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Park Hoon-jung

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Movie review: "the childe" is an action noir with hints of dark comedy, korean star kim seon ho makes a strong entertainment comeback with his mysterious and eccentric character in "the childe," a movie that sheds light on the situation of kopinos, film and tv, metro.style team.

A mystery from beginning to end is how I would sum up my overall thoughts for the recently released and much-awaited movie  The Childe , starring Kim Seon Ho ,  Kang Tae Joo ,  Go Ara , and  Kim Kang Woo  and directed by Park Hoon-Jung .

I remember getting pleasantly surprised back in March this year with the sudden news of this film being featured in Hong Kong's  2023 FILMART with the poster depicting a silhouette of a whistling man clad in suit, who happens to be Kim Seon Ho. Since then, aside from it having been called an "action-noir" film, not much has been shared about the plot nor the characters of the movie. And upon seeing the teaser and trailer in May, I got even more curious as I witnessed chase scenes and gunshots. I had so many questions which included "Why is The Nobleman (played by actor Kim Seon Ho ) chasing Marco (played by actor Kang Tae Joo )?" and "How are they related to each other?"

Indeed, my eagerness to watch the movie grew even bigger weeks leading to the release date, and thankfully, I have been "appeased" early on when I won exclusive tickets for the advanced movie screening of The Childe on June 8th. The storytelling itself is profound in the sense that it takes you along with Marco Han, a Kopino (half-Korean half-Filipino) who grew up in the Philippines who then travels to South Korea in the pursuit of finding his father. He suddenly comes across people who he never really knew at all, but are apparently chasing him.

The movie will keep you guessing up until around the middle part as to what the characters' motives are for running after Marco. The chase after chase has also kept me on the edge of my seat, thinking about what twist could happen next as the story progressed.

While the movie was filled with suspense and action-packed scenes, there were also comical parts, yielding the impression that the movie's theme is actually "dark comedy." As for the acting performance of the cast, I'm saying this not because I'm a fan of Kim Seon Ho, but honestly, this is the best acting performance I've seen from him.

I remember hearing from Kim Seon Ho himself during his press conference for his Manila Fanmeeting (2023 Kim Seon Ho Asia Tour in Manila) in January 2023 that he does not want to be stereotyped under the "good boy image," and that he wants to explore portraying characters on the opposite side of the spectrum.

Indeed, I was surprised with his performance as a seemingly "psycho" and "eccentric" mysterious persona who's unstoppable and very skilled in combat. I was really floored with his action scenes, and truly, Kim Seon Ho has demonstrated his versatility as an actor with his film debut.

Lastly, I'd like to express that as a Filipino based in South Korea, I feel proud that the Philippines has been touched as a place of interest in the movie. I am aware that the movie was filmed during the time when strong COVID-19 restrictions made it difficult for the movie production to shoot in the Philippines, and so they had to shoot in Thailand. But for me, personally, the Philippines was given justice for the scene locations that were depicted as such.

Further, I think the movie sheds light and potentially may give awareness to the situation of Kopinos that are hosted by shelters for mixed ethnicity children that require support and guidance.

As of this writing, I have already watched the movie for seven times, and I am looking forward to a sequel where hopefully the back story of The Nobleman will be elaborated.

The Childe is now showing in over 15o Philippine theaters nationwide!

About the author

Marc, a Filipino, is a digital content creator based in Seoul, South Korea, who is a Hallyu fan.  

Text by  Marc  ( @callmemakeu ) 

Lead photos from  The Creazion Studios ( @thecreazionstudios )

RELATED STORY:

This filipino kid is featured in the kim seon ho-starrer movie "the childe".

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REVIEW: ‘The Childe’ Is One Of The Best Action Films of 2023

Park Hoon-jung has easily become one of my favorite action directors and writers with  Night in Paradise   and  The Witch Part 1 – Subversion  and its sequel,  The Witch Part 2 – The Other One — and, of course, his screenplay for I Saw The Devil.  In his latest film,  The Childe,  director Park uses his signature twisting narrative and ability to use violence to tell a story weaving together two characters that create a compelling and dynamic near dual protagonist structure. Starring Kim Seon-Ho , Kang Tae-Ju , Kang-woo Kim , and Go Ara ,  The Childe is one hell of a ride.

The Childe’s narrative revolves around Marco, a desperate young man trying to secure money for a life-saving surgery for his mother. An amateur boxer, Marco searches for his wealthy estranged father he’s never met,  a Korean man who abandoned his Filipina mother. But after a lead takes him from the Philippines to Korea, he is relentlessly pursued by a quirky, attractive, and infinitely dangerous man just known as the Nobleman. But this nameless friend isn’t the only person after Marco. As additional entities all aim to take Marco in, chaos ensues, forcing him to ultimately confront a shocking truth about the family he’s trying to fit into that may cost him his life.

Marco is a fine protagonist. However, his life is quickly shown to be moving at the behest of those around him, whether through circumstances or direct action. He’s destitute, fighting as hard as he can to survive. A caring son, the world story moves him instead of his choices and actions propelling it. That said, once the film adds in the Nobleman in the middle of the first act, the narrative becomes more akin to a dual protagonist structure, as it bounces between the two. Who is the center of the film, and does it matter? The truth is, is that it doesn’t, and once you accept that and let director Park’s eye for action and thrilling mystery rush over you, you’ll be glad you did.

At its core,  The Childe  is a puzzling adrenaline rush that doesn’t explain itself until the final moments. What forces you to stay glued to the screen are expertly crafted chase sequences that utilize the environment in every way and stellarly choreographed hand-to-hand sequences. Throw in some rousing shoot-outs for good measure, and it’s clear that director Park knows the intricacies of shooting action for an audience and also casting actors to excel in every way.

Ultimately, The Childe is a tense action thriller whose driving force is Kim Seon-Ho. Infinitely terrifying and intimidating in his ability to switch between apathy and excited mania while terrorizing Kang Tae-Ju ‘s Marco, as the Nobleman, actor Kim is an unstoppable force. Accentuated by his attractiveness and three-piece suit, the Nobleman is a psychotic agent of chaos that allows the film’s pacing to remain high octane. In fact, actor Kim’s performance is one of the best examples of a villain in recent action films. Cold, calm, yet manic, he’s everything packaged in charisma and humor at the same time. His ability to be both humorous and intimidating is a hard task and is one that sells this film.

As the film heads towards its last act, though, the script flips, and the safe haven that Marco is rushing for becomes a danger, making the Nobleman look different from the already violent Director Han, Marco’s brother. Additionally, the third act is where everything is revealed, but more importantly, it showcases the Nobleman’s skill when he’s fighting capable opponents. While at times the story stumbles, it never fails to pull you along, embracing action as a genre and walking the line behind an unhinged drive to fulfill a job and the limits of the body.

The Childe  is easily one of the best action films of 2023, and it’s thanks to Kim Seon-ho and his dynamic performance. Able to switch from a deadpan stare to a manic smile, the Nobleman is a standout, and actor Kim’s strength in both his emotive performance and his physicality makes certain he belongs on any list of action stars.

The Childe  is playing in select theaters now and will screen at Fantasia International Film Festival on Wednesday, August 2, 2023.

• 9/10 Rating - 9/10

The Childe  is easily one of the best action films of 2023, and it’s thanks to Kim Seon-ho and his dynamic performance. Able to switch from a deadpan stare to a manic smile, the Nobleman is a standout, and actor Kim’s strength in both his emotive performance and his physicality make certain he belongs on any list of action stars.

• X (Twitter)

Kate Sánchez is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of But Why Tho? A Geek Community. There, she coordinates film, television, anime, and manga coverage. Kate is also a freelance journalist writing features on video games, anime, and film. Her focus as a critic is championing animation and international films and television series for inclusion in awards cycles.

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"The Childe" focuses on a man born to a Korean father and a Filipino mother who aspires to be a boxer. He travels back to Korea in the hopes of tracking down his father, and in the process, ... Read all "The Childe" focuses on a man born to a Korean father and a Filipino mother who aspires to be a boxer. He travels back to Korea in the hopes of tracking down his father, and in the process, he gets mixed up with some bad people. "The Childe" focuses on a man born to a Korean father and a Filipino mother who aspires to be a boxer. He travels back to Korea in the hopes of tracking down his father, and in the process, he gets mixed up with some bad people.

• Park Hoon-jung
• Kim Seon-ho
• Kang Tae-Ju
• Kim Kang-woo
• 38 User reviews
• 34 Critic reviews

• (as Kim Seon-Ho)

• Director Han
• (as Kang-woo Kim)

• Marco's Mother
• All cast & crew
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• Trivia First project of Kim Seon-ho after a two-year hiatus.

User reviews 38

• Jul 1, 2023
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• June 21, 2023 (South Korea)
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• Jul 2, 2023

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• Runtime 1 hour 58 minutes

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(Movie Review) 'The Childe': blood-soaked crime thriller with chilling chase scenes

By Kim Eun-jung

SEOUL, June 9 (Yonhap) -- "The Childe" is a stylish crime thriller with fast-paced action, mayhem and shooting scenes, following a desperate Korean-Filipino man's ominous journey to search for his Korean father with villains chasing him down.

Director Park Hoon-jung, best known for the engrossing gangster action movie "New World" (2013), once again shows his unique cinematography with stylish villains hunting down the kopino, referring to a person of mixed Korean and Filipino descent, for their own purposes.

Kim Seon-ho plays the titular role, an enigmatic character who calls himself a "professional" in front of his enemies and a "friend" to his target.

The handsome guy in a designer suit kills people with a leisurely smile and silly jokes, but gets easily annoyed by blood stains on his luxury shoes. The ruthless killer knows how to get his job done.

A scene from crime thriller film "The Childe" is seen in this photo provided by its production company, New Studio. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Marco (Kang Tae-joo) fights at illegal boxing stadiums in the Philippines and has been searching for his Korean father to raise money for his sick Filipina mother's surgery.

One day, he gets a message from his Korean father's side and flies to South Korea to meet him.

The journey, however, is full of plights as Marco is chased by the childe, a mysterious woman (Go Ara), and his Korean father's son, Han (Kim Kang-woo).

Han is the heir-apparent of a family-controlled conglomerate and needs something from Marco to smooth out his succession plan as his father is dying.

Although Han is a senior executive in his father's business empire, the smart-mouthed guy looks more like a gangster boss swarmed by suit-wearing thugs.

Marco at first flees for his life without knowing why they are chasing him but later discovers the dangerous scheme behind his trip to South Korea.

Amid the unpredictable chaos and madness, plot twists and more twists unfold to maintain suspense throughout the plot.

A promotional poster for crime thriller film "The Childe" is seen in this photo provided by its production company, New Studio. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

The story reveals the predicament of a half-breed Korean born to an unwed Filipina mother through the eyes of Marco, but it does not delve into the heavy subject and stays faithful to the genre.

The neo-noir film is reminiscent of Park's "New World" in terms of cinematography and style, but its plot is less plausible with a lack of narrative surrounding the childe, who takes up a considerable portion of the story.

In his big screen debut, Kim Seon-ho shows a different side from his rom-com TV series "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" (2021) by creating a cold-blooded, quirky killer who cracks jokes even in a life-or-death situation.

Veteran actor Kim Kang-woo depicts the best villain character of his career, while rookie Kang's nuanced facial expression and boxing action attests to why he was chosen out of 1,980 candidates for the role.

"The Childe" hits local theaters on June 21.

[email protected] (END)

(Movie Review) 'The Childe': blood-soaked crime thriller with chilling chase scenes

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Directed by Park Hoon-jung

The chase is on

Desperate to secure funds for his mother's surgery, an amateur boxer searches for the wealthy father he's never met. Traveling from the Philippines to Korea, he is relentlessly pursued and forced to confront a shocking truth.

Kim Seon-ho Kang Tae-ju Kim Kang-woo Go Ara Jung Lael Heo Joon-seok Choi Jung-woo Lee Ki-young Noreen Joyce Guerra

Director Director

Park Hoon-jung

Producer Producer

Yeon Young-sik

Writer Writer

Editor editor.

Jang Lae-won

Cinematography Cinematography

Shin Tae-ho Kim Hong-mok

Assistant Director Asst. Director

Executive producers exec. producers.

Jang Kyung-ik Park Hoon-jung

Lighting Lighting

Jo Yong-Jun

Production Design Production Design

Jo Ha-seong

Set Decoration Set Decoration

Lee Bong-woo

Visual Effects Visual Effects

Jung Seok-jae Jang Min-jae Yuk Gwan-woo

Stunts Stunts

Hwang Jin-mo

Composer Composer

Sound sound.

Kim Sin-yong Kim Chang-sub Moon Chul-woo

Costume Design Costume Design

Yoo Se-heui

Makeup Makeup

Park Sun Hwang Hyo-kyun Kwak Tae-yong

Next Entertainment World Goldmoon Film Studio & New

South Korea

Primary language, spoken languages.

English Korean

Releases by Date

08 jun 2023, 21 jun 2023, 28 jun 2023, 30 jun 2023, 13 jul 2023, 27 jul 2023, 09 nov 2023, 23 feb 2024, 17 nov 2023, 24 nov 2023, releases by country.

• Physical 18
• Theatrical 17+

Popular reviews

Review by ran ★★★★

118 minutes of Mercedes advertisement

Review by Michael James ★★★

The neo noir action thriller is hyper stylishly shot with a couple of twisty turns and some solid action set pieces, especially the climax one was kickass af. Given the overall stakes, it also feels a bit overstretched and overdone at places. Once it shifts to the bloody violence mode post all the slow setup and suspense, it pretty much strikes hot. While all performances were adequate, Kim Seon-ho steals the show with his wit and charisma. Maybe could have turned much effective if watched with less expectations, nevertheless it still ends up a fun satisfying watch.

Review by Mas Djay ★★★★

Tips menonton The Childe: Gak usah tau apapun tentang film ini, ga usah nonton trailernya kalau belum dan lo akan sangat terhibur dgn segala rentetan aksi dan cerita yang bener2 dibuat mikir tapi tetep enjoy.

Trigger Warning: Violence with lots of bloods.

As a debutan (in Movie), Kim Seon-ho ini bagus. Ngasih penampilan sebagai Childe yang beneran meyakinkan, selingan jokesnya dia juga masuk.

Another credit buat Kim Kang-woo. Dia meranin tokoh yang nyebelin sepanjang film dan emang beneran nyebelin sampe film kelar 🤣🤣

Sa ae emang Deni Sumargo

Kekurangannya ada Mas?

Ada. Tapi buat gue ini minor sih. Ada beberapa karakter yg kalaupun diilangin ga ada masalah dan ga ngubah cerita juga.

Yang gue demen dari The Childe itu beberapa shootnya emang cakep2.

Overall, The Childe ini sebenernya film keluarga..... yang ancur ancuran pada jahat semua. Tapi di balik semua kejahatan yang ada, paling ga kita dikasih tau kalau kebaikan juga akan menemukan jalannya.

Review by restooooong ★★★★½

Ciri khas PHJ, filmnya berdarah-darah. Tapi The Childe ini ga se-dark film beliau sebelumnya. Ada jokes yang menghibur jadi filmnya ga kaku dan tetep bisa dibawa enjoy.

Ada beberapa part yang sebenernya ga perlu-perlu amat sih tapi untungnya part itu bisa ketutup dengan part lain yang keren banget.

Padahal udah liat trailer tapi pas nonton masih ga nyangka aja liat #KimSeonHo berperan kayak gitu. ADA GILANYA EMANG DIA! Mata jernih tapi gila sih. Gak keliatan loh kalo ini debut pertama dia di layar lebar, udah kayak kesekian kali aja. Nanti temen-temen kalo udah nonton pasti tau alesannya deh kenapa PDnim bilang "gak ada aktor lain kecuali Kim Seon Ho". Yah sesuai tag dia aja "I am a pro~" wkwk.

Review by laras a ★★★

the childe: - the chaos.  - the cruel. - the crazy. - THE CUNT! 

park hoonjung at his most energetic and comedic. the humor that he inserted in his past films mostly never landed on me but this one did. nobleman is such an absurd entity it’s almost impossible to not laugh or side-eye him. hahaha.

anyways. enjoyed everything throughout its screentime albeit its jumpy first half. but whatever, it’s stylish. it’s fun. it’s satisfying. it’s pure vibes. it’s something that i’d watch to unwind and relieve stress. 🔫

edited: the childe reminds me a liiiiittle of some coen bros’ films (with additional korean makjang flairs). again, it’s fun.

Review by Okky Achmad ★★★★

paruh awal yang lemah dan ga tau kemana terbayar di final act yang menghibur

Review by Viren ★★★

Kind of a dark noir movie with comedic elements, a standard action film with a twist that makes you wonder till the end. It was a first Korean movie that I watched at a cinema and it was pretty enjoyable!

Praiseworthy performance by Kim Seon-Ho, although the first half is mid and keeps the audience guessing, the actual movie starts with the second half. End is okay-ish, one might see it coming! 

professional cast though :)

Review by Arman Salim ★★★½

kinda bumpy and slow and make you wondering how the direction of the movie during the first 30 minutes. but after the main plot revealed, it's getting interesting and fun to watch!

all of the casts played very well.

Review by Julia Grohlo🇨🇦 🇻🇳 ★★★★

Find the hidden son and steal his heart to save the father. The fight scenes are breathtaking and intense, and it's so funny to see Kim Seon-ho in the role of a totally silly "villain" who zaps people with his sexiest smile every time. The writing on the ambiguity of the characters, the complexity of the story and above all the photography of the interior spaces and the meticulous editing are very cool, and even if there were quite a few flaws, they energize the film even more.

This neo-noir thriller is perfect to improve your cardio so you can go buy a Mercedes to drive along your city's roads while drinking a cold Coke. In my Top 2023

Park Hoon-jung Ranked Kim Seon-ho Ranked Jung Lael Ranked Asian movies Heo Joon-seok Ranked Choi Jung-woo Ranked Lee Ki-young Ranked

Review by Shivu Gowda ★★★★

It was pretty crazy and I'm mind blown

Review by HKFanatic ★★★★ 1

2013's "New World" wasn't Park Hoon-jung's directorial debut, but it was the first film that really gained the writer-turned-director attention in the West; at the time I remember thinking it was merely an okay riff on "Infernal Affairs," so it's somewhat ironic that Park Hoon-jung has since become one of the most dependable filmmakers in Korea. No matter your taste, he's got a little something for everyone, whether it's the historical epic of "The Tiger: An Old Hunter's Tale," the psychic sci-fi violence of "The Witch" series, or his 'cool guys in black suits' gangster flicks like "Night in Paradise."

His latest effort, 2023's "The Childe," falls into the latter category, though at its heart this is a classic noir…

Review by ully ★★★½

2 hours of no smoking and mercedes commercials. i had fun. kim seonho comedic timing pretty much well spotted in a simple cliche story line.

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• Thriller y Suspenso,
• Crimen y Misterio
• Kim Seon Ho,
• Kang Tae Ju,
• Kim Kang Woo,

Reviews & Comments

Movie Review: God Bless “The Childe” Who Survives This

“The Childe” is a flip and darkly amusing comic thriller from Korea, a tale of an impoverished Filipino boxer who laments the fact that he’s never been able to find his Korean father. Until he does find him.

It’s violent, sadistic and quite a bit of fun, thanks to the big screen debut of Korean TV star Kim Seon-ho . As a comically-cocksure, joking, grinning, chuckling and whistling hitman who interferes with or expedites this “Dad” search, he identifies himself only as “a friend.”

It’s no wonder the broke boxer Marco (Kang Tae-Ju ) gives him the side-eye when this “friend” lays out Marco’s immediate future.

“You’ll find out for yourself when it’s time for you to die.”

Our hitman loves his designer duds and dotes on him Merc. He drinks Cokes through a straw. But rest assured, he tells one and all whom he deigns to identify himself to instead of just stabbing, throat-slicing or shooting.

“I’m a professional!” (in Korean with English subtitles). H e most certainly is. He’s also damned entertaining. And what did Hitchcock always say? “Good villains make good thrillers.”

Marco is a loser at life, probably since birth. He is a “mutt,” one and all say, a Kopino — half Korean, half Filipino. Marco’s mom needs life-saving surgery. He gambles his boxing winnings in Manila (I think that’s the location, even though those scenes were shot in Thailand) and pays others to hunt for his Korean father in the vain hope of getting the cash for the medical bills.

He’s even desperate enough to agree to pitch in on a jewelry store heist, which turns out to be a gang set-up for 11 guys who must have lost money on a fight Marco won and want to beat him to death.

Imagine his surprise when a Korean lawyer, complete with entourage, shows up saying that his father has been looking for him, too. They’ve brought along a hospice nurse. They promise to pay for Mom’s surgery. But he needs to get on a plane for Korea right now. Dad’s dying.

It’s on the plane that Marco first meets the “friend” whom he doesn’t realise has been stalking him. That friend doesn’t seem that friendly when he later ambushes Marco’s ride to his father’s side.

For a boxer, this kid is awfully prone to take the “flee” option when faced with “fight or flight” moments.Whatever’s going on, you can be sure there are mobsters, family factions and more than one “professional” on the lookout for Marco.

Go Ara plays a cold-blooded woman on his trail. Kang-woo Kim is the mob empire heir so determined to meet “my brother.”

As the bodies pile up and many a Genesis and Mercedes is trashed or perforated with pistol holes, we shout at the screen for Marco to “HIT somebody,” but not for our smirking cola-addict to get what he has coming to him. He’s just too damned fun.

Writer-director Park Hoon-jung keeps the action so brisk that we barely notice that the editing mixes up who is in which car and when that ride gets wrecked. He did “I Saw the Devil” and “V.I.P.” and delivers thrills on a modest scale and a modest budget. The same two stretches of Korean backroads through forests give him most of the chase coverage he needed (a bit of highway sneaks in there).

And y ou can guess where this is headed pretty early on. You could lop off the 18 minutes or so of explanations and other elements that constitute an anti-climax at the end and have a better film. But whatever.

Park keeps this A-to-B journey, with our hapless hero changing custody many times, on the move. Kang lets us feel the wince every time somebody calls Marco a “Kopino” or “mutt,” each slur cutting him to the quick. Marco’s unprofessionalism and cluelessness has him running right into peril time after time, refusing to use his reflexes and one known-skill to pop this or that goon or girl with a gun right in the mouth.

Every now and then though, he surprises us with a punch, just enough to keep his boxing card. It’s always unexpected, and always gets a sadistic laugh out of the viewer, if not the resident sadist in the script.

And Kim, dapper and profanely jokey — playing a guy who only truly gets angry when you ding his Mercedes or soil his pricey shoes — makes sadistic killers for hire fun again. He sets the tone right from the start as this unnamed “friend” overwhelms a garage full of thugs, promising their leader, Boss Cho, that this screwdriver in his hand is what he’s using to “carve your heart out” because a blunt instrument like that “is more painful.”

And he should know. He’s the “professional.”

Rating: unrated, violent as all get-out

Cast: Kim Seon-ho, Kang Tae-Ju, Go Ara, Kang-woo Kim

Credits: Scripted and directed by Park Hoon-jung A Well Go USA release.

Running time: 1:57

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As befits a film by Park Hoon-jung, The Childe opens with a bloody massacre orchestrated by a well dressed killer we’ll later learn goes by the name Nobleman (Kim Seon-Ho, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, Catch the Ghost) and keeps things going with a boxing match at which we see Nobleman watching Marco fight.

There’s also a wild brawl arranged by a man (Justin John Harvey, Ashfall , The Witch: Part 2 – The Other One) who lost a lot of money betting against Marco that pits him against what looks like a dozen opponents. His escape from that brings him into contact with Yun-ju (Go Ara, Genghis Khan: To the Ends of the Earth and Sea, Phantom Detective), a mysterious woman who will also turn up again.

If none of this makes a lot of sense to you, don’t worry it eventually will but Park Hoon-jung is in no rush to give things away. That doesn’t mean that you can’t figure out the basics of the plot if you pay attention, but the various characters and their real loyalties and motivations are a whole different matter. The film actually does its best at times to make things more confusing, such as a darkly amusing conversation between Marco and Nobleman on the flight to Korea.

I won’t give too much away but once Marco reaches his destination he finds himself in the middle of a bloody fight for control of an immense business empire. He’ll also find out that his father needs an operation as well, and he may be the key to its success. Which makes him valuable to all the different factions, though not necessarily in one piece.

If the first hour of The Childe is drama interspersed with action scenes, the second hour is almost nonstop action with the occasional break to update the plot. Foot chases, car chases, and shootouts all build towards a final jawdropper of a bloodbath at the family estate.

While the film’s focus is the action, the acting is also quite impressive. For only his second role Kang Tae-Ju is excellent as Marco, a man way out of his depth trying to stay alive in very hostile circumstances. Kang-woo Kim (Guimoon: The Lightless Door, The Vanished) is properly chilling as his psychotic half-brother Han and Go Ara is suitably mysterious and alluring as the femme fatale.

But it’s Kim Seon-Ho that really steals the show as the mysterious Nobleman. Between his action chops and his darkly humourous personality, he becomes the center of every scene he’s in and there’s actually an argument to be made that he, not Marco, is the film’s protagonist. It’s him that pushes the plot forward with his actions while Marco reacts and tries to survive.

I do wish more had been done with Marco’s Kopino heritage and the plight of similar children. Initially, it seemed like it was going to be a bigger factor in The Childe’s plot but then the script backs away from it. In the end, it’s mostly used as an excuse for characters in both countries to insult him.

For a film that runs two minutes shy of two hours, The Childe never drags. It’s a big, bloody action film of the kind we don’t get enough of and well worth seeing. The Childe opened in Korea on June 21st, Well Go USA will release it in select theaters in the US on June 30th. You can check their website for more information. And if that isn’t enough action for you, FilmTagger can suggest some further viewing.

Where to watch The Childe

Share your love, related posts, escape through africa (2022) review, review: ghost in the graveyard (2019), review: driven (2019), 1 thought on “the childe (2023) review”.

I watched the movie and I must say that it is a very good one. All the actors are brilliant. Kim Seon Ho’s performance is remarkable. His acting skill improved a lot since his haitus. But I seems that the writter and director didn’t consult Filipinos and medical professionals for advise. Few points: 1. No Kopino or even Filipino who grew up in the slums can speak fluent english with american accent. We are known for our Pinoy accent and grammar 😁 2. In the scene where the Nobleman asked Marco to drop to the ground, he should have said, “Dapa! Dapa na!” NOT “Baba! Baba na!” But anyway, we Filipinos understand what he meant. 🤣 3. In the scene where Marco woke up from anesthesia and the Nobleman removed the gas tubing from his mouth is kinda hilarious! In reality, if a patient is intubated, an endotracheal tube is inserted that is 21-23cm long that needs to deflated before a person is extubated.

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[FILM REVIEW] THE CHILDE (2023)

Fans of Kim Seon Ho rejoice! The actor has made his big screen debut in the movie The Childe , a neo-noir action thriller film featuring other stars like Go Ara and Kim Kang Woo . Directed by Park Hoon Jung , The Childe is a movie which has been highly anticipated for ever since it was confirmed that Kim Seon Ho was casted as one of the lead actors! It came as a surprise to a lot of people when it was revealed that Kim Seon Ho was making his acting comeback as an assassin, though it did trigger curiosity in the minds of many. However, there will be more opportunities to see the talented actor in other dramas and films as well, so stay tuned. Other than Kim Seon Ho, the audience can expect to see Go Ara as well.

Kim Seon Ho is not the only one who is making his movie debut in The Childe. Up-and-rising actor Kang Tae Joo who stars alongside him, also showcases his acting chops in the film. It was said that he had to undergo a few rounds of audition for the film, where competition was fierce and adaptation skills were necessary. His perseverance paid off, and his talent and grit got him to where he is now.

An Unfortunate Life

In the movie, Marco (Kang Tae Joo), a boxer of Korean-Filipino descent, goes around attending illegal underground fights in the Philippines to raise money to fund his mother’s surgery. Desperate for help, he employs the help of Kim Seon Saeng (Lee Ki Young) who runs an orphanage for Kopinos (a term to refer to a person with a mix of Korean and Filipino blood). However, the orphanage owner returns Marco’s money, admitting that he is unable to help. After an accident, where Marco was hit by Yoon Ju ‘s (Go Ara) car, he was approached by his father’s lawyer who urged him to fly to Korea for some reason. He even assures Marco that his mother will be taken care of while he is in Korea.

While on the plane ride to Korea, Marco encounters the Nobleman (Kim Seon Ho), who mocks and taunts him. He keeps making Marco wonder about the real reason why his father is looking for him, after all this time. It makes him uncertain and wary about the lawyer who is bringing him to his father, especially when the Nobleman makes fun of how Marco will be killed soon. Little by little, Marco begins to doubt that he is being brought to Korea only because his biological father is looking for him.

Wild Goose Chase

Marco keeps getting chased down by the Nobleman, who is determined to catch him. However, in this game of cat and mouse, the Nobleman seems to be having fun running after Marco. True to his name, he tries his best not to get himself injured, or to let his appearance be affected in the midst of catching up with the younger man. Unlike the usual assassin, the Nobleman can be seen coughing drastically as he tries his best to keep up with the athletic Marco.

After a while, it gets more and more obvious that he has more than one person hot on his heels. Dashing through the forests and empty roads, the audience will see Marco attempt to escape from the various people who are trying to catch him. His half-siblings get intertwined into the mess, as they sought capture Marco for their own selfish reasons. It stumps Marco, as he realises that this was not what he signed up for when he said that he wanted to meet his biological father. Look forward to intense fighting scenes as the story unravels, and as Marco realises that it may have been better to stay in the Philippines.

The audience can expect to see moments where the Nobleman acts unlike an assassin, getting out of breath as he loses track of his prey. Unlike the usual cold-blooded assassin, the Nobleman does crack a joke every so often, which dispels the tension in the theatre. Kim Seon Ho’s character does justice to the role that he is playing, considering that it is not often that he takes up such characters.

It was a pleasure seeing Go Ara and Kim Seon Ho back on the big screen after a long time. Movie-goers will have to keep an eye out for the twists and turns that will be unveiled near the end of the movie. It may come as no surprise to everyone that Kim Seon Ho is an amazing actor, however Kang Tae Joo did an amazing job as well. As one of the main characters in The Childe, he manages to showcase his acting chops and prove to everyone that he is a competent newbie.

The lack of variety of scenes may throw the audience off a little. With Marco running all over the place and the assassins going after him relentlessly, the number of chasing scenes on the roads may seem endless after a while. As it is ultimately a neo-noir movie, the lack of vibrancy is to be expected, along with the somewhat sombre mood. The bits of humour sprinkled here and there does lighten the mood when needed!

The Childe will start playing from 28 June 2023 onwards at Golden Village cinemas islandwide. Do not miss out on seeing Kim Seon Ho and Kang Tae Joo in their first movie debut!

BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE Terms & Conditions Apply.

Running Time: 118 minutes The Seoul Story’s Rating: 3.5/5 

We would like to extend our huge thanks to  Golden Village Pictures  for the invite!

Written by: Aqilah Photos by: Golden Village Pictures

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7 Reasons To Watch “The Childe” Korean Movie

The Childe (2023) might be one of the cinematic experiences you’ll ever enjoy with your friends and family.

Days before its official release, the newest creation of Korean Director Park Hoon-jung was hailed by the media and audiences for its gripping story, complex characters, and action-packed, thrill rides. The real-time reservation rate of the said rated R-18 movie also shows a remarkable increase, drawing public attention alongside America’s rated PG-13 Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse (2023) in South Korean cinema, according to Korean Film Promotion Commission on the 19th.

What makes The Childe (2023) unique and compelling? Here are seven reasons why it is a must-see movie:

1. The director’s film noir expertise.

The Childe (2023) is written and helmed by Park Hoon-jung, the Korean director best known for his original and distinct style of R-rated noir action films, which often depicts dark yet realistic moral issues with complex characters, stylish villains, and violent, blood-soaked scenes. His works are also known to display a cinematic masterpiece with its unique combination of stunning cinematography, distinct style of color grading, moody lighting, and sound design that fit the theme of the film, overall.

Some of his critically and commercially successful films include the gripping gangster New World (2013), the psychological-thriller V.I.P . (2017), and the science fiction horror The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion (2018). Before his directorial debut in 2011, he was first recognized in the film industry for writing the story of the award-winning action-thriller film, I Saw The Devil (2010), which was helmed by Kim Jee-won.

2. The off-the-chain action scenes.

From chilling chase to shoot-outs and intense fights, The Childe (2023) serves fast-paced, off-the-chain action sequences from beginning to end. Besides the bloody, brutal scenes, the most exhilarating part, in particular, for most audiences who have gone to see the movie during the press and advance screenings, is the high-speed car chasing. Overall, it offers a thrilling viewing experience that keeps you entertained. As The Korea Herald states , “If you are craving hard-core action scenes you couldn’t find in “The Roundup: No Way Out,” “The Childe” may quench your thirst.”

Moreover, it is revealed that the main actors “performed more than 90% of all the action directly without substitutes or CGs” , which includes high jumps, intense running, gun fights, and other stunts, making the action scenes more authentic.

3. The element of black comedy.

One thing that is fresh and unique about Director Park Hoon-jung’s newest noir action film, The Childe (2023), is the added element of black comedy. Its entertainment value does not only rely on hard-core action scenes but upon comical dialogues and silly jokes as well, making the movie experience more fun. In particular, the nobleman (childe) brings a blast of humor with his vainglorious habits and witty lines even in deadly situations, who sometimes appears “funny but horrifying” at the same time, as described by The Korea Herald. Some of the comments from the audiences include: “The movie is fun; the nobleman and the dialogues are funny; I laughed everytime the nobleman appeared; There are a lot of comic gags.”

4. The interesting synopsis and teasers.

The Childe  (2023) highlights the mad pursuit of an aspiring Korean-Filipino (Kopino) boxer named Marco Han who goes to various illegal arenas in the Philippines by a strange nobleman and other mysterious forces whose unknown mission is but to chase him and make his life a mess. Struggling to provide for his ill mother, the Kopino comes to South Korea to find his father but strangely finds himself in a perilous situation with unidentified chasers.

Who is the nobleman and why is he and other forces chasing after Marco? In the video teaser, the nobleman simply revealed that they are “professionals” and the pursuit of madness is nothing personal but purely business. 

5. The gripping, unpredictable plot.

The Childe  (2023) is 118 minutes long that is packed with plights and unexpected plot twists and turns that keep audiences hooked until the final frame. “ The plot advances quickly but without telling the audience where it is headed,” said The Korea Herald and “ It maintains suspense throughout the plot,” according to Yonhap News Korea. An audience review also commented that the plot keeps the sense of mystery to the climax.

6. The quirky characters.

The Childe  (2023) follows four quirky characters that depict the complexities of humanity and blur the line between good and evil. Writer-director Park Hoon-jung has given us glimpses into his main subjects that consist of a target and three chasers.

The target. From his struggling life in the Philippines, Kopino Marco Han becomes a target of unidentified chasers upon his travel to South Korea, getting entangled in a deadly situation trying to survive for his dear life. Rookie actor Kang Tae-joo who was selected by Director Park out of 1,980 candidates, proves the decision worthwhile by showing an impressive performance for the role. According to various media reviews, it was unbelievable that it was the actor’s movie debut.

The mad. A handsome but ruthless nobleman (childe) in a three-piece designer suit suddenly appears in front of Marco, introduces himself as his “chingu” (friend), and makes his life a mess in a chase of madness. According to Director Park, he had no other actor in mind to play the role seamlessly but solely Kim Seonho and it is proven right by the media, critics, and audiences who have seen the movie.

The bad. Another relentless pursuer of Marco is Isa Han, a second generation  chaebol heir who adds tension to the plot as a bad villain. According to media reviews, veteran actor Kim Kang-woo displays a strong charm and powerful eye acting for his ruthless role in this movie, and his performance is described as “the best villain character of his career”. 1 2 3

The mystery. Yoon Joo, the only female character among the chasers, is another mystery, played by Go Ara. By chance, she meets Marco in the Philippines and accidentally reunites with him in South Korea. However, her true identity is unknown.

7. The complete transformation of Kim Seonho.

In his movie debut, The Childe (2023), Kim Seonho shakes off his rom-com, “good boy” image to take on the titular role of a dark, crazy, and vicious character—a professional killer—the childe (nobleman). In the released trailer alone, he ignites thrill with his striking transformation as the villain who mixes elegance, good looks, charm, mystery, cunning sense of humor, and ruthlessness.

During the press conference, Director Park revealed that he changed the movie title from “Sad Tropics” to “The Childe” because Kim Seonho as the nobleman (childe) stood out and appeared strong during the editing process. Hence, he thought of highlighting the character and might create a sequel if the movie goes well.

The title change is then supported by reviews from media, critics, and audiences during the advance screenings. According to SPOTV News, “Kim Seonho fired a perfect comeback signal as the nobleman” and added, “the way to enjoy this movie is to relax and fall into the world of the nobleman” . In a blog review on Naver, he was described as “the most impressive debut that leaves a lasting impression” and “the most eye-catching presence in the movie” for News Tomato. 1 2 3

What are we waiting for? It is time to step into a world of chasing adventure, villains, and mayhem. The Childe  (2023) officially hits theaters on June 21 in South Korea, Taiwan, and Indonesia; June 23 in Vietnam; June 29 in Singapore and Malaysia; June 30 in USA and Canada; July 5 in the Philippines; July 13 in Hongkong; and July 27 in Thailand. The film was also sold to several international distributors, according to Screendaily.

The Childe  (2023) is rated R-18 and younger audiences are not allowed for viewing. Check out the trailers below:

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[Herald Review] ‘The Childe’ signals Kim Seon-ho’s return to golden age

Published : June 11, 2023 - 14:28

Link copied

Director Park Hoon-jung, who helmed one of the most-loved Korean noir action films “New World” (2013), said he didn’t want any other actor except Kim Seon-ho for the starring role in “The Childe.”

This is Kim's first major starring film role since a scandal in 2021. Watching the film at a press screening on Thursday, it was easy to see why Park chose Kim for the role.

Far removed from Kim’s roster of attractive, charming male lead roles the audience is used to seeing him play, such as in rom-coms like “100 Day My Prince” (2018), Kim plays a coldhearted killer known only as Gwi Gong-ja, which in English means "Nobleman."

Director Park is a master of discovering new talent, as he did with actors Kim Da-mi and Shin Si-ah in “Witch” and “Witch 2.” In “The Childe,” rookie actor Kang Tae-joo was cast to play Marco after beating out some 1,980 other actors, but the director's real revelation in this movie is Kim Seon-ho's versatility.

Throughout the 118-minute running time, the plot advances quickly but without telling the audience where it is headed. The audience is not told why Gwi, who calls himself a “pro” chases Marco – a boxer of mixed descent from a Filipino mother and Korean father – who has come to Korea from the Philippines in search of his father.

Seemingly endless actions scenes from car chase to shoot-outs, the audience never gets bored in this R-rated film. If you are craving hard-core action scenes you couldn’t find “The Roundup: No Way Out,” “The Childe” may quench your thirst.

As the name suggests, just like Gwi Gong-ja in “Witch” played by Choi Woo-sik, Gwi Gong-ja in “The Childe” is also “neat but crazy,” according to Park.

Kim Seon-ho plays the role of a professional killer seamlessly. The character’s lame jokes and obsessions with his looks -- he appears in all scenes in a three-piece suit -- but holding a pistol with silencer attached, sometimes feels funny but horrifying.

Park’s focus on gunfight scenes rather than fistfights also perfectly suits the stylish action sequences featuring Gwi, which is reminiscent of the legendary church battle royale in the “Kingsman: The Secret Service” (2014).

The actor-director combo of Kim and Park is likely to continue in future projects, as Park said he would do a sequel “if they don’t fight each other.”

Kim said he “communicated a lot” with Park and learned a lot from him by listening.

The two are shooting Park's latest film “Tyrant," a project that began in June.

“The Childe” opens in local theaters on June 21.

Articles by Kim Da-sol

• Two films featuring late Lee Sun-kyun open this summer

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The 10 Best Horror Movies About Evil Children, Ranked

There's something wrong with these kids.

Recent horror hits The First Omen and Immaculate are the latest in a long line of "evil child" movies. These films play on pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood, delving into the dark side of family life and mining this material for scares. It's a subgenre that goes way back to classics like The Innocents , Rosemary's Baby , and The Exorcist . The success of the latest additions to this trope proves that this kind of story still resonates with audiences; in fact, a Rosemary's Baby prequel is set for release later this year.

The best horror stories invert the expected , putting a frightening spin on things that are meant to be pure and good. This is why scary children appear so frequently in the genre, from Pet Sematary 's Gage to The Ring 's Samara. Indeed, the subgenre is sprawling and seemingly timeless, offering thrills, chills, and occasionally, even a few insights into childhood. These are the best movies about evil children , terrifying stories that will keep parents, siblings, and pretty much every adult awake at night.

10 'Trilogy of Terror II' (1996)

Directed by dan curtis.

"You never wanted me." The Trilogy of Terror films are made-for-TV horror anthology movies by Dan Curtis , director of the original Dark Shadows TV series. The production values aren't great, and the stories vary in quality, but the best are actually underrated. One of the freakiest is "Bobby," about Alma ( Lysette Anthony ), a woman whose young son, Bobby ( Blake Heron ), drowns. Shattered by grief, she uses a dark talisman to raise the boy from the dead, but something is off about the version of Bobby that returns.

Anthony appears as a different character in each segment, delivering terrific and believable performances as a person broken by loss and loneliness. Unfortunately, Heron is not great in his admittedly challenging role. However, the movie compensates with a compelling story that escalates to truly grim places; Alma is tormented and tricked in the vilest of ways. Though rough around the edges, Trilogy of Terror II is a surprising amount of fun and a great slice of '90s horror nostalgia .

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9 'Goodnight Mommy' (2014)

Directed by veronika franz and severin fiala.

"I see, I see." In a remote countryside home, twin brothers Lukas ( Lukas Schwarz ) and Elias ( Elias Schwarz ) eagerly await the return of their mother ( Susanne Wuest ), who has undergone extensive facial surgery. However, when she arrives, her bandaged appearance and strange behavior unsettle the twins, leading them to question her true identity. From here, Goodnight Mommy unfolds as a slow-burn psychological horror, repeatedly subverting viewer expectations.

Some horror fans might find Goodnight Mommy a little too bleak and icy for their tastes, but there's no denying its creepiness and taut construction.

A dark atmosphere is at a premium here, alongside themes of grief, isolation, and broken trust . Indeed, rather than using gore and over-the-top violence, Goodnight Mommy unsettles the audience with subtle visual cues and ever-increasing dread until the climax, when it ceases to hold back. The directors use these elements to deftly spin a twisted tale of familial cruelty. Some horror fans might find it all a little too bleak and icy for their tastes, but there's no denying its creepiness and taut construction. An English-language remake starring Naomi Watts was released in 2022, but the original Austrian version is better written and harder-hitting.

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8 'Eden Lake' (2008)

Directed by james watkins.

"Follow the blood!" Eden Lake is the feature debut by The Woman in Black 's James Watkin , who also helmed the upcoming Speak No Evil with James McAvoy . It centers on a young couple, Jenny ( Kelly Reilly ) and Steve ( Michael Fassbender ), who head to a picturesque lake for a romantic getaway only to be tormented by a group of sadistic youths.

Eden Lake was part of a wave of British movies in the late 2000s that dealt with issues of crime and social decay in that country, especially the supposed menace of young hoodlums , or "hoodies." It's arguably the best example of this subgenre, putting a fresh spin on tropes from films like Deliverance , Last House on the Left , and Lord of the Flies . Clocking in at just 90 minutes, Eden Lake is lean and mean, elevated by believable lead performances and a plot that doesn't meander . This kind of horror could have easily become goofy and laughable, with everything riding on how intimidating the teens come across. Fortunately, Eden Lake pulls it off.

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7 'The Brood' (1979)

Director: david cronenberg.

"They're her children. More exactly, they're the children of her rage." Frank Carveth ( Art Hindle ) is grappling with the emotional fallout of his estranged wife Nola's ( Samantha Eggar ) involvement in a controversial psychiatric treatment known as "psychoplasmics." Soon, Frank and Nola are terrorized by murderous children somehow connected to Nola's therapy sessions.

The Brood is one of David Cronenberg 's signature body horror films and ranks among the most discomforting statements on parenthood. Inspired by Cronenberg's painful divorce, The Brood is one of his more personal projects . It's fundamentally about the pain of family breakdown. " The Brood is my version of Kramer vs. Kramer , but more realistic," he explains . Consequently, The Brood has a surprising emotional heft for a sci-fi horror. Though it features disturbing visuals and gross-out effects, it's the psychodrama that stands out most, representing a big step forward from Shivers and Rabid , the body horrors that preceded it, by combining their shock value with philosophical depth.

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6 'Orphan' (2009)

Directed by jaume collet-serra.

"I had to kill her because she was going to tell on me." Grieving couple Kate ( Vera Farmiga ) and John Coleman ( Peter Sarsgaard ) adopt a mysterious nine-year-old girl named Esther ( Isabelle Fuhrmann ) after losing their child. Initially charmed by Esther's intelligence and artistic talents, Kate soon begins to suspect that there is something deeply sinister lurking beneath the girl's innocent facade.

Orphan rehashes many conventions of the "evil child" subgenre but enlivens them with enough freshness to make them creepy again. It somewhat loses focus in the third act and falls back on bog-standard horror plot developments, but the first half is punctuated by enjoyable dark humor and well-executed scares. On the acting side, Farmiga and Sarsgaard do a lot of heavy lifting, but it's really Fuhrmann who shines. This kind of film fails if the child actor doesn't deliver, but Fuhrmann does everything the movie asks of her and then some . She's intense without being ridiculous and very, very frightening.

5 'Who Can Kill A Child?' (1976)

Directed by narciso ibáñez serrador.

"Something strange had happened to the kids on the island." Who Can Kill A Child? is a Spanish horror movie from filmmaker Narciso Ibáñez Serrador, who also directed the influential slasher The House That Screamed . The plot revolves around English couple Tom ( Lewis Fiander ) and Evelyn ( Prunella Ransome ), who take a vacation on a secluded island. Upon their arrival, they discover that the island's adult population has mysteriously vanished, leaving only the children behind. Worse still, the kids have become dangerous and aggressive.

The story closely mirrors many horrors that followed and took inspiration from it, Eden Lake chief among them. But Who Can Kill A Child? has a rough-and-ready meanness that its imitators lack . It's gritty and artful, immersive despite its meager budget and utterly unafraid. Story-wise, the movie feels almost like a zombie story but with kids instead of walking corpses and frequently arresting visuals. This tone comes courtesy of cinematographer José Luis Alcaine Escaño , who would go on to collaborate with Pedro Almodóvar . Taken together, these elements add up to a thrilling horror with a ton of character.

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4 'The Omen' (1976)

Directe by richard donner.

"I don't know if we've got the heir to the Thorn millions here or Jesus Christ Himself." The quintessential adoption horror story, The Omen tells the story of the Thorn family, who adopt a young boy named Damien ( Harvey Spencer Stephens ) following the tragic death of their child. As Damien matures, sinister occurrences unfold, revealing him to be no ordinary child but rather the foretold Antichrist.

The Omen was a massive hit at the box office, putting iconic director Richard Donner on the map. He flexes his visual muscles here with unconventional camerawork, evocative lighting, and slow-building suspense. Donner is particularly good at conjuring a terrible sense of dread, which pervades the entire affair and is a key factor in distinguishing The Omen from most of the copycats that followed. Not to mention, it's simply a well-told, classic horror story. The mystery elements are especially effective, and the violence, when it finally comes, is a worthy payoff.

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3 'The Innocents' (1961)

Directed by jack clayton.

"We lay, my love and I, beneath the weeping willow. But now, alone, I lie." Young governess Miss Giddens ( Deborah Kerr ) is hired to care for two orphaned children, Flora (Pamela Franklin) and Miles ( Martin Stephens ), at a remote English estate. She quickly becomes convinced that the estate is haunted by the malevolent spirits of the former governess, Miss Jessel ( Clytie Jessop ), and the valet, Peter Quint ( Peter Wyngarde ), who exert a corrupting influence over the children from beyond the grave.

Today, The Innocents is regarded as a classic of psychological horror . Fans praise the screenplay's depth and subtle storytelling. Martin Scorsese counts himself among them, once naming The Innocents as one of the scariest horrors ever made . Guillermo Del Toro has also cited it as a favorite, acknowledging its influence on Crimson Peak . "[ Jack Clayton 's] camera style on The Innocents contains some of my favorite shots of all time," he has said . It's easy to see why these directors embraced the film: The Innocents is a master class in elevated horror, boasting nuanced performances, moody cinematography, and some of the finest child acting found in the genre.

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2 'Rosemary's Baby' (1968)

Directed by roman polanski.

"He chose you, honey! From all the women in the world to be the mother of his only living son!" Rosemary's Baby is the mother of all pregnancy horrors . It features Mia Farrow in a star-making turn as a young wife who becomes pregnant under mysterious circumstances and begins to experience disturbing hallucinations and paranoia. The film fires on all cylinders, from the screenplay to the meticulous direction to the absorbing performances, particularly from Farrow and Ruth Gordon in an Oscar-winning turn.

Rosemary's Baby set a new standard for the horror genre and quickly became one of the genre's touchstones . It accomplishes a fine balance between restraint and shock value, keeping the viewer guessing as to whether the conspiracy is real or simply in Rosemary's head. The movie mostly holds back, but the shots where it delivers, like the glimpse of the demon, are vivid and memorable. The ending is also a great instance of letting the viewer's imagination do the work, as audiences never see the baby but only Rosemary's horrified reaction to it.

Rosemary's Baby

1 'the exorcist' (1973), director: william friedkin.

"What an excellent day for an exorcism." The Exorcist is one of the few movies that can compete with Rosemary's Baby in terms of influence. The classic tale of Regan MacNeil's ( Linda Blair ) possession and the troubled priest (Jason Miller) enlisted to save her brought horror to new levels of critical respect. Subsequent big-budget, star-studded horrors like The Omen and The Amityville Horror wouldn't exist without it.

The Exorcist still feels modern and has aged better than most '70s horrors . Although the scenes of head-swiveling and projectile vomiting are the most iconic, it's really the rich characterization and general realism that make The Exorcist work . Plus, the character of Regan, a seemingly innocent young girl turned deeply evil, resonated with viewers, who were perhaps anxious about the changing behaviors of the upcoming generation. Regan has become a totem, frequently parodied and endlessly copied by lesser horrors . Overall, The Exorcist is a diabolically inspired movie, and Regan is the most unforgettable evil child of them all.

The Exorcist

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