Compelling, tense entry in the assassin genre
Does "Kill It" have a particularly original story? Nope.
Does it feature a dynamic performance by the main character? Uh, not really.
Is the background to the plot laid out in a coherent manner? Not even close.
Are there characters that serve no purpose and the production would be better off without? Very much so.
Is it branded well (title, poster, etc.)? That's all horrible.
Is David McInnis competent with a Russian accent? It's a 0/10. Incredibly bad.
Despite these shortcomings and some others, "Kill It" is an admirably executed show in a genre that, worldwide, has produced some incredibly entertaining pieces. Jang Ki Yong certainly has the assassin role down. In fact, he's almost too grim and silent. But he is wholly convincing physically and athletically as Soo Hyun. Nana is not a natural for the role of veteran, hard-nosed detective. It's the off-duty scenes where she is clearly more at ease in this role. Nevertheless, she is capable enough as an actor to hit the serious notes too.
Jung Hae Kyun is a marvelous villain. And the villainy that he is up too is top of the charts for bad behavior. Once his scheme has crystallized, "Kill It' really hits its stride. Moreover, unlike some dramas that like to rehabilitate or humanize their villains, not here. Quite the opposite actually and it ratchets the tension up continuously right up to the end.
The standout performance, however, is Roh Jeong Eui as, Seul Ki, the young woman taken in by Soo Hyun as a child. It is a complex character and Roh Jeong Eui is wonderful in every facet.
Despite some lowered expectations with the poor marketing and a fairly clumsy first few episodes, the second half of "Kill It" is terrific entertainment. It may not be something for all viewers, but anyone that enjoys the action genre will be pleased.
Does it feature a dynamic performance by the main character? Uh, not really.
Is the background to the plot laid out in a coherent manner? Not even close.
Are there characters that serve no purpose and the production would be better off without? Very much so.
Is it branded well (title, poster, etc.)? That's all horrible.
Is David McInnis competent with a Russian accent? It's a 0/10. Incredibly bad.
Despite these shortcomings and some others, "Kill It" is an admirably executed show in a genre that, worldwide, has produced some incredibly entertaining pieces. Jang Ki Yong certainly has the assassin role down. In fact, he's almost too grim and silent. But he is wholly convincing physically and athletically as Soo Hyun. Nana is not a natural for the role of veteran, hard-nosed detective. It's the off-duty scenes where she is clearly more at ease in this role. Nevertheless, she is capable enough as an actor to hit the serious notes too.
Jung Hae Kyun is a marvelous villain. And the villainy that he is up too is top of the charts for bad behavior. Once his scheme has crystallized, "Kill It' really hits its stride. Moreover, unlike some dramas that like to rehabilitate or humanize their villains, not here. Quite the opposite actually and it ratchets the tension up continuously right up to the end.
The standout performance, however, is Roh Jeong Eui as, Seul Ki, the young woman taken in by Soo Hyun as a child. It is a complex character and Roh Jeong Eui is wonderful in every facet.
Despite some lowered expectations with the poor marketing and a fairly clumsy first few episodes, the second half of "Kill It" is terrific entertainment. It may not be something for all viewers, but anyone that enjoys the action genre will be pleased.
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