top of page

Oct 15th

The Chaser (2008)

Description:

The Chaser is a 2008 Korean crime/thriller/horror movie directed by Hong-jin Na (also directed "The Wailing" 2016). An ex-detective now pimp (played by Yun-seok Kim) has two prostitutes go missing. He believes they ran away from him, but after he finds out they went to the same unstable client, he uses his old detective skills to find out the truth.

Review:

This is a movie that is extremely unsettling. Not because it's over the top and disturbing, but because it has happened in real life and you want to save these characters from a serial killer, but you can't. 

This film is loosely based on murders that occurred in Korea during 2003-2004. Pictured above is Mi-jin Kim (played by Young-hie Seo) a mother and escort who is forced to go to a client even though she is sick. The movie kept a consistent feeling of sadness and fear.

The pimp, Joong-ho Eom is a crooked character. It was compelling to see him go rouge against the police force in order to catch the killer first. This movie gave a different perspective into the judicial system. How long can you keep a killer off the streets when you have no physical evidence? 

The killer, (played by Jung-woo Ha) did a great job playing such a chilling role. I don't think I would ever watch this movie again, only because I know how it ends, but I would recommend this movie to crime thriller lovers.

The plot was never dull and it was unpredictably exciting. If you're okay with an overall sadness, this movie is for you. If you're going for a happier tone, I'd try a different movie.

Rating:

7 Hammer and chisels out of 10

bottom of page