Angmareul boatda, also known as I Saw the Devil, is a South Korean thriller movie released in 2010, directed by Kim Jee-woon, and starring Lee Byung-hun and Choi Min-sik. The movie follows the story of a National Intelligence Service agent named Kim Soo-hyun (Lee Byung-hun), who seeks revenge on the brutal serial killer, Kyung-chul (Choi Min-sik), after he murdered Kim’s fiancée. Kim embarks on a twisted and violent journey to find and punish the killer, but soon realizes that he has become just as ruthless as the person he’s hunting down.
Review:
I Saw the Devil received critical acclaim for its raw and uncompromising portrayal of violence and revenge. The movie was praised for its stunning cinematography, intense performances, and expert direction. The film’s brutal and shocking violence is not for the faint of heart, but it’s used to serve a greater purpose, highlighting the destructive nature of revenge and the toll it takes on the human psyche. The performances of Lee Byung-hun and Choi Min-sik were widely praised, with many critics noting their ability to convey complex emotions and motivations.
Awards:
I Saw the Devil was nominated for several awards, including the Best Director and Best Actor categories at the 48th Grand Bell Awards, but it didn’t win any of them.
Popularity:
I Saw the Devil was a critical and commercial success in South Korea, grossing over $15 million at the box office. The movie has gained a cult following worldwide, with many praising its expert direction, gripping storyline, and intense performances. However, the film’s graphic violence has also generated controversy and criticism from some viewers. Overall, I Saw the Devil remains a highly regarded and influential film in the thriller genre.
Directed by | Kim Jee-woon |
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Produced by | Kim Hyun-woo |
Written by | Park Hoon-jung |
Starring | Lee Byung-hun, Choi Min-sik, |
Music by | Mowg |
Cinematography | Lee Mo-gae |
Edited by | Nam Na-yeong |
Production company |
Peppermint & Company |
Distributed by | Softbank Ventures Korea Showbox/Mediaplex (South Korea) Magnet Releasing (US & Canada) |
Release date | 12 August 2010 (South Korea) 21 January 2011 (Sundance) 4 March 2011 (US & Canada) |
Running time | 141 minutes |
Country | South Korea |
Language | Korean |
Budget | US$6 million |
Box office | US$12.8 million |