Writer/Director Byun Sung-hyun starts the “Boksoon Collection” with Kill Boksoon, AKA; Gil Boksoon (2023) and it’s show time at the old/new assassination game. *Assassinations are referred to as a “show.”*
If you head over to Netflix, you will find Mantis (2025) and as part of the “Boksoon collection” Kill Boksoon. However, if you watch Mantis first, like moi, you’ll then watch the 2023 film. I strongly recommend watching Kill Boksoon first. Mantis will make more sense that way.
Just a suggestion.
Kill Boksoon Story
A single mum, top of the assassination chain, has trouble making both her worlds work. While trying to raise her daughter and protecting her from what her job entails, she must stamp out enemies inside her organisation.
The Main Cast
Jeon Do-yeon is Gil Bok-soon.
Sul Kyung-gu is Cha Myn-gyoo.
Kim Si-Ah is Gil Jae-yeong.
Esom is Cha Min-hee.
Koo Kyo-hwan is Han Hee-seong.
Lee Yeon is Kim Yeong-ji
Let’s Talk Kill Boksoon
This interesting look at all things in an assassination bureau, or killers for hire, it is not like other Korean crime films. Unlike, for instance, No Tears for the Dead (2014) which is also about a single hitman but being “punished.” The closest film to Kill Boksoon is Guns and Talks. A 2001 comedy about a family of assassins.
Kill Boksoon has comedic moments, of the very darkest sort, but it also has some pretty bleak moments as well. Take Kim Yeong-ji, for example. The “kid” assassin in training is a cute as a puppy. A lethal one. All that is missing is a wagging tail. She is taken out rather viciously as a combination of punishment of Bok-soon and to keep her quiet. It is easily the saddest moment in the entire film.
Kill Bok-soon has something in common with Sherlock Holmes. As played by Robert Downey Jr in Guy Ritchie‘s take on the deerstalker, pipe smoking sleuth. Ritchie’s Holmes has the ability to “see” what is going to happen in a fight. While Holmes sees things in time increments via “slow motion,” Bok-soon sees events in “real time.” This edge is what makes her number one.
It also, amusingly, helps her to deal with her daughter.
Kill Boksoon Works
The film works on so many levels. Despite the deadliness of the heroines occupation, we like her and care about what happens to her and her kiddo. We also support her going after the big boss’s sister. She violated a condition of Bok-soon’s renewing her contract with the company.
What works best about the film are the choreographed fight sequences. The scene in the cafe/bistro and the Russian bar are beyond perfect. The final fight in the film is just brilliant. It features that special talent of our heroine to great effect.
All the actors in this one sell their characters with a passion many actors can only dream off. Kudos to Do-yeong, Esom, Yeon and Kyung-gu for making their roles almost unforgettable.
The Verdict
Kill Boksoon is a full 5 out of 5 stars. Those who dislike subtitles can watch in on Netflix with an English dub. I have watched it both ways, subtitles and dubbed and it loses nothing. Both are very enjoyable. I love this film. Head on over right now and watch this one. If you like it, tune into Mantis (2025) right after. Despite some naysayers, the follow up is just as much fun. *We will be reviewing Mantis very soon.*
The Trailer
