A new South Korean action-thriller series 'A Shop For Killers' recently started streaming. With popular actor Lee Dong-wook playing the mysterious uncle character and rising star Kim Hye-jun as his niece, the series seems to have all the elements of an entertaining show.
Lee Dong-wook, Kim Hye-jun + Guns, assassins, and enough action to leave you breathless. 'A Shop For Killers' promises all this and more as it follows a young woman who stumbles upon her uncle's dangerous secret life after his mysterious death. But should you stream this new Korean thriller or skip it? Let's take a closer look.
What's the Show About?
'A Shop For Killers' revolves around a young woman named Jeong Ji-an, played by Kim Hye-jun. After getting news that her uncle Jeong Jin-man (Lee Dong-wook) died in what looks like a suicide, Ji-an returns to his home to make preparations for the funeral.
Ji-an grew up with her uncle after her parents died. Jin-man raised her and taught her some unusual survival skills over the years.
As Ji-an deals with her uncle's sudden death, she slowly discovers that he was secretly running an online weapons dealership catering to assassins and criminals. This obviously puts Ji-an in great danger as her uncle's shady associates start pursuing her to cover their tracks.
The show uses flashbacks to reveal more about the special bond between Ji-an and her uncle, even as she fights for her life in the present day.
What Works?
The performances are top-notch, especially by the two leads. Lee Dong-wook portrays the enigmatic uncle character with restraint, while Kim Hye-jun displays a wide emotional range as his fierce yet vulnerable niece.
The premise itself is quite intriguing too - a young woman who grows up with her uncle, only to discover after his death that he was illegally selling weapons online to dangerous people. It allows for plenty of action set-pieces as Ji-an has to fend off attacks, while also exploring her coming to terms with her uncle's secret life.
The show uses multiple timelines to slowly unravel the mystery, which helps maintain interest. The first two episodes end on cliffhangers, making you eager to binge-watch the next installments.
The action sequences and shots are slick, like the opening scene which impressively follows a sniper's bullet from the gun to its target. The camerawork in general heightens the tension.
What Doesn't Work As Well?
The main focus seems to be on the action, so at least in the initial episodes, the character development seems a little thin. Most of the supporting characters are not fleshed out much.
While multiple timelines can be used effectively for suspense, some of the back-and-forth in the first two episodes feel a little disorienting. The connections between past and present scenes aren't always smooth.
There are some visible CGI effects that could have been better, like for a hyena that appears briefly. The editing is also uneven in places with abrupt shot transitions.
The Takeaway...Should You Watch It?
The first two episodes of 'A Shop For Killers' deliver plenty of tense action scenes and keep viewers hooked with the central mystery. Slick production values and powerful lead performances make it engaging to watch.
However, the initial character development seems thin, with uneven editing and visible CGI at times.
If you enjoy uncomplicated action thrillers and don't expect too much complexity or depth from the start, this K-drama could appeal to you. Like me, you may be invested to know more about the main characters and why the uncle turned into a weapon dealer.
With 6 more episodes left in the first season, I'm curious to see if the pacing and storytelling show more finesse while retaining the adrenaline-filled vibe.
The director and writer have set an intriguing premise in motion. Let's see if they can elevate 'A Shop For Killers' into something truly special by the finale through tighter writing and editing.
I think it’s worth checking out if dark, tense thrillers are up your street. Stick through the slightly confusing time jumps, and I believe the lead stars’ performances will have you rooting for Ji-an’s survival against all odds.
Stream the first few episodes, and decide for yourself if you want to buy what this shop is selling!
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