directed by Byun Sung-hyun
It’s one of those films that I’d like the Academy to watch and stop giving Oscars to Asian producers just because they are from [insert any Asian country]. Sorry for harsh honesty at the very beginning, but I am slightly mad at what’s been happening to Oscars. If you really believe certain films have got the award just because they were seriously the best in their category – then you’re a true optimist. Did “Parasite” deserve the main Oscar back then? No. Did “Everything Everywhere All at Once” deserve it? No! And trust me, I’m the last person who would like to give the awards only to American productions – quite the opposite. I’d love the Academy to be more open for films from other countries. But being open doesn’t mean awarding any production that shows up on their list. Since I was against awarding EEAAO, here’s a film covering some similar topics yet, in my opinion, done way better. The main character is Gil Bok-soon (Jeon Do-yeon), a single mother raising her teenage daughter Gil Jae-yeong (Kim Si-a). Except the fact that they have a typical mother-daughter relationship, Bok-soon is hiding a secret. Quite significant one. Her daughter believes she works in some office, but in fact Bok-soon is a very skilful killer, known for her effectiveness and professionalism. However, the woman starts having some difficulties at work – some people are simply not happy about her successes. But what happens at work is definitely way easier for her to handle than being a mother to a teenager who needs more attention and support. This film isn’t spectacular enough to get an Oscar, don’t get me wrong, but when it comes to the general idea and consequence in making, I enjoyed it very much. The plot is rather simple – in the end it’s an action film, we all know how it works. However, what makes this one worth watching is for sure the characters, as each of them is well-written, with a certain purpose and a reason to be in this film. I also enjoyed the camerawork and editing, which wasn’t as rapid as it often is in Korean productions. Also, the ending is not that surprising, yet somehow unusual in its form and sums up the whole film in a subtle way. Besides, if you want some women empowerment – this is a story for you, for sure. We don’t only get a female assassin, but also a picture of a brave mother who’s ready to sacrifice anything for her family. I’m not a big fan of action films, but this one caught my attention and I wish you to try it as well. And dear Academy – please, watch more films. Maybe your choices will be more objective then.
My rating: 6/10
S.
I have nothing to watch 