South Korean cinema continues to push boundaries, and the film “Kill Boksoon” is a prime example. It presents a heartwarming mother who also happens to be a top assassin in a cutthroat company. Her high-paying assignments spark envy among her less successful colleagues, and their superficial flattery eventually turns into resentment. Unfortunately for them, their skills are no match for Boksoon, and they meet their demise at her hands.
Daughter’s Dark Inheritance
Notably, Boksoon’s daughter seems to have inherited her mother’s ruthlessness. When faced with bullying at school, she defiantly uses scissors to stab a male classmate in the neck, leading to her expulsion. However, this incident allows her a week of introspection, ultimately leading her to understand her mother better and seemingly abandon her same-sex relationship.
Unraveling the Past
The film delves into Boksoon’s past, revealing a pivotal moment where she kicks away the stool her father is standing on, watching him hang himself with a chilling smile. This scene captivates Cha Min-kyu, and Boksoon becomes his weakness. While never explicitly stated, it’s heavily implied that Cha Min-kyu is the father of Boksoon’s daughter. As an act of revenge for Boksoon’s defiance, Cha Min-kyu orchestrates a live broadcast of Boksoon committing a murder to her daughter. However, his plan backfires when the daughter ultimately accepts her mother’s identity as an assassin, resolving their strained relationship.
The Unfortunate Intern
One of the most tragic and undeserved deaths in the film is that of Young-ji, a newly adult intern assassin. In her eagerness to secure a permanent position, she becomes entangled in the power struggles of the higher-ups. Ultimately, she dies a meaningless death, a victim of witnessing something she shouldn’t have. The image of blood streaming from her eyes as she’s impaled by Cha Min-kyu’s blade is truly disturbing.
Identifying Weaknesses
How does Boksoon, despite not being the most skilled fighter, manage to survive until the end? She repeatedly emphasizes the importance of knowing one’s weaknesses. Hwang Jung-min’s character, a Japanese samurai, is undone by his unwavering loyalty to the samurai code, falling victim to Boksoon’s gun. Cha Min-kyu’s weakness is his deep love for Boksoon, without which she would have met countless deaths. His sister is consumed by jealousy, leading to her demise by her own pen. Even Boksoon’s B-grade assassin lover, riddled with weaknesses, never stood a chance of becoming an A-grade assassin. Boksoon herself has a weakness: her daughter. However, due to her being a minor, her opponents are constrained by rules and unable to target her, allowing Boksoon to act without reservation.
Final Thoughts
“Kill Boksoon” offers a compelling narrative with seamless transitions between heartwarming moments and brutal action. The film also touches upon the challenges of parenting. Boksoon laments that killing is easier than raising children, as she struggles with her rebellious, withdrawn, and even homosexual daughter.