The Childe (2023) User Reviews

2 hours is not enough!

[ayundaanisa · 8/10 · 23 June 2023]

A hollywood style korean movie from director Park Hoon-jung, a black comedy one!

The strong element from this movie is the character, nobleman, he doesn't have a name, claiming himself as a PRO, sadistically kills people with a comedic side of him, joking, grinning, smirking, whistling

The plot is very easy to follow, if people not used to with director slow paced intro maybe will get bored, but it builds up really well in the second phase

The director try to tell a story about Kopino a person of mixed (Korean-Philippine) issue. How difficult it is to live when the Korean fathers leaving and stop contacting their children in the Philippine and no longer provide any support

Solid characters, a desperate one, double agent lady, a bad conglomerate, the comically hitman, witty dialog, chasing scene, blood, guns, lots of cars! You got everything in here, it's "professional"

Kim seon-ho steals the show...!!!

[PANDIAN120621 · 7/10 · 16 October 2023]

When it comes to the gangster flick the "NEW WORLD" director excels in this genre and his latest offering is unique with its character development thats well crafted and the plot is delicately woven with suspenseful moments... Kim seon-ho carries the whole movie single handedly with his swag and mannerism and his evil smile is on top notch to watchout... While Kang tae remains suttle and his emotional quotient adds flavour to the flick... Inspite of two strong characters Kang woo Keeps us focused with his thuggish and cunning act... From a good action car chase,bloodshed stunts and impressive gun shots this a complete package of typical gangster flick highly recommended...

Solid blockbuster

[PedroPires90 · 7/10 · 17 October 2023]

Even when Park Hoon-jung doesn't create an excellent film with deep meaning and emotion, he still manages to entertain and bring something that we'll always remember.

Kim Seon-ho's character is fantastic. At first, we don't know what to expect, and we might even think he's just a side character, but he carries the entire film with his charisma, humor, and somewhat superhuman fight/gun skills. He also steals the show because Kang Tae-ju never manages to do something memorabel mostly due to the script he has in front of him for a character who should have been the main focus of this film, as everything revolves around him.

Apart from this significant issue, the film seems to prioritize the spectacle of its setpieces over any deep construction. I missed the artistic and emotional touch of Hoon-jung that we saw in "Night in Paradise" (probably my favorite of his), but even in terms of intrigue and complexity, it doesn't come close to what he achieved in "New World" or, I would even say, "V. I. P." (although I know that's not a consensus).

Nevertheless, there are excellent scenes that will stay in my memory, such as the executions of the informants or the entire impressive and over-the-top third act. I enjoyed the ending (yes, I'm a fan of plot twists, give me all of them!), the presence of some good feeling amidst it all, and that comical post-credits scene.

A Kopino and his friend bring mayhem to Korea.

[chand-suhas · 6/10 · 18 August 2023]

Marco Han is a boxer in Phillipines and is involved in boxing betting to meet the ends. He has an ailing mother who is in dire need of surgery and Marco is struggling to earn the money. He is also a Kopino, born to a Korean father and Filipino mother. Without much options, he desperately searches for his father in order to ask him to pay for his mother's surgery. To his luck, his father reaches out to him and invites him to Korea. Everything happens so quickly, Marco fails to realize the dark motives behind flying him to Korea and nothing seems right. Luckily, Marco gets a friend, his last friend who pushes him to the extreme to realizing his fate.

To be honest, South Korean hardcore action dramas are always fun to watch. This one has a decent story but most importantly, it has a terrific character Gwigongja / Nobleman (Kim Seon-ho) who carries the entire film on his shoulders. Every scene he is on instantly becomes super fun. Initially the pace was slow and once Marco lands in Korea, the film simply takes off. Though the characters felt one dimensional, the final twist was dealt well. The total showdown in the end, remains worth the build up and though I wish, Marco had more action sequences than just trying to run for his life for most part of the film, those chase scenes still deliver.

Top, but a little bit over the top

[xnicofingerx · 7/10 · 3 January 2024]

Asian films, especially South Korean films, are for the most part in the upper range in terms of quality. Of course, there are also gradations in this area, I would call it A and B class. An A can still be sold to the mainstream viewer who is unfamiliar with Asia, but this works less well in the B range. Technically everything is flawless, entertainment is also provided and there is no lack of interesting ideas. Other twists and turns are more tricky and might not fit. The appropriate adjective is "over the top". Actors who pay homage to overacting, (Western) cultural behaviour patterns that are difficult to comprehend and scripts that zigzag in a way that is hard to follow. In short, the excessive demands of local viewing habits. Speaking of over the top, the eponymous role or rather the actor of "The Childe" is certainly a defining factor here. It was still good, unreservedly entertaining, but I don't need to see it again.

As a bonus, there's an explanation of what a kopino is, so a bit of useless knowledge.

Unique and Exciting

[tkdlifemagazine · 7/10 · 9 January 2024]

This is a unique and exciting action film that keeps you interested and guessing throughout. The story centers around a Korean/Filipino heir to a dying Korean billionaire's fortune. He needs money to save his mother's life and this leads him down a path to reunite with his father that makes him the subject of multiple groups of people trying to kill, or kidnap him. The movie is violent and funny, in spots. The acting, filmmaking, and Direction are good. Some of the flighty choreography is a little grainy for my taste, but still good. There is a strange appeal to the characters, even though they do really bad things. This is another great Korean film. In Korean with English Subtitles.

Best Plot Twist

[agustinprita · 10/10 · 21 June 2023]

Epic comeback seon ho, the film it's really good.

The cast very profesional. The best action film in 2023 for me hahahahahahah.

By the way i can not guess the plot from begun, and i really apreciate for the hard work.

I can feel seonho's emotion in this film, very clear and natural. And also i feel tired cause it seem like i joined running in the scene hahahahahhaa

And i think the film can reach a lot of audience.

I hope "the childe" will be succes.

Good job for Director, producer, team and all of cast.

I will wait for the next project, it will be nice if kim seon ho join the project haha.

Where are the guns from???!

[andras-mobile · 6/10 · 3 September 2023]

Okay...well...getting picky about korean films after seeing doozen of them.

Sadly start making korean films for netflix getting the quality lover and lover even this is not there yet, Hmmm i started like well the story sounds okay lets watch it!

After the first 10mins felt it its not going to more than 10/6 in my korean pointing system Well...i was right again.

After hundred korean action/crime films Guys where are the guns from???!

Since Oldboy no guns!!!!!

Okay i might missed some films but i feel i know its not right... And the "helping guy" acting also a bit too much.

Anyway givin 10/6 Ps:even a story a bit stewed,it could be better!!

A Must Watch

[sonydubeywisdom · 9/10 · 21 June 2023]

A thrilling, exciting and gripping master piece by Park Hoon-jung. He has already given the world known thriller such as 'The Witch' as a director and 'I saw the devil' as a writer and this time with 'The Childe' he certainly has grasped the audience.

With the star cast of Kim Seon-ho, Kang Tae-joo, Kim Kang-woo and Go Ara this film has a huge audience of admirer.

In the film we can see jaw dropping acting of Kim Seon-ho, who is famous for lead role in Hometown cha cha and Start-up. Who has earlier played the character of and all-rounder village guy and strenuous investor but here he has shown a different persona in a psychotic Nobleman role. Even his fans are amused by seeing his completely different personality.

All in all, the film is Good watch and has potential of obtaining some awards and recognition. Giving 9 star from side.

Park Hoon-jung's decent new crime thriller

[alain-kapel5 · 7/10 · 9 December 2023]

Park Hoon-jung's new action thriller is pretty entertaining and easy to watch, a comedic genre film with little under the surface, but just enough propulsive action and humor to keep you watching.

I remember reading a review which described it as Succession meets Tarantino, and surprisingly it does seem a bit like that. A familial power struggle that becomes violently chaotic as the film goes on. The film's biggest plus is its sense of unpredictability, a rare feat in modern Korean thrillers as they tend to play it safe more often than not. However, this dissipates as the film reaches its conclusion and it falls back on usual clichés, but initially it feels fresher than I expected.

In all, it's another polished feature from Park who grows more and more confident directing this type of pulpy action. But ultimately, it's less than the sum of its parts and very surface-level overall. Again, if you're up for a casual watch, do check it out as you'll probably have fun with it. :)

Enjoy The Childe and love it.

[cattychef · 10/10 · 25 June 2023]

The story and the character of main casts such as actor Kim Kang Woo, Actor Kim Seon Ho, actress Go Ara, actor Kang Tae Ju are so interested. I love their performance ,especially actor Kim Seon Ho can acting and I felt he is so scary , mad, smart, cool, heart warming and comady. Thank you very much Park Hoon Jung PD Nim to choose actor Kim Seon Ho as Nobleman (Gwigongja) . I love and really enjoy movies "The Childe" and I will watch more times that I can . Great Jobs Team The Childe! I love action scenes of Kim Seon Ho is awesome. Team The Childe set the locations where filmed in Thailand made me surprise because feel like Philippine , some places I didn't know before and this is near my university and my home. Some places I know because the way I go to work and go home. Recommended "The Childe" Korean movies !

A 24-minute-episode movie

[vsefareez · 3/10 · 25 June 2023]

The movie has so many useless scenes and dialog that otherwise could have been cut down to an episode-length tv series while keeping the main plot. Up until the movie's third act, we finally get a long explanation about who and why the characters did what they did. Why didn't you use the long useless scene to explain or at least give a subtle clue about the story? This is what makes the movie so unenjoyable and dull.

For example, in the chasing sequence where our protagonist is chasing the kid on the highway, the scene takes so much time without providing any new information to the audience. All of this is only for the kid to then be chased again (after having a phone call in the booth), but this time the kid gets away, again, and without any new information, again. There are so many scenes like this that it feels like the filmmaker is just trying to lengthen the movie.

The story by itself isn't that much interesting. All the movie did was sell our leading actor to smiling and grinning, which feels fake, which I think is the opposite of what he says he was, "a professional". I think the kid does a better job in terms of his acting and his character. But still no character development for either of them. This makes the backstory of the kid feel useless.

The reveal at the end makes the audience (by the audience, I mean me) feel cheated by telling them that it all has nothing to do with the kid. So why do we have to follow the kid's story????. The opening scene does not even have any connection to the main plot. Yet again, take so much time and non-informative dialog.

So unless you come to watch the movie only for the actor, not for the story, visuals, or plot, like any other movie, I'd suggest you use your valuable time to watch another episode of any series in your watchlist.

A SOLID NINE

[waytogo111 · 9/10 · 27 June 2023]

Can't believe my luck that I won tickets to a sneak preview of this movie and to be honest I like Kim seon ho as well so I was quite excited about it. But I went into the cinema not expecting anything, because I thought I had a good prediction of the storyline given the vibes of the trailer, probably some triad feud and some chaser and targets with money involved, but then I was not expecting the ending to have a twist like that!!!! And also I didn't know this was supposed to be a dark comedy? It was so hilarious at some parts, the entire cinema was roaring with laughter. I tot all the cast members did really well with the acting. It didn't feel draggy nor rushed to me as well. I saw one of the reviews mentioned the first part was redundant, but I tot overall it provided a very good build up to the climax at the end. Really really enjoyed the movie. Heard a lot of good reviews from the people around me while walking out of the cinema as well. Highly recommend 👍🏻

Good job kim seon ho

[homisohomisoo · 10/10 · 22 June 2023]

Great performance actor seon ho kim!! Epic comeback, i really enjoyed this film. The core of the story is simple but the visual, action, plot twist, comedy, and the acting of all actor/actress are extraordinary!! All the role fit in the portion. Especially Kim Seon Ho, oh my god Daebak psychopath but cuteee!!! I like it, good job the childe team. Just come see and enjoy this comedy film LOL. Don't watch any trailers and spoilers so you will be surprised. Nothing perfect in every film but i think this is minor. I think 2 hours is still not enough,i need more so i hope there will be second sequel.

Amazing Trailer Scene

[mellryana · 10/10 · 21 June 2023]

A must watch movie, well written, simple yet entertaining to watch. The movie can make you mad but at the same time you find it's funny.

Kim Seonho is brilliant actor, I am so amazed how perfect he protayed his role at this genre.

I hope in the future he can join a role like this, serious but funny, and of course...A PRO😁

Kang Tae Ju the other hand is very articulate in terms of acting, consider The Childe is his debut movie (also debut as an actor, I feel so proud of him).

Kim Kang Woo is a veteran in movie, and as long as I know his acting never dissapointed.

Go Ara is pretty as always, and I am surprised she is skillfull in driving🤣👍🏻

Low effort action flick but still acceptable

[Park_Min · 5/10 · 9 August 2023]

A standard action Korean flick, if it weren't for the scarce elevated violence it wouldn't have been as watchable. The writer seems to be slipping a bit too much for what would have been obvious. The main character is a boxer and that's how we were introduced to him but being a boxer didn't play any role into the narrative. There were many other examples of that. More often than not, whenever a character is trying to act "cool" it came across as cheesy since there is a clear lack in world building and character development. Low effort action flick but still acceptable. Low effort action flick but still acceptable.

The childe a crazy must to watch

[sofiebong · 9/10 · 25 June 2023]

Crazy chases with professionalism and tension and sadistic murders but interspersed with comedy elements that certainly won't be enough to watch once. Trust me...you will be addicted.

Actor Kim Seon Ho really mastered his role perfectly, and for Kang Tae Jo because from start to finish is the target, so viewers are invited to be patient to understand why the target is described in detail at the beginning.

With such a dramatic ending, we hope that the childe will have a second season.

I've watched it 2 times to get a detailed picture of this film, and to be honest I'm still fascinated with The Childe for the storyline and the cast.

A++ for entertainment value

[Moon_Paper · 9/10 · 1 July 2023]

It may seem like a dark noir movie but it has so many comedic moments that balances out the blood and gore. The story is simple but yet it is not as predictable; it keeps you wondering how the story will unfold.

Chemistry amongst the cast is excellent. There are some solid acting by Kim Seon Ho and Kim Kang Woo. One would come out of the movie wanting to know more about the nameless Nobleman. Kim Seon Ho's portrayal of this role and his transformation from his usual k-drama romcom roles is astounding. Rookie Kang Tae Ju's performance is commendable. Pity there isn't more character development for Go Ara's role.

Not a heavy movie, definitely one with A++ entertainment value. Highly recommended ~

An Enjoyable 118 minutes of Actions and Comedy

[007anna · 9/10 · 30 June 2023]

You can sit back and relax to watch this enjoyable movie.

A lot of tensions that made me ate my popcorn faster while looking at the screen without blinking, and then there came the comedic scene..

The casts were amazing, doing serious action scenes and can still seriously throw funny lines. Special applause for Kim SeonHo and Kim KangWoo for their stellar performances!!

Also to mark the movie debut of Kim SeonHo and Kang TaeJoo, they're doing absolutely a great job!

This is a movie that will be enjoyed by all genders, and I think we will get a good laugh too here and there.

Surely there's a room of improvement in terms of the plot at the beginning was built up on slower pace ... but this movie didn't leave me with any questions or doubts after it was over. I felt all questions were answered within the 118 minutes. And by the way, I love the plot twists!!

With this I gave a whole hearted 9 stars out of 10, leaving one for the room of improvements...

Needs a Sequel/Prequel/Spin-off

[nawwalogy · 10/10 · 1 July 2023]

The Childe is filled with intense chase scenes, which made me, as the watcher, tired of making it.

This film was packaged beautifully and for some reason, even if I didn't know the director, I would have recognized right away that this was a film directed by Director Hoon Jung Park. The difference with Director Hoon Jung Park's other films is his dark comedy side.

The Childe features a spectacular cast that will provide a captivating performance. Starring Actor Kang Woo Kim and Actress A Ra Go, whose acting is no doubt. Actor Tae Ju Kang, the little cayenne pepper. As well as Actor Seon Ho Kim, the most shinning, shimmering, splendid and professional.

For those who are curious about the story of The Childe and are bored of seeing Actor Seon Ho Kim's "good boy" image, you must watch this film.

Astounding Black Comedy

[nufaz_luvoreangurlz · 10/10 · 2 July 2023]

The decision of Park Hoon Jung director for casting Kim Seon Ho in The Childe was the right choice! Honestly, I can't imagine any other actor to smile beautifully & eerily like a psycho joker like him. He slayed the role! He really erased the sweet, kind, good boy image that we've always seen before. All casts are acting so well but Kim Seon Ho & Kang Tae Ju are the ones who've captured my attention. I still couldn't believe that this is their debut film. Hopefully to see them in more movies after this. They're truly the new precious gems of South Korea. Don't lose them. Fighting The Childe team!

Nice plot and acting

[maryflash-10571 · 10/10 · 1 July 2023]

I was waiting so long for Kim seon-ho's movie and it was worth it. I like the plot we're there was no one character that you would mark as a main hero until almost the end. Furthermore, the action moves used on the movie we're also pretty good with witty dialogues along it. When the director said that this character was made keeping Kim-Seon ho in mind, I wondered what he meant. Now after watching it I understand it considering I watch him during two days night reality show. Also, the smile he gives in the movie is almost like of Joker making the character stand out more and giving a unique touch.

Action packed with Fun Twist

[patee-30191 · 9/10 · 10 July 2023]

I'm not one to watch action flicks. Especially if it's violent and bloody. But I found this movie to be enjoyable. The actors were great. Especially the three main male characters. The building of the plot took a while to get going and throughout the film, you're given hints that something isn't quite right. I was able to guess the main reason for the kid's trip to Korea but the rest and the twist at the end, I didn't see coming. So I found it pretty enjoyable. My hubby liked it too. The end fight scene would've been even better if they shot it in one take with one fluid camera like the old John Woo films. Then I would've given it a solid 10. 😄

A MUST WATCH MOVIE

[yangmuli · 10/10 · 29 July 2023]

I waited for this movie for sooo long and watched it today, finally... I was soo excited throughout the whole movie.. I can't explain in words !

What a comeback Kim seon ho! He portrayed his character so well and his emotions were natural and it was soo breathtaking to see him playing such a role.. I enjoyed it so much!

The other characters... They were very pleasing too.. Their conversations, behavior and attitude.. Everything was top tier and especially Kang tae joo..

Go hara's driving skills impressed me, I liked the plot twist.

Whenever the shooting scenes came, it was so thrilling for me to watch. As a action lover, I can't just explain how much I loved it. As well as the the conversations between fights was lovely 😂

Great story. Great Actors. Worth watching.

[mjshdt · 9/10 · 7 July 2023]

I am not fond of bloody and morbid actionn movies but this one is executed so well that I didn't feel iffy about the scenes, rather I was so caught up with the storyline. I was mindblown with the twists. I just thought that the revelation part was shown quite fast that it lessened the momentum of the movie, or maybe I am just not used watching movies with subtitles in the cinema. All the actors did a great job. They are all so versatile. The characters were so built up in my head because they showed various emotions. It is really worth the watch! And in the end, I realized that things/cases like what was shown can actually be happening right now.