Korean genre cinema has become a stable internationally as we witness a plethora of horror, science-fiction and thriller projects being released every year. Considering this wide array of works, Korean directors have offered their takes on popular tropes, themes and characters with the idea of the killer being one of many. Even though the output in mainstream cinema has followed the roots of this type of character more or less quite directly, the anthology feature “The Killers” aims to show the possibilities this concept offers, blending it with elements of horror and even going back to silent cinema. Directors Kim Jong-kwan, Roh Deok, Chang Hang-jun and Lee Myung-Se have created the four segments, each of which showcases one facet of the hitman character, while also experimenting with various aesthetic and narrative styles.
The Killers is screening at Fantasia International Film Festival
In the first episode titled “Metamorphosis” we encounter Wan-chul (Yeon Woo-jin) whose debts and failure to pay up have resulted in a bloody brawl with some of the enforcers he owes money to. Barely surviving the first attack, he is able to escape to a bar, where the bartender (Shim Eun-kyung) offers him a drink and some kind words to encourage him. However, the kind soul is not what she appears to be, and Wan-chul is about to find out he has stumbled into an even bloodier mess. Then, in the episode titled “The Contractors”, which is somewhat based on a true story, we witness a young woman who gives the order to punish a man who has wronged her and others in the past. The job is eventually passed down several times, until a group of three rather hapless hitmen take over, kidnapping a young woman (also Shim Eun-kyung), who begs for her life while the other trio tries to decide on what they will do to her and how they will dispose of her.
The third episode “Everyone Is Waiting For the Man” sees two police detectives on stake-out duty. They are waiting for the arrival of a notorious killer, who is supposed to enter the restaurant they are observing at some point. With very little information to go on about the killer’s looks, one of them confronts two customers who are also looking for the same man. Meanwhile, a third party is on the way to the restaurant, resulting in an unexpected turn of events. In the last episode, “The Killers” (or “Silent Cinema”), three employees at a diner prepare themselves for a quiet night, until the arrival of two gangsters ends changes the course of their work shift, causing chaos, mayhem and other bizarre antics as a consequence.
Check the interview with the directors and actress
Many anthology features, no matter which genre (or mix of genres) they are tackling, often suffer from the different level of quality of each segment. More than once, one segment surpasses the other, making the others seem stale in comparison and thus decreasing the overall viewing experience. That being said, “The Killers” certainly does not meet the same fate, as each episode has something new to offer, while the level of creativity and playfulness with the themes and conventions the concept of the hitman brings along results in comedy, thrills and even some glimpses of horror. It also helps that evidently each director had the works of his colleagues in mind, making “The Killers” a rare occasion of an anthology feature feeling like a harmonious and even experience, while still maintaining each filmmaker’s unique style. Thus, depending on your predilection for a certain blend of genre, a more straight-forward thriller or a more experimental take, “The Killers” has something in store for everybody.
There are also hints at a social and even political subtext in at least two episodes, although it is debatable whether this actually serves the narrative. Roh Seok’s “The Contractors” plays out like a thriller with a rather grim sense of humor, surprising its viewer with its connection to an actual case and thus a look at some of the darkest corners of humanity. This twist is very well-executed and in the end makes for an overall compelling view, whereas the repeated prominent display of the Korean flag in the last segment does nothing for characters, themes or the overall story. Given the overall experimental nature of Lee Myung-se’s addition to the feature, it actually takes away some of the entertainment and quirkiness, especially since the cast in that particular segment seems to have the most fun.
While “The Killers” can be considered a display of the directors’ various talents, you can say the same about the actors, some of which are featured in more than one segment. Even though it is difficult to pinpoint one of them, since each episode is a collaborative and thus ensemble effort, “The Killers” should serve as another calling card for actress Shim Eun-kyung. For those following her career, her versatility and talent does not come as a surprise, but in the three segments she takes part in, she is able to show three very different facets, going from sinister to comedic and dramatic. The fact “The Contractors” works so well, especially its aforementioned twist, is also due to her incredible performance.
“The Killers” is a very enjoyable anthology feature revolving around the theme of the hitman. Kim Jong-kwan, Roh Deok, Chang Hang-jun and Lee Myung-Se manage to create four very different and entertaining segments which also display their talents in visual storytelling. Additionally, it is yet another proof of Shim Eun-kyung’s great talent as a performer.
