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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider 'Target': Fresh, new and gripping

'Target': Fresh, new and gripping

Published Oct 14, 2023 12:44 pm

At A Glance

  • This latest Korean thriller is definitely fresh and new. Absolutely gripping because as the tale unfolds, you realize that this can truly happen. It is an everyday possibility, and you suddenly become aware of your real-life actions and how they can go from a cart to a dangerous situation.
Shin Hae-Sun stars in TARGET.jpg
Shin Hae-Sun in 'Target' (Images courtesy of Encore Films PH and Warner Brothers.

By Margaret Rose Siytangco

With Hollywood’s current predilection for rehashing and remaking old stories and films, Korean movies and TV shows have admittedly been a breath of fresh air. Their storylines and even cinematography are new and entertaining, and I particularly have found it hard to say “seen that one before”.

This latest Korean thriller is definitely fresh and new. Absolutely gripping because as the tale unfolds, you realize that this can truly happen. It is an everyday possibility, and you suddenly become aware of your real-life actions and how they can go from a cart to a dangerous situation.

Target PH Dark Poster_.jpg

This is what happens to Soo-Hyun. She gets scammed buying a used product online. She then goes after the scammer by leaving reviews warning other potential buyers that it is a scam. Then, one by one, her life falls apart as the seller turns the tables and goes after her instead.

The entire movie shows you all the ways and means you can get in trouble from that one online deal, and the thing is, it truly becomes terrifying because it is so relatable. Soo-Hyun, played by Shin Hae-Sun (See You in My 19th Life) is just so ordinary that you immediately place yourself in her shoes as the story unfolds. It will definitely put you mentally and emotionally through the wringer.

Target_Kang Tae-oh.jpg
Kang Tae-oh

And that makes it absolutely worth watching. When a movie can affect you physically, emotionally, and mentally— when you leave the theater so affected by what you saw, you can call it a success.

Every minute of this movie is worth every peso you’ll pay to watch it. For you see, “thrifting has become a way of life. Any one of us could be at risk right now” and Director Park Hee-kon wanted to make a story where reality is the movie. And he succeeded. He has pointed out that anyone can be exposed to danger at this very moment, and you feel it in the film. As you watch the movie, you become aware of your mortality.

Target_opens Oct18.jpg

Whether you understand the Korean language or not, the emotion and intonation deliver its message. Kudos to the actors in the film. Along with our main actress Shin Hae-Sun, Kim Sung-hyun (Netflix’s D.P), King Tae-Oh (Extraordinary Attorney Woo), and Lee Zoo-Young (The School Nurse Files) all work together to effectively immerse you into their lives (and yours) to make you painfully aware of the danger you may find yourself in. The subtitles are all on point enough to seal the deal on the story.

Target (a.k.a. Don’t Buy the Seller) has intense suspense and is aptly labeled as a thriller. It is not for the faint of heart. Catch it as it comes out in theaters in October.

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