Time: 129 Minutes
Age Rating: R16 – Graphic violence & offensive language
Cast:
Kim Ok-vin as Sook-hee/Chae Yeon-soo
Shin Ha-kyun as Lee Joong-sang
Director: Jung Byung-gil

I’ve heard of this South Korean action thriller for a little while, hearing that it might’ve influenced a John Wick action sequence was what ultimately got me to watch it, and I’m glad I got around to it.

You certainly couldn’t accuse the movie about just being all action and not caring about the plot. While the setup is pretty typical for a revenge thriller involving assassins, it has plenty of twists and turns. It is also told in a non linear fashion, jumping between different time periods without warning, so it’s a bit of a puzzle at points. It gives a long and complex backstory for the lead character, which is mostly through serviceable flashbacks. All that being said, I don’t think the story is the movie’s strongest aspect. The plot is maybe a bit too twisty and complicated for its own good, and there’s too much going on in the second act. Still, they did at least try with the story.

The movie is also helped by a solid cast, led by a fantastic Kim Ok-bin, who does a great job at carrying the movie.

Jung Byung-Gil’s direction is amazing, with stylish and sleek cinematography. The action sequences are clearly the highlight of the movie, and they absolutely deliver, with impeccable choreography, dizzying camerawork and imaginative set pieces. I was pleased at the number of long take fight scenes here. The opening scene has a 5 minute long take fight scene in first person, it’s amazing and creatively done, and a really good opening scene for this movie. As for mild criticisms, occasionally there are some questionable effects, especially with the blood, and the camerawork can be a little too shaky at points.

The Villainess is a well made action movie, worth watching for the fantastic, stylish and thrilling action sequences alone.