The Childe (2023) might be one of the cinematic experiences you’ll ever enjoy with your friends and family.
Days before its official release, the newest creation of Korean Director Park Hoon-jung was hailed by the media and audiences for its gripping story, complex characters, and action-packed, thrill rides. The real-time reservation rate of the said rated R-18 movie also shows a remarkable increase, drawing public attention alongside America’s rated PG-13 Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse (2023) in South Korean cinema, according to Korean Film Promotion Commission on the 19th.
What makes The Childe (2023) unique and compelling? Here are seven reasons why it is a must-see movie:
1. The director’s film noir expertise.
The Childe (2023) is written and helmed by Park Hoon-jung, the Korean director best known for his original and distinct style of R-rated noir action films, which often depicts dark yet realistic moral issues with complex characters, stylish villains, and violent, blood-soaked scenes. His works are also known to display a cinematic masterpiece with its unique combination of stunning cinematography, distinct style of color grading, moody lighting, and sound design that fit the theme of the film, overall.
Some of his critically and commercially successful films include the gripping gangster New World (2013), the psychological-thriller V.I.P. (2017), and the science fiction horror The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion (2018). Before his directorial debut in 2011, he was first recognized in the film industry for writing the story of the award-winning action-thriller film, I Saw The Devil (2010), which was helmed by Kim Jee-won.
2. The off-the-chain action scenes.
From chilling chase to shoot-outs and intense fights, The Childe (2023) serves fast-paced, off-the-chain action sequences from beginning to end. Besides the bloody, brutal scenes, the most exhilarating part, in particular, for most audiences who have gone to see the movie during the press and advance screenings, is the high-speed car chasing. Overall, it offers a thrilling viewing experience that keeps you entertained. As The Korea Herald states, “If you are craving hard-core action scenes you couldn’t find in “The Roundup: No Way Out,” “The Childe” may quench your thirst.”
Moreover, it is revealed that the main actors “performed more than 90% of all the action directly without substitutes or CGs”, which includes high jumps, intense running, gun fights, and other stunts, making the action scenes more authentic.
3. The element of black comedy.
One thing that is fresh and unique about Director Park Hoon-jung’s newest noir action film, The Childe (2023), is the added element of black comedy. Its entertainment value does not only rely on hard-core action scenes but upon comical dialogues and silly jokes as well, making the movie experience more fun. In particular, the nobleman (childe) brings a blast of humor with his vainglorious habits and witty lines even in deadly situations, who sometimes appears “funny but horrifying” at the same time, as described by The Korea Herald. Some of the comments from the audiences include: “The movie is fun; the nobleman and the dialogues are funny; I laughed everytime the nobleman appeared; There are a lot of comic gags.”
4. The interesting synopsis and teasers.
The Childe (2023) highlights the mad pursuit of an aspiring Korean-Filipino (Kopino) boxer named Marco Han who goes to various illegal arenas in the Philippines by a strange nobleman and other mysterious forces whose unknown mission is but to chase him and make his life a mess. Struggling to provide for his ill mother, the Kopino comes to South Korea to find his father but strangely finds himself in a perilous situation with unidentified chasers.
Who is the nobleman and why is he and other forces chasing after Marco? In the video teaser, the nobleman simply revealed that they are “professionals” and the pursuit of madness is nothing personal but purely business.
5. The gripping, unpredictable plot.
The Childe (2023) is 118 minutes long that is packed with plights and unexpected plot twists and turns that keep audiences hooked until the final frame. “The plot advances quickly but without telling the audience where it is headed,” said The Korea Herald and “It maintains suspense throughout the plot,” according to Yonhap News Korea. An audience review also commented that the plot keeps the sense of mystery to the climax.
6. The quirky characters.
The Childe (2023) follows four quirky characters that depict the complexities of humanity and blur the line between good and evil. Writer-director Park Hoon-jung has given us glimpses into his main subjects that consist of a target and three chasers.
The target. From his struggling life in the Philippines, Kopino Marco Han becomes a target of unidentified chasers upon his travel to South Korea, getting entangled in a deadly situation trying to survive for his dear life. Rookie actor Kang Tae-joo who was selected by Director Park out of 1,980 candidates, proves the decision worthwhile by showing an impressive performance for the role. According to various media reviews, it was unbelievable that it was the actor’s movie debut.
The mad. A handsome but ruthless nobleman (childe) in a three-piece designer suit suddenly appears in front of Marco, introduces himself as his “chingu” (friend), and makes his life a mess in a chase of madness. According to Director Park, he had no other actor in mind to play the role seamlessly but solely Kim Seonho and it is proven right by the media, critics, and audiences who have seen the movie.
The bad. Another relentless pursuer of Marco is Isa Han, a second generation chaebol heir who adds tension to the plot as a bad villain. According to media reviews, veteran actor Kim Kang-woo displays a strong charm and powerful eye acting for his ruthless role in this movie, and his performance is described as “the best villain character of his career”. 1 2 3
The mystery. Yoon Joo, the only female character among the chasers, is another mystery, played by Go Ara. By chance, she meets Marco in the Philippines and accidentally reunites with him in South Korea. However, her true identity is unknown.
7. The complete transformation of Kim Seonho.
In his movie debut, The Childe (2023), Kim Seonho shakes off his rom-com, “good boy” image to take on the titular role of a dark, crazy, and vicious character—a professional killer—the childe (nobleman). In the released trailer alone, he ignites thrill with his striking transformation as the villain who mixes elegance, good looks, charm, mystery, cunning sense of humor, and ruthlessness.
During the press conference, Director Park revealed that he changed the movie title from “Sad Tropics” to “The Childe” because Kim Seonho as the nobleman (childe) stood out and appeared strong during the editing process. Hence, he thought of highlighting the character and might create a sequel if the movie goes well.
The title change is then supported by reviews from media, critics, and audiences during the advance screenings. According to SPOTV News, “Kim Seonho fired a perfect comeback signal as the nobleman” and added, “the way to enjoy this movie is to relax and fall into the world of the nobleman”. In a blog review on Naver, he was described as “the most impressive debut that leaves a lasting impression” and “the most eye-catching presence in the movie” for News Tomato. 1 2 3
What are we waiting for? It is time to step into a world of chasing adventure, villains, and mayhem. The Childe (2023) officially hits theaters on June 21 in South Korea, Taiwan, and Indonesia; June 23 in Vietnam; June 29 in Singapore and Malaysia; June 30 in USA and Canada; July 5 in the Philippines; July 13 in Hongkong; and July 27 in Thailand. The film was also sold to several international distributors, according to Screendaily.
The Childe (2023) is rated R-18 and younger audiences are not allowed for viewing. Check out the trailers below:
Copyright KORB Blog
KORB 