A Bittersweet Life (2005) Review in 2025
A Bittersweet Life is a gritty South Korean crime thriller that follows the story of a hitman who is forced to kill a young woman, leading to a series of events that challenge his moral code.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for family viewing due to graphic violence and mature themes.
CineReview Recommendation
A Bittersweet Life is a must-watch for fans of gritty crime thrillers, but be warned: it's not for the faint of heart.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The movie takes a dark turn when the hitman, Hwang Jang-soo, is ordered to kill a young woman, Kim Yeon-ji, but he starts to question his orders and ultimately decides to protect her, leading to a violent confrontation with his employer.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a complex plot that explores the moral gray areas of a hitman's life.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Dong-gun Jang delivering a standout performance as the hitman.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with the hitman's inner turmoil being a highlight of the movie.
direction9.50/10
The direction is masterful, with Chang-dong Lee expertly weaving together the various plot threads and themes.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is gritty and realistic, capturing the dark and gritty atmosphere of the movie.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie's complex plot, well-developed characters, and masterful direction make it a standout in the crime thriller genre.
Cons
The graphic violence and mature themes may be off-putting for some viewers.
Notable Quotes
"But what if I don't want to?"
"The only thing I know is that I have to do what I'm told."
