A satisfactory spin-off for returning audiences
I strongly encourage people to watch the first movie, Kill Boksoon, first. They're both great, memorable films to me.Mantis isn't just another all-action movie, but displays the humanity that still exists behind these killing machines, these assassins. It follows the same tone as Kill Boksoon, exploring the dynamics and the emotions that exist between the characters. The action is great, but is not the main genre fueling the progression of the movie. I recommend this more for people who want a focus on the characters and their backstory---the reasons for coming into this killer world behind their grand name.
Mantis focused on the hidden jealousy, the hidden feelings, the narcissism of Mantis and the inferiority complex of Jaeyi that led to the inevitable rivalry between our two leads. HOWEVER, I love that this was only the surface level characterizations. Deep down, Mantis genuinely cares and wants Jaeyi to shine, and Jaeyi knows her skills and never once believed she was under someone else.
I still found flaws in this sequel like I did in Kill Boksoon, which was the lack of exploration of the other characters besides just our 2-3 main leads. They exist, but only to propel the story of the main cast. In Mantis, I definitely wanted to learn more about Sumin, how she got caught in this business, and where she learned her skills (and why she's so loyal to Mantis).
That's why...I wish this was a series instead, but I'm always looking forward to learning more about this universe---it feels like a breath of fresh air from your typical Hollywood action movie.
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Not just action
It was already very obvious from the cast that the acting would be great and action would also be top tier. But one thing that I didn't expect was that I thought it would be just a non stop action movie, the action and gore content was there but they also focused on each characters emotions and their storyline.Was this review helpful to you?
Was also kinda funny
I really love Yim Siwan’s character. He was sometimes funny but also kindhearted especially to the girl who was in his company. And in the end his character really showed why he was the best.Some might not like it but for me it was enjoyable mainly bc Siwan was in it but also bc the fights were crazy. Mantis even cut someone’s head off. He was incredibly good especially at the end.
I really liked it. I would recommend it, definitely. For some it might not be the best but I actually enjoyed it.
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action, intense thrilling
Storyline: thrilling and intense, not just gore scenes but actual plot and characters ' story involvedActing: the actors really did a nice job, met my expectations, they portrayed every character well
characters: we see interesting and powerful characters, especially our main character Mantis, he's so interesting and strong, you love him and hate him at times (for being so high in his head), but in the end youre for sure rooting for him, siwan did a perfect job at playing this role, i don't think anyone else would fit this character.
fight scenes: were pretty clear and gore filled but like you can see the movements clearly unlike other shows and movies where you can barely see anything because it's too fast paced or low brightness
somewhat spoiler: it was really nice to see boksoon for a scene, i jumped when i saw her.
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Mantis is the best?
So this is the second movie in the Korean Hitman universe (aka the Korean John Wick), following Kill Boksoon (2023), which was actually much better than this one. I did appreciate the cameos from that film appearing here, but not much else.Here we have a new highly skilled killer, Mantis, but the story never lets him shine. The opening fight scene was quite good, but everything afterward felt rushed and sloppy, leading up to a weird final battle that perfectly sums up the mess this movie is. The film has great production value, a lot of famous actors, and good fight choreography—but no real sense of direction. The most frustrating part for me was the comedy: the actors often behaved and talked like childish brats, and I found myself thinking, does this movie think we’re stupid? Most of the film is just talking, and I could almost bet the dialogue was written by AI.
Well, yes, maybe this movie will find some fans among modern audiences, but to me it was disappointing.
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This review may contain spoilers
A Recycling of Korean Villain Clichés
Mantis is supposed to be a spin-off of Kill Boksoon, but instead of expanding that universe, it reduces it to a parody of itself.The “recipe” of clichés is complete: villains cast only for their “evil face,” slow-motion walks, heads tilted back, lazy one-liners before killing, and of course, the eternal knife fights. Instead of building tension, they provoke laughter.
The opening airport scene says it all: what should be a tense introduction turns into a catwalk of arrogance. Later, when the protagonist’s company “goes bankrupt,” he’s surrounded by people offering him jobs as if he were a K-pop idol at a fan meeting. It’s impossible to take that seriously.
The pacing is slow, the acting mediocre, and what is meant to be stylish ends up as pure posturing. In the end, Mantis is not a thriller about assassins — it’s a catalog of recycled Korean clichés, where real tension is replaced with scenes so ridiculous they feel like a sketch.
It will only work for teenage fangirls who don’t care about the story as long as their oppa is on screen. For everyone else, this borders on trash.
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This review may contain spoilers
MANTIS - ACTION-PACKED AND EMOTIONALLY INTENSE
The plot could have been tighter, but what really stood out to me were the fight scenes and the emotional tension between Mantis and Jae-yi. The action is clean and brutal. It’s well shot and features choreography that makes your heart race. Dok-go was one heck of a fighter too.What truly made me feel nervous in a not-so-good way was the relationship between the two leads. Mantis is clearly the stronger one, but because he cares about Jae-yi, she becomes his weakness. That dynamic kept me on edge. At any moment, she could have turned on him, not because she was stronger, but because he always held back for her.
The ending was satisfying too. I thought Jae-yi would stay loyal to Benjamin, but I was so glad she didn’t. Letting Mantis take him out was the perfect payoff and made their bond even more complicated and interesting.
Mantis isn’t a perfect film, but if you love great action and intense character dynamics that blur the line between loyalty and betrayal, this one will hit you hard.
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This review may contain spoilers
mantis e os sentimentos dos assassinos
se você procura um filme apenas de ação, sem foco em diálogos, mantis talvez não seja para você! antes de assistir, tenha em mente que é um spin-off e que esse é um filme que exige atenção do início ao fim, por conta dos diálogos e dos cortes rápidos das cenas. os três personagens hanul (mantis), jaeyi e dogko são movidos pelo desejo de superioridade e pelo ciúme. quando vi o trailer, achei que seria mais focado na ação, mas enquanto você assiste fica nítido que o filme opta justamente por mostrar as motivações e mágoas de cada um, e não focar apenas nas cenas de luta.
o elenco foi impecável, e inclusive foi um dos motivos para eu assistir. siwan, hyunwook e gyuyoung deram um show de atuação em todos os momentos. as lutas foram muito bem coreografadas.
no fim, mantis começou a trabalhar para jaeyi e a relação deles ficou só nisso mesmo, o que eu já esperava. achei que poderiam ter explicado mais sobre a sumin. mesmo que ela não seja a principal, queria saber se ela só ficou no negócio do mantis porque gostava dele ou se teve outros motivos. além disso, a dinâmica dos dois foi legal de assistir, mesmo tendo sido pouco explorada.
apesar de ficar confusa com algumas partes —acredito que tenha sido porque ainda não assisti kill boksoon — foi um bom filme. com certeza vou assistir de novo depois de ver kill boksoon para sanar minhas dúvidas.
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A parody of an assasin movie
Mantis is an assassin themed korean movie that is supposed to have lots of action and gripping story, but unfortunately it's not. A spin off of Kill Boksoon (which I didn't fancied as well), Mantis is nothing but a kind of parody to this genre.The movie is full of clichés : a villain cast only for an evil face, slow motion walks and lame dialogues. Also, instead of focusing on the genre, it became a quest of unrequited love. The talent of main leads - Yim Si Wan and Park Gyu Young - were a total waste in the film.
The pacing is slow, the acting mediocre, and what is meant to be stylish ends up as pure posturing. In the end, Mantis is not a thriller about assassins — it’s a catalog of recycled Korean clichés, where real tension is replaced with scenes so ridiculous they feel like a sketch.
To summarise, just avoid watching this movie and watch any of the existing good Korean action movie that is already out there in OTTs.
My Rating : 1.5/5
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Are all assassins this hot?
Loved so many of the actors in this!! The acting was incredible from everyone! The action scenes were fun to watch and had such cool choreography.I really liked the story in this, but some parts almost felt like it needed to be more in a tv show than movie so it could be fleshed out more. Some things felt a little rushed because of that. I think this could've been a really cool show to be honest, but I think it still worked well in movie form.
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Mantis (2025) Review
7.3 ~ Another non-ordinary performance by Yim Si Wan, blending action and comedy with his signature charm. The action scenes are sharp and well-executed, showcasing solid choreography and pacing. While the plot leans toward predictability, it still manages to entertain through witty moments and a lighthearted tone. The romantic subplot adds a soft, endearing touch that balances out the intense sequences. Overall, Mantis might not redefine the genre, but it’s an enjoyable watch worth recommending, especially if you’re a fan of stylish action with a dash of humor and heart.Was this review helpful to you?
