Program Note
I Saw The Devil is a testament to the vitality of the Korean revenge thriller, along with its pioneer, Old Boy. The film’s theme leans on Nietzsche’s quote, “Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster.” This merciless drama explores calculated violence, accidental cannibalism, and sexual perversion, subjecting the audience to over two hours of torment. CHOI Min Sik takes the lead as Kyung-chul, a serial killer who brutally dismembers his victims. His chilling presence on the screen raises suspicions of deeper, undisclosed atrocities, transcending his role as a mere metaphor for a state of anarchy. CHOI Min Sik flawlessly nails the character’s sensibilities, creating a sense of immersion that remains unaffected by the scenes of Kyung-chul being tortured or ambushed. CHOI Min Sik’s calculated performance provides various clues about the character while illustrating a monster who seems to have nothing left to lose, forced to replace physical pain with even greater pain. (JANG Byungwon)