I, the Executioner is a funny and thrilling tour to the world of Korean vigilante justice.
Fans of Korean movies have been waiting for this film’s big screen premiere ever since its successful screening in Cannes last May.
Thankfully, it is now showing in Philippine cinemas nationwide while simultaneously screening in South Korea.
This action comedy is not a stand-alone film.
It is a sequel to Veteran, the popular 2015 flick that still holds the record as the fifth all-time highest grossing film in South Korean cinema history.
Thankfully, I, the Executioner can stand on its own, and viewers don’t need to watch the first film to be engrossed in its grim portrayal of South Korea’s criminal justice system, where citizens don’t trust the police.
When a video of a string of vigilante justice killings go viral, police detective Seo Do-cheol assembles his team to catch the killer named Haechil before more murders take place.
But Haechil is hiding in plain sight. Will Do-Cheol uncover the deception before more victims meet their maker?
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I, the ExecutioneR: strong performances by lead stars
Award-winning actor Hwang Jung-min plays Do-cheol perfectly.
He is charismatic and determined, and his funny scenes lead into some genuinely laugh-out-loud moments.
Even his fight scenes, despite their intensity, can be comedic.
But it’s not all comedy, as Jung-min is also able to flex his dramatic side in scenes with his wife and son, a victim of school bullying.
The scene where Do-cheol eats dinner with his family is a highlight, despite the lack of action.
Popular heartthrob Jung Hae-in is equally as effective as Sun-woo.
He is charming, awkward, and lovable, which one can expect from the actor's boy-next-door looks.
But the film gives Hae-in the opportunity to showcase his versatility, switching between moods in seconds and delivering genuinely chilling expressions in close-up shots.
His fight scenes also stand out, so be sure to watch out for the chaotic chase scene in Namsan Seoul Tower.
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underdeveloped villain
Haechil, however, feels more like a caricature than a weighty villain.
The movie does not show any of his origins, so it’s hard to root for or against him.
Why did he become a vigilante killer? What are his motivations? Why is he so skilled at fighting, and from where does he get all his resources?
Haechil, who should serve as a compelling adversary, ultimately feels underdeveloped.
Their actions seem more like plot devices than genuine threats, making it challenging for viewers to invest emotionally in the stakes at hand.
A well-rounded villain can elevate a story and provide depth to the protagonist’s journey, but here, the absence of a meaningful backstory results in a lack of urgency.
I, the Executioner: entertaining despite dark themes
Despite these shortcomings, I, the Executioner offers enough humor and excitement to keep audiences entertained.
The film explores themes of justice, morality, and the blurred lines between right and wrong, all while maintaining an engaging pace.
Its comedic elements provide moments of levity, effectively balancing the darker themes that permeate the story.
Distributed by Warner Bros. Philippine, I, the Executioner is now showing in cinemas nationwide.