Directed by
Ji-woon Kim
Made by
Magnet Releasing
Discover the intricate plot of I Saw the Devil (2011). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
As the school-bus driver, Jang Kyung-chul, halts to help a stranded Jang Joo-yun, her tragic fate is already sealed by his malevolent intentions. In a horrifying turn of events, Kyung-chul brutally attacks and dismembers Joo-yun, carelessly scattering her remains into a nearby stream. The horrifying discovery of these body parts sets off a massive search operation, spearheaded by Squad Chief Jang, who also happens to be Joo-yun’s father. Meanwhile, her fiancé, Kim Soo-hyun, is determined to seek revenge on the monster behind this heinous act.
In the throes of his vengeance, Soo-hyun interrogates two suspects and uncovers the disturbing revelation that Kyung-chul is among the four potential attackers. A search of Kyung-chul’s home yields Joo-yun’s ring, a grim token that fuels Soo-hyun’s relentless quest to find and punish the killer.
Kyung-chul’s depravity takes another turn when he abducts and assaults a schoolgirl, leading Soo-hyun to take extreme measures. He subdues Kyung-chul and forces him to swallow a tracker device, granting him the ability to monitor the killer’s movements and overhear his twisted conversations.
As Kyung-chul roams the city, his behavior spirals into chaos and violence. He brutally slaughters two taxi passengers and, in need of medical help, crosses paths with a nurse who becomes his next victim. Just when it seems that Kyung-chul’s savage reign might continue unchecked, Soo-hyun intervenes again, inflicting harsh retribution by slicing through Kyung-chul’s Achilles tendon.
Kyung-chul’s ensuing visit to his friend Tae-joo, another despicable murderer and cannibal, sets off a captivating sequence of events that reveals Soo-hyun’s identity. Realizing who is tormenting him, Kyung-chul becomes equally fixated on revenge, intensifying their deadly game.
This cat-and-mouse chase escalates as both men receive treatment for their wounds while staying one step ahead of the law. Kyung-chul’s cunning maneuver to ditch the tracker and frame another driver is discovered by Soo-hyun, heightening the stakes in their deadly struggle.
As tensions rise, Soo-hyun’s fury erupts in a hospital confrontation with Tae-joo, who inadvertently divulges Kyung-chul’s sinister plan to target Squad Chief Jang and his other daughter, Jang Se-yun. Driven by rage, Soo-hyun brutalizes Tae-joo, leaving him a battered shadow of his former self.
The dramatic intensity reaches a chilling climax when Kyung-chul unleashes a frenzy of violence against Jang, leading to a shocking slaughter that leaves destruction in his wake. Attempting to escape punishment by turning himself in to the authorities, Kyung-chul is thwarted when Soo-hyun seizes the chance for vengeance, snatching him away right beneath the police’s noses.
In a macabre twist, the scene shifts to Kyung-chul’s hideout, where Soo-hyun unleashes a storm of torment upon him, binding him with a makeshift guillotine and forcing him to grasp a rope between his teeth to stave off an impending fate. As he faces the horrific consequences of his actions, Kyung-chul initially mocks Soo-hyun’s cruelty but quickly succumbs to panic when he learns that his estranged son and elderly parents have come to pay their respects.
This family reunion inadvertently triggers a mechanism that sends the blade of the guillotine into a deadly descent, brutally beheading Kyung-chul before the shocked eyes of his family. Overcome with tears, Soo-hyun stands amidst the chaos, her sorrow mingled with a profound sense of grim satisfaction as she walks away from the aftermath of this gruesome ordeal.
Track the key events of I Saw the Devil (2011) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Kyung-chul's Malevolent Intentions
As the school-bus driver, Jang Kyung-chul offers help to a stranded Jang Joo-yun. However, his dark intentions lead to a horrific attack, sealing her tragic fate.
The Brutal Attack
Kyung-chul brutally attacks and dismembers Joo-yun, carelessly scattering her remains into a nearby stream. This gruesome act sets the stage for a massive investigation into her disappearance.
The Search Operation
The discovery of Joo-yun's body parts triggers an extensive search operation led by Squad Chief Jang, who is also her father. The police gather evidence to find the perpetrator of this heinous crime.
Soo-hyun's Quest for Revenge
Joo-yun's fiancé, Kim Soo-hyun, embarks on a personal mission to seek revenge against the monster responsible for her death. His investigation brings him closer to the horrifying truth surrounding Kyung-chul.
Interrogating Suspects
In his pursuit of vengeance, Soo-hyun interrogates two suspects and uncovers that Kyung-chul is one of the four potential attackers. Determined to bring justice, Soo-hyun focuses on identifying Kyung-chul.
The Grim Discovery
After searching Kyung-chul's home, Soo-hyun discovers Joo-yun's ring, which serves as a grim reminder of his lost love. This find intensifies his resolve to track down the killer.
Abduction of a Schoolgirl
Kyung-chul escalates his depravity by abducting and assaulting a schoolgirl, showcasing his serial killer tendencies. This prompts Soo-hyun to take drastic action to stop him.
The Tracker Device
In a bold move, Soo-hyun subdues Kyung-chul and forces him to swallow a tracker device. This allows Soo-hyun to monitor the killer's movements and overhear his twisted conversations.
Chaos and Violence
As Kyung-chul roams the city, his behavior becomes more erratic and violent. He brutally murders two taxi passengers and later targets a nurse for her medical expertise.
Soo-hyun's Intervention
In a dramatic confrontation, Soo-hyun intervenes and inflicts severe injury on Kyung-chul by slicing through his Achilles tendon. This sets the stage for their impending showdown.
Visit to Tae-joo
After receiving treatment, Kyung-chul visits his friend Tae-joo, a fellow murderer. This encounter leads to crucial information about Soo-hyun's identity and intentions.
Revelation of the Sinister Plan
During a hospital confrontation, Tae-joo inadvertently reveals Kyung-chul's plan to target Squad Chief Jang and his other daughter, Jang Se-yun. The stakes are raised as Soo-hyun becomes enraged.
The Chilling Climax
In a bloody rampage, Kyung-chul terrorizes Jang's family, leading to a shocking slaughter. Soo-hyun seizes the moment to take revenge, thwarting Kyung-chul's attempt to escape justice.
Soo-hyun's Torment
In a ghastly twist, Soo-hyun captures Kyung-chul and tortures him in his hideout. He weaves a sadistic game of punishment, forcing Kyung-chul to face the consequences of his actions.
The Gruesome Conclusion
In an ironic turn of fate, Kyung-chul's estranged family visits just as Soo-hyun prepares to execute the final punishment. Their presence triggers the deadly guillotine, brutally beheading him.
Meet the characters that bring I Saw the Devil (2011) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Jang Kyung-chul
Kyung-chul is a sinister school-bus driver whose malevolent nature drives the plot's horrific events. His cruel, almost sociopathic tendencies are revealed through his heinous acts, and he embodies the absurdity of evil in the film. His interactions with other characters serve as a catalyst that spirals into chaos.
Kim Soo-hyun
Soo-hyun is a tormented fiancé plagued by the loss of his beloved, whose transformation into a figure of vengeance defines his character arc. His relentless pursuit of Kyung-chul drives the plot, showcasing his deep-seated pain and moral struggles as he navigates the blurry line between justice and revenge. Soo-hyun's complex emotions resonate throughout the film as he confronts the monster.
Jang Joo-yun
Joo-yun serves as the catalyst for the film's tragic events, embodying the innocence lost to violence. Her brutal fate propels the narrative forward and mirrors the emotional turmoil experienced by her loved ones, particularly Soo-hyun. This spark of tragedy emphasizes the devastating impact of Kyung-chul's actions on those left behind.
Jang Se-yun
Se-yun, Joo-yun's sister, represents the collateral damage of violence and the far-reaching consequences of the killer's actions. She unwittingly becomes a target in the deadly game between Soo-hyun and Kyung-chul, highlighting the unpredictability of revenge that affects not just the original victims but their families as well.
Uncover the settings of I Saw the Devil (2011), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film is set in a contemporary context, reflecting modern societal issues like crime and vengeance. It captures the essence of a world grappling with morality, justice, and the lengths someone might go to when faced with extreme grief and rage.
Location
City, Kyung-chul's hideout
The movie unfolds across a gritty urban landscape, characterized by its dark alleys and ominous settings. Kyung-chul's hideout, a notorious space representing the aftermath of his heinous acts, serves as a focal point for the film's climactic confrontations. This environment amplifies the sense of danger and violence that permeates the narrative.
Explore the core themes of I Saw the Devil (2011). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Vengeance
Vengeance is a central theme driving the narrative, with Soo-hyun's relentless pursuit of Kyung-chul representing the depths of human emotion after loss. The film explores how grief can transform into a consuming need for retribution, leading to a cycle of violence that raises moral questions about justice. This theme is intricately woven into the characters' motivations, showcasing both the destructive and redemptive potential of revenge.
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Violence
The film delves deeply into the theme of violence, highlighting its brutal and ugly nature. Each act of brutality serves not only to shock but also to reveal the warped psychology of the characters, particularly Kyung-chul. The escalating violence illustrates the horrific consequences of unchecked instinct, ultimately culminating in a chilling confrontation that questions the limits of punishment.
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