I Saw the Devil
This review contains spoilers
I Saw The Devil is an absolute triumph. Exceptionally well made and a fresh take on genre, every element of this movie is of extremely high quality, making it easily one of the best serial killer movies out there. A definite must see for fans of this genre but be warned it is extremely dark and brutal from start to finish.
STORY/PLOT
A sadistic serial killer, Jang Kyung-Chul, murders the wife of a secret agent, Soo-Hyeon, who exacts revenge by repeatedly capturing, torturing and releasing him. After underestimating Jang however, things turn into a back and forth game of brutalising the other, finally leaving the question of whether revenge is worth becoming a monster yourself, especially when it costs you everything you have left.
Tense, gripping and absolutely brutal from start to finish, I Saw The Devil is excellently paced with an original fresh take on the seriel killer/crime thriller genre.
ACTING
Serial killer Jang Kyung-Chul is played by Choi Min-Sik, known for his legendary role in Oldboy, and he does not disappoint here. A chillingly phenomenal performance that steals the show.
Lee Byung-Hun is brilliant throughout, showcasing a class performance with some great character progression.
Overall the entire cast is excellent.
CHARACTERS
Great characters, rich and fleshed out. Their progression throughout is outstanding. Soo-Hyeon and Jang Kyung-Chul make for an amazing duo.
CINEMATOGRAPHY/VISUAL DESIGN
Some really great, top tier work here. The camera work, scenes and sets are brilliant. The taxi scene is phenomenal work.
The violence and gore effects are fantastic, some really squeamish scenes, definitely not for the average viewers.
SOUNDTRACK/AUDIO
Excellent soundtrack with a mix of melancholic, dark, daunting amd mysterious tones that creates a great tense atmosphere throughout.
STORY/PLOT
A sadistic serial killer, Jang Kyung-Chul, murders the wife of a secret agent, Soo-Hyeon, who exacts revenge by repeatedly capturing, torturing and releasing him. After underestimating Jang however, things turn into a back and forth game of brutalising the other, finally leaving the question of whether revenge is worth becoming a monster yourself, especially when it costs you everything you have left.
Tense, gripping and absolutely brutal from start to finish, I Saw The Devil is excellently paced with an original fresh take on the seriel killer/crime thriller genre.
ACTING
Serial killer Jang Kyung-Chul is played by Choi Min-Sik, known for his legendary role in Oldboy, and he does not disappoint here. A chillingly phenomenal performance that steals the show.
Lee Byung-Hun is brilliant throughout, showcasing a class performance with some great character progression.
Overall the entire cast is excellent.
CHARACTERS
Great characters, rich and fleshed out. Their progression throughout is outstanding. Soo-Hyeon and Jang Kyung-Chul make for an amazing duo.
CINEMATOGRAPHY/VISUAL DESIGN
Some really great, top tier work here. The camera work, scenes and sets are brilliant. The taxi scene is phenomenal work.
The violence and gore effects are fantastic, some really squeamish scenes, definitely not for the average viewers.
SOUNDTRACK/AUDIO
Excellent soundtrack with a mix of melancholic, dark, daunting amd mysterious tones that creates a great tense atmosphere throughout.
Mini Review: I Saw The Devil is absolute class. One of the best serial killer/revenge movies out there. Extremely well made movie, downright brutal from start to finish and a fresh take on the genre. Choi Min-sik is phenomenal once again.
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