Photo credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Nicknamed the “Action Kid” by the Korean film industry, director Ryoo Seung-wan has transcended genre boundaries with his innovative approach and penetrating insight into society, rightfully earning his place as a leading figure in Korean genre cinema, with notable works including “Smugglers,” “Escape from Mogadishu,” “The Unjust” and “Veteran,” prequel to this year’s “I, the Executioner.”
Nine years after the box-office hit “Veteran,” Detective Seo Do-cheol (once again played by Hwang Jung-min) returns to the same world in the sequel “I, the Executioner.” In the film, the detective and his Major Crimes Investigation Division continue to tirelessly track down criminals day and night, often at the expense of their personal lives. When the murder of a professor reveals links to past cases, suspicions of a serial killer arise, plunging the country into turmoil. As Major Crimes delves into the investigation, the killer taunts them by publicly releasing a teaser online, indicating the next victim, and intensifying the chaos. To tackle the escalating threat, the team brings in idealistic rookie officer Park Sun-woo (Jung Hae-in), leading to unexpected twists as they solve the case. In “I, the Executioner,” Ryoo vividly depicts the intricacies of a society in flux, where the parameters for criminal punishment and the proliferation of media content blur the lines of public judgment.
“Since the first film was so beloved, I spent a lot of time figuring out how to bring something new to the table,” says director Ryoo. “If the strength of the first film was its exhilaration, then with the sequel, I aimed to push forward with a more powerful force.”
Photo credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
One of the most notable aspects of this new film is the extreme placement of characters within the frame to go with the suspenseful directing. Cinematographer Choi Young-hwan revealed that he used a “split filter” which alters the depth of field to keep all characters in focus within the frame. He shared that “Ryoo wanted to capture both distant and close characters in the same shot, opting for a more classical shooting technique.” Additionally, the film employed an unconventional approach by using smartphone cameras and devices that YouTubers use in real life for scenes involving YouTubers, offering a fresh and bold perspective.
In addition to cinematography and action, the music in “I, the Executioner” also carries its own unique flavor. Music director Chang Ki-ha, who worked with Ryoo on “Smugglers,” joined the team to create a fresh atmosphere that audiences will enjoy. Chang Ki-ha mentioned that after reading the script, he found himself immediately immersed in composing for the film, saying, “It’s a work that combines both entertainment and timeliness. When a film successfully delivers on both fronts, you feel like you’ve watched a really good movie, and ‘I, the Executioner’ is exactly that kind of movie.”
Jung Hae-in, recognized globally for his role in the Netflix series “D.P.,” joins the cast in the sequel as a young police officer. To show the passion and spirit of a rookie detective, Jung underwent extensive action training, from basic fitness exercises to martial arts and parkour. “This is a piece that captures something penetrating this time and society,” says Jung about what made him join the project.
Only in cinemas starting September 25, “’I, the Executioner,” from CJ ENM, is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company. #ITheExecutioner