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.

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))

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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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.

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).