TATTOO (2015) – Korean Movie Review

Tattoo made its world premier at this year’s BIFAN 2015; and while it may not be the next Memories of Murder (2003) or The Chaser (2008), it is an interesting addition to the serial killer genre.

TATTOO (타투) -2015

• Directed by: Lee Seo (이서)
• Starring: Song Il-gook (송일국), Yoon Joo-hee (윤주희), Seo Yeong (서영), Kwon Hyun-sang (권현상)
• The Film: Soo-na is a beautiful tattoo artist (Yoon Joo-hee) who possesses the unique skill of being able to perform the rare “stitchery tattoo” that uses needle and thread. This style of tattoo is very painful and she prefers not to tattoo in this way. However, she gives in to a persistent man named Ji-soon (Song Il-gook) and agrees to finish the tattoo of a Medusa on his back. Soo-na quickly learns that behind the Medusa lies a dark secret that has ties to her own past.

 Review

In Tattoo, Song Il-gook plays a role like you’ve never seen him in before: the psycho-sexual serial killer!  Unfortunately, what is unique for Song Il-gook turns out to be not so unique for the genre. We’ve seen this kind of twisted killer before one way or another, and not a lot of new craziness is brought to the table. However, he does a damn good job of playing his role as a psychopath. He is great at making his character come off as quite the creep and you will want to hate him. In this aspect, I would say “job well done.”

Soo-na, the beautiful tattooist with the dark past is a bit more interesting. She is written in a clever way that brings her sanity into question as well. For reasons unknown, she has a habit of mixing in some snake venom into the ink she uses for tattooing. This can cause for some interesting side-effects to the tattoo wearer that may be linked to some cold case murder investigations.

Yoon Joo-hee plays the tattooist very well. Her acting was spot-on, but her character’s actions and motivations are more confusing. This is both interesting and frustrating for the viewer. It’s the kind that make you say, “why are you doing this?” There is an explanation for why she acts the way she does (confirmed in Q & A with director); but, whether you like the explanation or not will be the real question. I tend to think more people will not like the answer.

The third lead is Kwon Hyun-sang, who plays the detective on the verge of cracking the cold serial-murder case. Again, the performance is here, but the writing of the police procedural aspect is paper-thin. The viewer is left to question how such a seemingly large case would be left to practically a single detective. The evidence seemed to be literally splattered everywhere to ignite a larger investigation. That being said, I was fairly engaged to the procedural aspect of things once I let go of reality a little.

Tattoo is one of those films that does not spell out every little detail about the character’s backstories, motivations, or mental state. Personally, I prefer this kind of film as it has the viewer work out the answers for them self. Also, even though there is a clear antagonist here, there really isn’t a clear protagonist. So, if you like to have everything spoon fed to you when watching a movie, Tattoo may leave you frustrated.

As recommended by the cast and director, Tattoo is meant to be viewed as an entertainment piece. Now, if a serial rapist and a series of murders that are directly related to tattoos is not your type of entertainment, then don’t even bother with Tattoo. If you can accept it for the genre piece it is, you can prepare yourself for an above average, graphically-violent serial killer film that occasionally touches new ground. As a solid midnight movie, I predict that the film will do very well in overseas markets but struggle to be accepted in Korea.

Trailer

World Premier Photos/Video

Post Screening Q & A (Introduction only) *potential spoilers*

*turn up volume for English translation*