Assassination 암살 2015 - South Korea

Today, I bring you a review of the 2015 South Korean action-period drama, Assasination (암살). Directed by Choi Dong-Hoon, Assasination was the first film of 2015 and the 12th South Korean film to surpass 10 million ticket sales in the box office, and it isn't hard to see why. Before we dive into the story, I give this film 5 stars. Though the storyline can be a bit confusing at first to someone who does not know Korean history, that does not stop this film from being exciting from the get go. 

Set in 1930s, during the Japanese colonial rule of Korea, many Koreans activists have moved to Manchuria in the Northeastern part of China. Though the film is mostly fictional, there are some characters portraying real life resistant activists, including Kim Gu, a Korean nationalist politician who was the last Premier of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea*, and Kim Won Bong, a deputy commander of the Korean Liberation Army and Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. 

Kim Won Bong

Kim Gu

*Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea was a partially recognized Korean government that was in exile in Shanghai, China. 








In the film, Kim Won Bong and Kim Gu create orders to assassinate the governor of the Japanese Garrison, Kawaguchi Mamoru, and a pro-Japanese Korean businessman, Kang In-Gook. The task of recruiting for this mission is handed over to a member of the provisional Korean Government, Yeom Seok-Jin, played by Lee Jung-Jae (The Thieves, The Housemaid). 

The film follows Yeom, as he recruits three of the best including Chu Sang-ok "Big Gun", one of the last graduates of Independence Military School, his cellmate, an explosive specialist, Hwang Deok-sam, and last but not least, a top notch sniper, Anh Ok-yun, played by My Sassy Girl's Jun Ji-Hyun. 

The three head back to Korea, with a plan that should go smoothly. A plan that should allow them to get in and get out, without anyone knowing they were there. That is until, someone in the group sells them and their plan out and hires an assassin named, Hawaii Pistol, played by Ha Jung-woo (The Chaser) and his accomplice "Old Man" played by Oh Dal-su (Old Boy) to kill them before their plan can be completed. Hawaii Pistol also has a nice character development in the film. In his past he would assassinate anyone regardless of their heritage, but in this case, something changes within him, and it is enjoyable to see how he grows in the film.

Assassination is a huge film of cat and mouse! When the characters feel they are safe, you can assume that will not be the case, which makes the film a thrilling roller coaster ride. You have the assassin trying to kill the assassins, while the traitor is trying to do the same. And once the truth of the double-crosser is revealed, 'who is killing who' becomes even more convoluted. 

While watching it, I never once felt bored or like I lost interest in the storyline or the characters. Even though the film is a dramatic action film, there are still parts of light hearted humor, romance, and of course, tear jerking moments, which I believe really helps keep this film intriguing from start to finish. This was a very exciting and interesting way to take a historical time in Korean history and make it into a fictional story that many audiences can take part in. 

There are so many twists and turns in the film, aside from what I have mentioned, that I would love to write about, but doing so would ruin the movie watching experience. All I can say is, watch Assassination as soon as you can! 

WATCH THE TRAILER FOR ASSASSINATION BELOW!

I hope you enjoyed this film review. Please make sure to check back this Thursday for a new post! 
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