Today, I am going to talk about the K-movie “Assassination”.
“Assassination” (Korean: 암살) is a South Korean espionage action film directed by Choi Dong-hoon and released in 2015. Set in the 1930s, during the Japanese occupation of Korea, the film weaves together the stories of resistance fighters who plan to assassinate key figures in the Japanese occupation government and pro-Japanese Korean collaborators.
“Assassination” stands out for its high production values, detailed period setting, and action-packed sequences. The film was a major box office success in South Korea, praised for its compelling storytelling, strong performances, and the director’s skill in handling a complex plot with multiple characters. It not only offers an exciting cinematic experience but also reflects on the struggles and sacrifices of those who fought for Korea’s independence.
“Assassination” Plot
The story unfolds in the 1930s during the Japanese occupation of Korea. At its core, the plot follows a group of brave individuals fighting against the Japanese rule. They join forces for a daring mission: the assassination of a high-ranking Japanese official.
Leading this group is Ahn Ok-yun, a mysterious and skilled sniper portrayed by Jun Ji-hyun. Alongside her are characters like Hawaii Pistol, a hired gun played by Ha Jung-woo, and Big Gun, an explosives expert brought to life by Jo Jin-woong.
The mission takes shape when the resistance fighters learn about their target’s attendance at an upcoming party. Their plan is to carry out the assassination during this event. However, as the story unfolds, unforeseen twists and betrayals complicate their mission. Challenges arise from both external threats and internal conflicts within the group.
One of the movie’s strengths lies in its well-executed action sequences, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The plot is not just about high-stakes missions; it weaves in elements of humor, drama, and suspense. At its core, “Assassination” explores themes of patriotism, sacrifice, and the resilience of individuals facing oppression.
The historical backdrop of the Japanese occupation adds depth to the narrative, providing viewers with a glimpse into a challenging period in Korean history. As the characters navigate through their mission, the film paints a vivid picture of the struggles and courage of those who resisted foreign rule. Through a mix of thrilling action and poignant storytelling, “Assassination” stands out as a compelling commentary on a significant chapter in Korea’s past.
“Assassination” Review
“Assassination,” directed by Choi Dong-hoon, is a film that lives up to the expectations set by the director’s previous works like “The Big Swindle” and the “Tazza” series, known for their crime reconstructions. Choi’s latest offering, following the success of “The Thieves,” doesn’t quite reach cinematic masterpiece status but holds its own in the landscape of recent South Korean films.
At the heart of the movie are three main actors—Jun Ji-hyun, Ha Jung-woo, and Lee Jung-jae—each delivering compelling performances that anchor the storyline centered around an assassination plot.
Jun Ji-hyun takes on the lead role as the sole leading actress, playing a pivotal part in the 1930s Seoul during the Japanese occupation. While her character’s shift from a sharpshooter may leave some viewers wanting more, her undeniable beauty adds a captivating layer, setting her apart from her memorable role in “The Thieves.”
Ha Jung-woo impresses with a performance reminiscent of his character in “Berlin File,” coupled with a fresh dynamic with Oh Dal-su. His character’s cool exterior, despite its flaws, brings depth to the overall narrative.
Director Choi’s meticulous attention to detail in shaping Hawaiian Pistol’s character is noticeable, contributing to the film’s unique setting. Lee Jung-jae, portraying a betrayer within an organization, maintains a consistent and dignified demeanor, showcasing the actor’s skill in making the character believable.
While the supporting cast, including Oh Dal-su, Jo Jin-woong, and Choi Deok-moon, adds to the film’s completeness, their roles seem somewhat underutilized, like props in a carefully designed Seoul set.
“Assassination” stands out in its technical aspects, portraying Manchuria’s provisional government and seamlessly connecting various locations. These technical elements add layers to the film, making it visually engaging.
Though the movie provides entertainment, delving into its hidden meanings and appreciating the meticulous details enhances the overall experience. “Assassination” encourages viewers to revisit, inviting exploration of subtleties beyond the surface and turning it into a more immersive cinematic journey. In conclusion, while not a groundbreaking film, “Assassination” manages to captivate with its performances and technical finesse, making it a worthwhile addition to the South Korean film landscape.
“Assassination” Backstories
Recreating Historical Atmosphere:
To truly capture the essence of the bygone era, “Assassination” went the extra mile by using vast sets in both China’s Shanghai and South Korea’s Goyang City for filming. The movie aimed to transport audiences back to the historical context it depicted.
Pregnancy Takes Center Stage:
On its release date, July 22, “Assassination” faced an unexpected spotlight shift. Instead of discussions about the film, the headlines were dominated by the news of Jun Ji-hyun’s pregnancy. Interestingly, online searches for the movie turned up more results related to Jun Ji-hyun’s pregnancy than discussions about the film itself.
Real-Life Inspirations for Characters:
In a behind-the-scenes revelation, Director Choi Dong-hoon shared that Lee Jung-jae’s character, Yeom Seok-jin, drew inspiration from a historical figure named Yeom Dong-jin. Yeom Dong-jin, a Korean independence activist operating in China, faced arrest by the Japanese Kwantung Army in 1937 and was released in 1940. There was a circulating rumor that he reconsidered his stance, but he held firm in his refusal until the very end. This situation draws parallels with the character Yeom Seok-jin in the play, where the complexities of Kim Gu’s emotions, entwined with both love and hatred, come to light. Remarkably, it is known that he was abducted to North Korea during the Korean War.
Character Names with Historical Roots:
The character name “An Ok-yun,” played by Jun Ji-hyun, cleverly combines three real-life independence fighters’ names: An Jung-geun, Kim Sang-ok, and Yun Bong-gil. Originally intended as “Yun-ok,” the name was tweaked to “Ok-yun” to avoid similarity with Kim Yoon-ok, the wife of former President Lee Myung-bak.
Historical Accuracy and Sacrifice:
“Assassination” doesn’t just play with historical references; it includes scenes mirroring actual events. For instance, the Jongno Police Station bombing in Seoul during the Japanese occupation, portrayed in the film, echoes the historical sacrifice of Kim Sang-ok.
Everyday English Proverb in a Korean Context:
In a pivotal scene where Yeom Seok-jin shifts allegiance, the line “If you can’t bite, don’t bark” is delivered. Interestingly, this phrase originates from Yun Chi-ho, who used it to criticize the March 1st Movement. Yun Chi-ho, practicing English composition, wrote all his diaries in English, making this proverb a recurring theme in his writings.
These behind-the-scenes insights and historical connections bring a layer of depth to the viewing experience, offering a nuanced understanding of the intricate layers and contextual richness embedded in “Assassination.”
