Joe Taslim (The Raid, The...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 12/15/2020
- Screen Anarchy
Ordinary Person Review Ordinary Person (2015) Film Review from the 16th Annual New York Asian Film Festival, a movie directed by Kim Bong-Han, starring Hyeon Ju-Son, Sang-Ho Kim, Hyuk Jang, Dal-Hwan Jo, Seung-Hyeon Ji, Man-Sik Jeong, Yoon-So Choi, Ji-il Park, and Mi-ran Ra. Ordinary Person was a creeping political thriller, that may lull some viewers into not recognizing it as such, at first. [...]
Continue reading: Film Review: Ordinary Person: The Slow Blade that Cuts Deep [Nyaff 2017]...
Continue reading: Film Review: Ordinary Person: The Slow Blade that Cuts Deep [Nyaff 2017]...
- 7/15/2017
- by Sam Joseph
- Film-Book
We told you about the new Korean horror flick Flu back in January, and time has flown, kids! The flick is hitting DVD tomorrow, March 18th, and right now we have an infectious new and exclusive clip for you that's nothing to sneeze at! Check it out!
Sung-su Kim (Beat, Scream City) delivers the viscous viral outbreak thriller Flu, debuting on DVD March 18th from Cj Entertainment.
The all-star cast includes Hyuk Jang (The Client), Soo Ae (Sunny, A Family), Yoo Hae-jin (Musa-The Warrior, King and the Clown), and newcomer Min-ah Park.
Synopsis
A human trafficker is infected with an unknown virus and dies in a Bundang hospital, covered in red rashes and coughing up blood. Less than 24 hours after the death of the first patient, similar cases are reported all over Bundang. The medics despair over the super-virus that has no known cure, but they soon find...
Sung-su Kim (Beat, Scream City) delivers the viscous viral outbreak thriller Flu, debuting on DVD March 18th from Cj Entertainment.
The all-star cast includes Hyuk Jang (The Client), Soo Ae (Sunny, A Family), Yoo Hae-jin (Musa-The Warrior, King and the Clown), and newcomer Min-ah Park.
Synopsis
A human trafficker is infected with an unknown virus and dies in a Bundang hospital, covered in red rashes and coughing up blood. Less than 24 hours after the death of the first patient, similar cases are reported all over Bundang. The medics despair over the super-virus that has no known cure, but they soon find...
- 3/17/2014
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
We told you about the new Korean horror flick Flu back in January and even showed off some artwork and stills. In case you're still not feeling better, this latest trailer should more than do the trick. Check it out!
From the Press Release
Sung-su Kim (Beat, Scream City) delivers the viscous viral outbreak thriller Flu, debuting on DVD March 18th from Cj Entertainment.
The worst epidemic ever seen is sweeping through the Seoul suburb of Bundang. Within hours after a patient dies in the hospital covered in an oozing red rash and regurgitating blood, the deadly virus sweeps the city and the body count rapidly rises. Medical professionals are in a panic over the mysteriously murderous infection, and soon the government orders the military to quarantine the entire area -- no one gets in, no one gets out. Desperation and violence grip the public as the infected and non-infected...
From the Press Release
Sung-su Kim (Beat, Scream City) delivers the viscous viral outbreak thriller Flu, debuting on DVD March 18th from Cj Entertainment.
The worst epidemic ever seen is sweeping through the Seoul suburb of Bundang. Within hours after a patient dies in the hospital covered in an oozing red rash and regurgitating blood, the deadly virus sweeps the city and the body count rapidly rises. Medical professionals are in a panic over the mysteriously murderous infection, and soon the government orders the military to quarantine the entire area -- no one gets in, no one gets out. Desperation and violence grip the public as the infected and non-infected...
- 3/4/2014
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Blue Is The Warmest Colour | The Hunger Games: Catching Fire | Computer Chess : Parkland | The Family | Breakfast With Johnny Wilkinson | Flu | ¡Vivan Las Antipodas! | Vendetta
Blue Is The Warmest Colour (18)
(Abdellatif Kechiche, 2013, Fra/Bel/Sp) Adèle Exarchopoulos, Léa Seydoux, Jérémie Laheurte. 180 mins
Beyond making viewers feel lecherous, this Cannes winner's already notorious sexual frankness is just one element in an intense, sensual study of a young woman learning about love, life and, yes, sex. It's storytelling at its finest: simple but detailed, and at times unbearably emotional.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (12A)
(Francis Lawrence, 2013, Us) Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson. 146 mins
The only post-Twilight teen franchise left standing brings media manipulation and simmering revolution to its next round of youth combat.
Computer Chess (15)
(Andrew Bujalski, 2013, Us) Patrick Riester, Myles Paige, James Curry. 91 mins
The cruddy video quality and geeky insularity of the early computing era are fondly rebooted in this delightful retro farce.
Blue Is The Warmest Colour (18)
(Abdellatif Kechiche, 2013, Fra/Bel/Sp) Adèle Exarchopoulos, Léa Seydoux, Jérémie Laheurte. 180 mins
Beyond making viewers feel lecherous, this Cannes winner's already notorious sexual frankness is just one element in an intense, sensual study of a young woman learning about love, life and, yes, sex. It's storytelling at its finest: simple but detailed, and at times unbearably emotional.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (12A)
(Francis Lawrence, 2013, Us) Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson. 146 mins
The only post-Twilight teen franchise left standing brings media manipulation and simmering revolution to its next round of youth combat.
Computer Chess (15)
(Andrew Bujalski, 2013, Us) Patrick Riester, Myles Paige, James Curry. 91 mins
The cruddy video quality and geeky insularity of the early computing era are fondly rebooted in this delightful retro farce.
- 11/23/2013
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
It’s the perfect time of year for a scary movie about killer flu wiping out a population. Simply named Flu, this is a typical disaster movie, South Korean style, from The Warrior writer-director Sung-su Kim. However, it contains the drama within the boundaries of the district of Bundang, the suburb of Seoul – supposedly one of South Korea’s wealthiest and highest developed areas – so it has a unique identity as a piece of film-making from the region, even though it may follow the same plot-lines of larger epics. It also presents an interesting insight into social and political attitudes of the region.
After a container containing illegal immigrants is found with just one survivor in Bundang, the residents quickly start to become ill and infected with a strange and deadly, flu-like virus that spreads as an airborne disease. The city with half a million people is sealed off, its...
After a container containing illegal immigrants is found with just one survivor in Bundang, the residents quickly start to become ill and infected with a strange and deadly, flu-like virus that spreads as an airborne disease. The city with half a million people is sealed off, its...
- 11/22/2013
- by Lisa Giles-Keddie
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
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