‘The Old Woman with the Knife’ Gets Rave Reviews at Berlin Film Fest

The Old Woman with the Knife, directed by Min Kyu Dong, will be released in May following its official invitation to the Berlinale Special section at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival.

Distributor NEW announced Wednesday that the film wrapped up its festival run to critical acclaim and secured its May premiere. The action-packed thriller centers on Hornclaw, a legendary assassin who has spent 40 years working for a sacred pest control group that eliminates cockroach-like humans, and Tuu, a mysterious killer who chases him down in a deadly showdown.

Before the opening ceremony, director Min Kyu Dong and actress Lee Hye Young graced the Berlin International Film Festival’s red carpet, drawing enthusiastic reactions from the local crowd. Lee Hye Young, in particular, caught everyone’s eye as she returned to the red carpet for the first time in 40 years since attending the festival for the 1985 film The Blazing Sun (directed by Ha Myung Joong). With her striking blonde hairstyle, sleek suit, and graceful demeanor, Lee exuded powerful charisma, commanding the spotlight.

The world premiere of The Old Woman with the Knife was met with thunderous applause and cheers from a packed theater. Director Min Kyu Dong, along with stars Lee Hye Young and Kim Sung Cheol, personally thanked the audience, acknowledging their enthusiastic reception. Executive Director of the Berlin International Film Festival, Tricia Tuttle, praised the film, stating, “The outstanding performances simply blew us away.”

The film also received positive reviews from major international media outlets. ScreenDaily noted, “The intense action sequences blend seamlessly with emotional elements, and the orchestral score is overpowering. The 60-something protagonist is impressively captivating, sure to grab attention in the industry, with the final scene standing out as mesmerizing amid the film’s numerous action-packed moments.” The Hollywood Reporter called it “a work by veteran director Min Kyu Dong, who has mastered every genre, an action film that thoughtfully explores the loneliness of aging.” Variety added, “It’s a film that remixes the familiar in a fresh, novel way.”