Evaluations may vary on just how much of a mainstream success the Netflix film 'Kill Boksoon' was. However, it is an undeniable fact that the character of 'Gil Boksoon,' portrayed by Jeon Do-yeon—a unique creation who is both a mother and the nation's top killer—left a powerful impression on the public. In particular, her complex relationship and inevitable confrontation with the legendary hitman Cha Min-kyu (Sol Kyung-gu) served as a central pillar of the narrative. The emergence of 'Mantis,' a spin-off film that inherits the world of 'Kill Boksoon,' was a project that began with both welcome anticipation from existing fans and the immense pressure to surpass the reputation of its predecessor.
'Mantis' makes a clever choice to expand the world of 'Kill Boksoon.' With most of the original's main characters having met their demise, having Gil Boksoon return as the protagonist could have diluted the meaning of a spin-off. Instead, the film is set in the chaotic period after Gil Boksoon has left the industry, thrusting a new character, 'Mantis' (Im Si-wan), into the spotlight. Early in the film, a cameo by Cha Min-kyu (Sol Kyung-gu) reveals a past connection with a young Mantis, serving as a smart bridge between the two worlds. This hints that Mantis is not merely a newcomer but a figure whose history is intertwined with the industry's legacy, helping to draw the audience in. In contrast, the appearance of Gil Boksoon (Jeon Do-yeon) in the middle of the film is disappointing, as it struggles to find meaning beyond simple fan service.
The protagonist, 'Mantis,' is depicted as the finest creation and a living legend nurtured by the assassin agency MK ENT. Despite his young age, his killing techniques and mission success rate are unparalleled, making him an object of both awe and fear not only within MK but across the entire killer underworld. His name is a guarantee of a successful job, so no one dares to cross him or challenge his authority. This setup of a young killer with near-perfect skills is inherently captivating and successfully builds high expectations for his future endeavors.
The film's timeline is set immediately after Gil Boksoon broke MK ENT.'s rules and waged a bloody revenge against the company, nearly annihilating the organization. As fate would have it, Mantis was away on a long journey when all this unfolded and has just returned. With the organization's leader Cha Min-kyu and its board members all dead, and the company on the brink of collapse, he is confronted with a world that has turned to ruins overnight. This serves as the prelude to a new set of choices and conflicts for him.
Even in the ruins of MK ENT., there was a survivor: 'Dokgo' (Jo Woo-jin), the organization's second-in-command and the very mentor who discovered and trained Mantis. Although he had always stood in Cha Min-kyu's shadow, he is a seasoned veteran who handled the practical operations of the company. Harboring ambitions to rebuild the scattered organization and reclaim its former glory, Dokgo reaches out to his most brilliant disciple. Meanwhile, Mantis has a contemporary, 'Shin Jae-yi' (Park Gyu-young), with whom he trained since childhood. While Jae-yi once showed greater talent, Mantis eventually surpassed her, creating a subtle emotional rift between them.
Dokgo and the remaining forces of MK ENT. had long recognized that Shin Jae-yi was Mantis's sole weakness, his Achilles' heel. As a means to control him perfectly, they intentionally sideline Jae-yi from the organization's core, relegating her to the fringes to handle trivial assignments. This not only tests Mantis's loyalty but also instills a sense of humiliation and inferiority in Jae-yi. Under the banner of rebuilding the organization, Dokgo once again proposes that Mantis stand by his side, using Jae-yi as bait to win him over.
However, Mantis flatly rejects his mentor Dokgo's offer. He no longer wishes to remain a loyal dog of the organization. Realizing his feelings for Jae-yi, he dreams of a new future with her. His plan is to establish an independent organization using the powerful brand of his own name, 'Mantis,' and to operate freely, liberated from oppression and control. But contrary to his pure intentions, Jae-yi's heart is a complex mix of affection for Mantis and a long-festering sense of inferiority and jealousy. This subtle emotional fracture ultimately becomes the seed of tragedy that leads their relationship to ruin.
With its intriguing setup and character conflicts, the film maintains a decent level of immersion through its first half. However, as the story races towards its climax, the persuasiveness of the characters' actions begins to plummet. Dokgo's methods for rebuilding the organization, Jae-yi's abrupt changes of heart, and Mantis's choices in the midst of it all fail to provide a clear answer to the question of 'Why?'. The emotional narrative feels disjointed, and the plot progression relies more on coincidence than inevitability. By the end, it is hard to shake the impression that the film abandons all narrative substance in favor of action for action's sake.
Even as an action film, it fails to showcase any distinct strengths. Despite Mantis being described throughout the film as the 'best in the business' and an 'absolute master,' the actual action sequences fail to live up to his legendary reputation. It is difficult to find scenes with sophisticated choreography or creative movements. While the actors' efforts are apparent, the overall direction and composition of the action remain somewhat bland and conventional. The audience needs to feel why Mantis is the strongest through the action itself, but the film merely attempts to instill his prowess through the dialogue of other characters, failing to prove it visually.
In conclusion, 'Mantis' was a laudable attempt to expand the fascinating world of 'Kill Boksoon,' but it ended as a disappointing result that failed to fully realize its potential. Despite interesting character setups and a tense opening, the collapsing narrative coherence and mediocre action direction in the latter half serve as major drawbacks. This outcome does not shatter the prejudice that some viewers have against Netflix's original Korean films; instead, it reinforces it. Whether the 'Kill Boksoon' universe will end here or find a new way to return to audiences remains to be seen, but for now, its future seems uncertain.
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