5 Reasons to Watch the Action Crime Thriller Film "I, The Executioner"

“There is no such thing as a good murder and a bad murder when it comes to killing people.” – I, The Executioner

In the mood for an action-thriller with a moral issue to liven up your cinematic experience or just to experience pure, exhilarating entertainment? Then I, The Executioner is just the right movie for you—it’s a downright crowd-pleaser worth your time and money in this economy.

Starring Hwang Jung Min (Veteran, The Battleship Island) and Jung Hae In (Love Next Door, D.P., Something in the Rain), I, The Executioner follows the story of veteran detective Seo Do Cheol (Hwang Jung Min) and his team in the Violent Crimes Investigation Unit who are committed to fighting crimes in the city—sometimes, even to the detriment of Do Cheol’s personal life.

When the death of a professor appeared as a righteous vendetta against societal injustices, the act triggered serial killings attributed to a person christened by the internet as Haechi. As Do Cheol tries to catch the serial killer, rookie detective Park Sun Woo (Jung Hae In) was recruited to help stop the crime spree. But with Sun Woo’s entry, will things descend into chaos or will the dizzying puzzle of catching the serial killer finally get resolved?

Directed and produced by Ryoo Seung-wan, I,The Executioner had its world premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in May 2024 and officially opened in South Korea in September. Outside of the Cannes premiere and South Korea screening, the Philippines was the next country that commercially screened the film.

Metro.Style was recently invited by Warner Bros. Philippines to the exclusive premiere of I, The Executioner and the film left us feeling a rollercoaster of emotions: intrigued with the serial murder cases, laughed at the comedic scenes, held our breaths a lot with the thrilling action sequences and even swooned with Jung Hae In’s first appearance on the big screen. 

We are dutifully listing down the reasons why I, The Executioner should be on your weekend (or even weekday) cinema watchlist.

It’s a sequel to Korean box office hit Veteran.

As far as expectations go, this movie is a highly anticipated one. Veteran, its predecessor, currently holds the record of being the fifth all-time highest-grossing film in Korean cinema history. I, The Executioner opened in South Korea on September 13, 2024 and earned $30 million from more than 4 million admission in just its first six days of release. Find out why Koreans loved the Veteran and why the sequel is also receiving the same love from the audiences. While you’re at it, you can watch Veteran first to complete the journey. But don’t fret: this one can work as a standalone film which one can easily follow even without watching the first installment.

Plot twist came early but there’s more.

A major plot twist came in pretty early but instead of losing the viewers’ attention, the film hooks you right in even with the antagonist reveal. It’s the early revelation that keeps you hooked and wondering how else would the story unfold and the movie did not disappoint with more twists and turns. It was a real journey that will certainly keep you glued to the big screen. The fast-paced storytelling peppered with laughs here and there helped too.

Jung Hae In flexes his acting range.

While the actor is no stranger to action with his remarkable work on D.P., Jung Hae In is made famous by his vulnerable and romantic takes on his works such as Something In The Rain, Snowdrop, and especially in his ongoing Netflix global hit rom-com Love Next Door. This time, he sheds the romantic male lead persona and shuttle back and forth from being kind, charming to something akin to menacing. As an avid viewer of the kilig-inducing Love Next Door, the experience of watching him here was a bit disorienting. You can’t help but be totally impressed by how the actor was able to flex his acting muscles and showcase his range in this highly-coveted role. You’ll never see him the same way again. Even well-loved Korean actor Jo In Sung couldn’t help but praise Jung Hae In after watching the movie, saying, “When I saw him onscreen, I could feel his attitude towards acting and his serious approach.”

The action scenes are intense and impressive.

The film may express its humor here and there but it gets serious when it comes to choreographing and executing the intense action scenes needed. Bordering on gruesome, the film doesn’t shy away from the bloody and gory details. Itaewon Class and Yumi’s Cells actor Ahn Bo Hyun makes an appearance as Min Kang Hoon and the action sequence under the heavy rain in Korean slums easily becomes one of the highlights of the film. The Namsan Tower chase scene was also one for the books. Get ready for some extreme chasing!

The third and final act of the film is heart pounding.

Ah, the grand climax! Just when you think things are about to get sorted out, the last act of the film takes one’s breath away. The dilemmas and challenges were sick (it’s a compliment!) to the core and this was where Hwang Jung Min and Jung Hae In displayed their acting and onscreen chemistry the most. It was a showcase of their “dance” as actors and you can bear witness on how they “give and take” the acting spotlight for each other. The intensity of it all would either provoke you into wincing in imagined pain, looking away from the screen, screaming, or feeling your heart’s about to jump depending on where the scene is about to take you. The director surely saved the best for last.

Catch the serial killer if you can! I, The Executioner is now showing in Philippine cinemas with R-16 rating. Piece of advice: look out for K-cameos and don’t leave the cinema until after the end credits. 

Photos courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures