The Old Woman with the Knife (2025): The Aging Hitman with a Twist
2025 • Min Kyu-dong • 2.39:1 • Jump to Gallery ↓
Based on a novel by Gu Byeong-mo, The Old Woman with the Knife is an action thriller with a side of revenge coming from Korean director Min Kyu-dong. It follows Hornclaw, a legendary assassin in her 60s who has spent over four decades eliminating society’s worst elements. When she crosses paths with Bullfight, a younger, skilled hitman with a complex, vengeful history tied to her past, her world starts crumbling around her.
Subverting the conventions of the genre, the film focuses on an older female protagonist, using her appearance to contrast with her younger colleague, placing her in positions to surprise. Lee Hye‑young’s performance makes it work thanks to her physical capabilities, but also her ability to add serious gravitas to the story.
As an action film, the set pieces naturally get bolder as the story progresses, but the fights are choreographed for effectiveness as the assassins are making their kills pass as accidents. It’s a more intimate take on the genre. Only the climactic confrontation involved more ambitious stunts and gunfights. The result is familiar, but different enough to be interesting.
Technical Specs:
- The Story: A seasoned professional who specialises in neutralising the worst elements of society is confronted with her own mortality when a young assassin joins her organisation and develops a strange fascination for her. Read my review of The Old Woman with the Knife.
- Actors: Lee Hye-young, Kim Sung-cheol, Yeon Woo-jin, Kim Moo-yul, Shin Sia, Kim Kang-woo, Choi Moo-seong, Ok Ja-yeon.
- Director: Min Kyu-dong
- Year: 2025
- Cinematographer: Lee Jae-woo
- Origin: Korean Cinema
- Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
- Genre: Action / Revenge Films
