Assassination review: An overall fun affair that could be described as a complete cinematic meal.
Assassination review
Action and blockbusting master Choi Dong Hoon, has given South Korea some of its biggest homegrown hits over the past decade. Anyone familiar with the country’s recent hits could not have failed to notice both Woochi and of course the exhilarating The Thieves. If there’s one thing that Choi is more well known for, outside huge box-office takings, it’s complicated and twisting narratives that require a lot of attention to fully appreciate. Assassination, though not as accessible as his earlier films, has continued Choi’s trend. The film is the second biggest homegrown hit of the year in South Korea, and the seventh highest earning South Korean film of all time. No surprises there really, making this the fourth Choi film in a row to make it into the all time top 50.
Money isn’t everything though, so one can be happy to report that Assassination earns its tally. Choi has perfected his blockbuster formula to encompass strong females, lots of humour, patriotic pride, insane action sequences, relatable characters, and shocking twists. This time it’s also been wrapped up in a huge blanket of period charm. The costumes and fashion are simply spectacular to behold, and become even cooler when the action kicks off. The sets, recreating areas of Korea and Shanghai, give an elegant and all encompassing feel of nostalgia, for not only the time periods portrayed, but also for Hollywood epics of old.
Assassination review
Yem (Lee Jung Jae) is a worthwhile fighter in the Korean independence movement and is tasked with hiring a team of three assassins to take out a Japanese general, Mamoru Kawaguchi (Shim Cheol Jong) and his Korean lapdog, Kang In Gook (Lee Kyoung Young). He hires a sniper, Ahn Ok Yun (Gianna Jun), explosive expert Duk Sam (Choi Duk Moon), and experienced fighter and wielder of weapons Song Ok aka Big Gun (Cho Jin Woong). Meanwhile there’s a Korean hitman who falls on both sides depending on his fee, Hawaiian Pistol (Ha Jung Woo) and his assistant Young Gam (Oh Dal Su). Yes, the film crams as many characters into its 140 runtime as possible, but the majority serve a purpose and have moments to shine.
The plot, simple on paper, becomes incredibly complex, and those not paying extremely close attention could describe it as a convoluted mess. Assassination rewards those who follow every scene and line of dialogue, making it particularly hard for us foreigners following the subtitles. However, this complexity is also the film’s biggest strength. The majority of plot twists rely on dramatic irony, and there is something very fulfilling about being a step or two ahead of certain characters. For example, some characters are taken out of action for a while and return to find allies as enemies, enemies as allies, and people undercover. Their efforts nearly jeopardise parts of the plan, instilling a sense of tragedy, humour, and tension within the audience.
Assassination Review
The cast all have a lot to do, with the true star being Gianna Jun as the talented sniper. Gianna Jun does well to dominate in a film filled with duplicitous males, although thankfully not too much is made of her gender. Instead she’s just allowed to be a strong and competent soldier fighting for what she believes in. The rest of the cast, outside the conflicted Lee Jung Tae, have less to do but are still never reduced to a single purpose. Choi Duk Moon and Cho Jin Woong make an excellent comic relief duo, while each is also very skilled at their jobs, and also battle with emotional aspects such as the fear of being caught or losing their lives.
It’s doubtful there is much in the way of historical accuracy here, but action sequences this good will anybody be complaining. They are fast paced and visceral exertions that manage to capture the desperation of the characters and what is truly at stake. With incredible gun fights, chase sequences, and explosions a plenty, this is furiously entertaining cinema. The treatment of the Japanese is less than flattering, but Choi’s script does make sure to add at least one Japanese character on the side of good and Koreans on the side of the Japanese. It’s this kind of treatment that shows Choi’s ability to try and please all the people all the time, and despite the fact that that is impossible, he certainly comes very close.
Assassination is a relentless action spectacle that grabs its audience and constantly makes them feel something. With genuinely shocking twists there’s always a surprise around the corner, but it must also be said that the script can rely too heavily on coincidence as well as certain characters who seem to repel bullets magically. An overall fun affair that could be described as a complete cinematic meal. You’re left filled and satisfied on every count. Don’t forget to leave a tip.
Assassination review by Luke Ryan Baldock, October, 2015.
Assassination screened at the BFI London Film Festival on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th October.
