I Saw the Devil (2010)

I Saw the Devil is a brutal and gripping South Korean thriller directed by Kim Jee-woon. The film blends elements of revenge, horror, and psychological drama, making it an unforgettable experience for fans of extreme cinema. With its intense themes and shocking violence, the movie examines the moral implications of revenge.

Detailed Summary

The Murder of Joo-yeon

The movie opens with a chilling sequence. Joo-yeon, the fiancée of secret agent Soo-hyun (played by Lee Byung-hun), is brutally murdered by Kyung-chul (played by Choi Min-sik), a psychopathic serial killer. This event sets the plot into motion as Soo-hyun vows to avenge her death.

Soo-hyun’s Plan for Revenge

Instead of simply capturing or killing Kyung-chul, Soo-hyun embarks on a sadistic cat-and-mouse game. He tracks down Kyung-chul and assaults him, only to let him go, giving him time to recover so that he can hunt him again. Soo-hyun implants a tracking device in Kyung-chul’s body, enabling him to monitor the killer’s every move. This sets up a cycle of violence, where Soo-hyun continuously tortures and releases Kyung-chul.

The Increasing Brutality

As the film progresses, the brutality escalates. Soo-hyun becomes as monstrous as the killer he’s pursuing, blurring the lines between good and evil. Kyung-chul, far from being afraid, begins to enjoy the game, and his killings grow more gruesome as a result. The dynamic between the two characters shifts constantly, with Soo-hyun’s psychological torment growing deeper with every encounter.

The Killer’s Escalation

Kyung-chul becomes increasingly unpredictable and starts to endanger more lives in his pursuit of freedom. In one particularly disturbing scene, he invades the home of a family, leading to yet another horrific series of events. As Soo-hyun’s revenge-driven actions backfire, innocent people become casualties of his obsession.

The Final Confrontation

In the film’s intense climax, Soo-hyun finally captures Kyung-chul and forces him to face the full consequences of his actions. But rather than offering catharsis, the ending is a somber meditation on the destructive nature of vengeance. Soo-hyun ultimately realizes that his thirst for revenge has turned him into something as monstrous as the killer he sought to punish.

Movie Ending

The movie ends with Soo-hyun finally capturing Kyung-chul and ensuring that his death is slow, agonizing, and witnessed by his family. While he succeeds in avenging his fiancée’s death, the look on his face as he walks away is one of utter desolation. The final moments show that Soo-hyun is far from victorious; he is emotionally shattered, consumed by the violence that he had hoped would bring him closure.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

There is no post-credits scene in I Saw the Devil. The film concludes with its devastating final shot, leaving the audience to grapple with the emotional and moral consequences of the story.

Type of Movie

I Saw the Devil is a psychological thriller and revenge horror film. It combines elements of crime, suspense, and brutal violence, making it a particularly dark and intense experience. The film challenges the viewer’s moral compass by delving deep into the dark side of human nature.

Cast

• Lee Byung-hun as Soo-hyun, the vengeful secret agent.
• Choi Min-sik as Kyung-chul, the sadistic serial killer.
• Jeon Kuk-hwan as Squad Chief Jang, Soo-hyun’s father-in-law.
• Kim In-seo as Joo-yeon, Soo-hyun’s fiancée and Kyung-chul’s victim.
• Cheon Ho-jin as Section Chief Oh, Soo-hyun’s superior officer.

Film Music and Composer

The haunting and atmospheric score of I Saw the Devil was composed by Mowg, a renowned South Korean composer. The music emphasizes the tension and emotional weight of the film, using both eerie soundscapes and somber melodies to match the dark tone of the movie.

Filming Locations

The movie was filmed in various locations across South Korea, including Seoul and its surrounding areas. The cold, snow-covered landscapes play a crucial role in the film’s atmosphere, reflecting the emotional coldness and brutality of the story. The remote, desolate settings contribute to the sense of isolation and hopelessness experienced by both the protagonist and the villain.

Awards and Nominations

• Blue Dragon Film Awards (2010): Nominated for Best Director (Kim Jee-woon) and Best Actor (Choi Min-sik).
• Sitges Film Festival (2010): Won Best Director and Best Actor (Choi Min-sik).
• Asian Film Awards (2011): Nominated for Best Composer (Mowg).

The film was praised for its direction, performances, and cinematography, but its graphic violence limited its broader award show presence.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Director Kim Jee-woon initially hesitated to make the film due to its extreme violence, but he was drawn to the psychological complexity of the characters.
• Choi Min-sik returned to acting after a hiatus for this film, which was a big deal in South Korea, given his iconic performance in Oldboy.
• Several scenes had to be cut for the film to receive an R rating, as it initially faced challenges with South Korea’s censorship board.

Inspirations and References

I Saw the Devil takes inspiration from the revenge film genre, notably South Korean classics like Oldboy and Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance. The movie is also influenced by Western films such as Se7en and The Silence of the Lambs, especially in its depiction of a relentless pursuit between two morally ambiguous characters.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no widely known alternate endings, though the film went through significant editing to tone down its violence for international release. Certain torture scenes were shortened or omitted for some markets.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film is not based on a book, though it shares thematic elements with classic revenge literature and stories that explore the psychological toll of vengeance. Its closest literary comparison would be something akin to The Count of Monte Cristo, though I Saw the Devil is much darker and more brutal.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The opening sequence, where Kyung-chul kills Joo-yeon, sets the tone for the film’s unflinching violence.
• Soo-hyun’s first confrontation with Kyung-chul, where he begins his cruel game of catch-and-release.
• The taxi scene, where Kyung-chul brutally murders two other men in a confined space—one of the film’s most shockingly violent moments.
• Kyung-chul’s final confrontation with Soo-hyun, where the true cost of vengeance is revealed.

Iconic Quotes

• Kyung-chul: “Revenge is for the weak. I just do what I want.”
• Soo-hyun: “I will show you what real pain feels like.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• Kyung-chul’s character is a chilling subversion of the traditional movie villain, as he embraces his lack of humanity and revels in pain and suffering, making him more terrifying than a typical killer.
• The film repeatedly juxtaposes Soo-hyun and Kyung-chul, showing how the lines between them blur as the plot progresses.

Trivia

• The movie faced multiple censorship issues in South Korea due to its graphic content.
• Choi Min-sik refused to take on more violent roles after his performance in Oldboy, but he was drawn to Kyung-chul’s unique, deranged personality.
• I Saw the Devil was one of the films that helped propel Lee Byung-hun to international fame.

Why Watch?

If you’re a fan of dark, psychological thrillers that explore the moral consequences of revenge, I Saw the Devil is a must-watch. The performances by Lee Byung-hun and Choi Min-sik are riveting, and the film’s unflinching violence serves as a commentary on the destructive power of hatred.

Director’s Other Movies

• A Bittersweet Life (2005)
• The Good, the Bad, the Weird (2008)
• A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)
• The Age of Shadows (2016)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Oldboy (2003)
• Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (2002)
• Memories of Murder (2003)
• The Chaser (2008)
• Se7en (1995)