Review of I Saw the Devil (2010) by Paul H — 09 Dec 2011

Kim Ji-Woon's revenge thriller proves to us that foreign cinema often takes us to places other films just won't go. In a tale like this that mentality is entirely necessary. This is a raw, brutal, unbelievably violent film.

There is little tame about it and it is very effective. It addresses the theme of if fighting fire with fire is morally just. Choi Min-sik gives us such a convincingly evil performance it stays with you.

Lee Byung-hun carries the emotional weight in such a way that you feel his plight and makes you cringe when you become concerned for his sanity. Visually this film is amazing, cinematographer Lee Mo-gae gives us such a beautiful film to look at it adds to the overall experience.

This film while an intense and cringe-worthy ride is the best of both worlds for a film lover.