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“I Saw the Devil” is a 2010 South Korean action-thriller film directed by Kim Jee-woon and written by Park Hoon-jung. Starring Lee Byung-hun and Choi Min-sik, the movie tells the story of NIS agent Kim Soo-hyun, played by Lee, who seeks revenge after his wife is brutally murdered by the psychopathic serial killer Jang Kyung-chul, portrayed by Choi.
The Premise of “I Saw the Devil”
The story begins with a school-bus driver named Jang Kyung-chul meeting a woman named Jang Joo-yun. Instead of helping her with a flat tire, he beats her and takes her to his home, where he dismembers her. The police find her body parts, and her father, Squad Chief Jang, and fiancé, NIS officer Kim Soo-hyun, are devastated. Soo-hyun decides to seek revenge against the murderer.
Soo-hyun interrogates suspects and finds Joo-yun’s ring in Kyung-chul’s home. Instead of killing Kyung-chul, Soo-hyun forces him to swallow a tracker, allowing him to follow his movements. Soo-hyun starts torturing Kyung-chul, wanting to make him suffer for as long as possible.
Kyung-chul, a cruel killer, seeks refuge with his friend Tae-joo, a murderer and cannibal. Soo-hyun discovers their hideout, incapacitates them, and arrests Tae-joo and his girlfriend. Despite their injuries, Soo-hyun and Kyung-chul avoid the police with the help of Soo-hyun’s subordinate.
Kyung-chul, overhearing a conversation about the tracker, steals laxatives to excrete it. Soo-hyun learns Kyung-chul’s plan to target Squad Chief Jang and his other daughter. Enraged, Soo-hyun kidnaps Kyung-chul in front of the police. He tortures him, setting up a guillotine trap.
In a final, intense moment, Kyung-chul panics as his abandoned family arrives. Soo-hyun leaves him holding a rope in his teeth, triggering the guillotine to behead Kyung-chul in front of his family. Soo-hyun, overwhelmed with emotions, walks away in tears. The movie explores themes of revenge, morality, and the dark consequences of seeking vengeance.
Actor |
Character |
| Choi Min-sik | Jang Kyung-chul |
| Lee Byung-hun | Kim Soo-hyun |
| Oh San-ha | Jang Joo-yun |
| Jeon Gook-hwan | Squad Chief Jang |
| Kim Yoon-seo | Jang Se-yun |
| Chun Ho-jin | Section Chief Oh |
| Choi Moo-sung | Tae-joo |
| Kim In-seo | Se-jung |
| Nam Bo-ra | Section Chief Oh’s daughter |
| Jung Ji-yoon | Junior high female student |
| Chae-young Yoon | Small town nurse |
| Ha Seung-ri | Junior high female student |
The Significance of Choi Min-sik’s Role
Choi Min-sik’s role in the movie was significant as it marked his return to a major role following changes to the Korean screen quota system. The movie’s budget was around US$6 million, and it went on to achieve a box office success, earning US$12.9 million.
A Thought-Provoking Narrative
The storyline revolves around Kim Soo-hyun’s quest for vengeance, highlighting the intense and suspenseful cat-and-mouse game between him and the sadistic killer. The film explores themes of morality and the consequences of seeking revenge, making it a gripping and thought-provoking action thriller.
Review and Reception
“I Saw the Devil” received generally favorable reviews from critics. While the movie’s graphic violence and dark tone have been noted, it is also praised for its control of tone, from an unexpectedly moving first act to a hilariously disgusting encounter with Kyung-chul’s cannibal friend. Choi Min-sik’s on-screen presence is highlighted for its implacable durability, emphasizing his resilience through the film’s various beatdowns.
Where to Watch
You can currently watch “I Saw the Devil” on Amazon Prime Video. Simply visit the platform to stream this gripping Korean thriller. Amazon Prime Video offers a convenient and accessible way to enjoy the movie from the comfort of your own home. Just search for “I Saw the Devil” on Amazon Prime Video, and you’ll be able to watch it at your convenience.
Conclusion
“I Saw the Devil” is more than just a revenge thriller; it delves into the moral complexities and consequences of seeking justice through destructive means. The film’s narrative challenges traditional storytelling, offering a nuanced exploration of vengeance and its toll on both the avenger and the antagonist. With its thought-provoking themes and compelling performances, “I Saw the Devil” remains a must-watch for fans of intense and morally ambiguous cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is “I Saw the Devil” about? “I Saw the Devil” is a South Korean action-thriller film directed by Kim Jee-woon, following NIS agent Kim Soo-hyun’s quest for revenge against the psychopathic serial killer Jang Kyung-chul.
- When was the film released and where did it premiere? The film premiered in the United States at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and had a limited theatrical release. It was originally released in South Korea on August 12, 2010.
- How did the film perform at the box office? With a budget of around US$6 million, “I Saw the Devil” achieved box office success, earning US$12.9 million.
- What is the central theme of the movie? The film explores themes of revenge, morality, and the consequences of seeking vengeance through the intense and suspenseful cat-and-mouse game between Soo-hyun and the sadistic killer.
- Where can I watch “I Saw the Devil” now? You can currently stream “I Saw the Devil” on Amazon Prime Video, providing a convenient option for enjoying this gripping Korean thriller at home.
