minority opinion here. i genuinely enjoyed this spin-off. those who watched the first movie understand that the kill boksoon universe was Always more than just the action. the trailers do a terrible job at advertising what the movies are actually about---the characters, their conduct as killers, and the complex relationships that challenge said conducts. kill boksoon was about the emotional miscommunication between a mother and her daughter, and mantis is about two childhood friends caught up in jealousy and rivalry. i stayed for these kinds of storylines. do not watch this expecting it to be all action, all john wick.
just watched this since its spinoff is coming out. 8/10 because i wanted more backstory of the other characters (besides our leads) which was glazed over, and instead it dragged some parts out. but the action was amazing and got me intrigued about this contract killing universe. will be tuning into mantis
it was predictable and lacked any real depth. maybe i've watched too many action movies atp, but i expected a lot more. kang dongwon is the only reason i kept watching
i'll watch ANYTHING with this man. although he's not a drama guy, my eyes always light up when i see him in the movies. incredible, handsome, super hot actor.
saw the screenwriter was kang kyungchan, the same one who wrote 1987: when the day comes. i really can't compliment him enough at his amazing work storytelling these real-life events. salute to the pilots that were based on this true story.
what makes this film SO good is its ability to capture the complexity of Every Single character involved in this domino effect towards the truth. we get a quick snap of who they are, then compelling storytelling that connects their role to the next person. i felt the rage, felt all the sad emotions and the patriotism---made me cry. seriously, props to director jang for bringing justice to the sacrifices of each real-life officer, prosecutor, journalist, and activist that protected korea's democracy. so so glad i watched this after taxi driver