The Old Woman with the Knife (Korean: 파과) is a 2025 South Korean action thriller film directed by Min Kyu-dong. The film based on the novel of the same name by Gu Byeong-mo, follows Hornclaw, a legendary assassin in her 60s, specialises in eliminating the scum of the earth.[1]
The film premiered at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival on February 20, 2025 as part of Berlinale Special programme.[2]
Synopsis
Hornclaw, a seasoned assassin in her sixties, faces upheaval when Bullfight, a skilled young hitman, seeks to partner with her. Unaware of his true identity, she fails to recognize their past connection. As tensions rise, their relationship spirals into a deadly confrontation fueled by vengeance and survival.
Cast
- Lee Hye-young as Fingernail
- Kim Sung-cheol as Tuu
- Yeon Woo-jin as Teacher Dr. Kang
- Kim Moo-yul as Ryoo
- Yang Ju-mi
- Shin Si-ah[3] as young Fingernail
Production
In February 2024, Kim Sung-cheol was cast in the film as protagonist.[4] In June 2024, Lee Hye-young was cast as the main character in the film.[5]
Release
The Old Woman with the Knife had its world premiere in the Berlinale Special section of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival on 20 February 2025.[6][7][8]
References
- ^ Park Jae-hwan (January 17, 2025). "민규동 감독 신작 '파과' 베를린국제영화제 공식 초청" [Director Min Gyu-dong's new film 'Breakthrough' officially invited to Berlinale]. KBS Media (in Korean). K Star. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
- ^ Economou, Vassilis (January 16, 2025). "Berlinale Special expands its selection with diverse new additions". Cineuropa. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
- ^ Kim Kyung-hee (January 20, 2025). "배우 신시아, 베를린 초청작 '파과'로 강렬한 스크린 복귀" [Actress Cynthia makes a powerful screen return with Berlin premiere 'Breakthrough']. MBC Entertainment (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
- ^ Moon Ji-yeon (February 14, 2024). "[단독] 변요한 아닌 김성철..영화 '파과' 주인공 됐다" [[Exclusive] He became the protagonist of the movie "Breakthrough"]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved January 21, 2025.
- ^ Kim Myung-mi (June 14, 2024). "이혜영, 영화 '파과' 주인공 캐스팅…60대 女 킬러 파격 변신[공식]" [Lee Hye-young casts the main character in the movie 'Breakthrough'... 60's 女 killer radical transformation [Official]]. Newsen (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved January 21, 2025.
- ^ Dalton, Ben (January 16, 2025). "Berlinale reveals Special, Panorama, Generation and Forum titles". ScreenDaily. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
- ^ Ntim, Zac (January 16, 2025). "Justin Kurzel Series 'The Narrow Road To The Deep North' Starring Jacob Elordi Among Titles Added To Berlinale Lineup". Deadline. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
- ^ "The Old Woman with the Knife". Berlinale. February 4, 2025. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
