A legendary killer faces her past and a young rival in Breakthrough, a upcoming South Korean action film starring Lee Hye Young. The movie, also known as Pagwa or The Old Woman With The Knife, delivers intense action and emotional depth, hitting theaters on April 30, 2025.
Story of a Legendary Killer
Breakthrough, directed by Min Kyu Dong, follows Hornclaw (Lee Hye Young), a 60-year-old assassin known as Godmother in the underworld. For over 40 years, she has worked for Shinseong Quarantine, an organization that eliminates society’s worst criminals.
Her life began to change in 1975. A young Hornclaw, then called Seol Hwa (Shin Si Ah), collapsed on a snowy street, starving and cold. Rescued by Ryu (Kim Moo Yeol), a diner owner, she faced a brutal attack by an American soldier. In self-defense, she killed him, marking her first kill. Ryu trained her, shaping her into a lethal assassin with a strict moral code: only kill those who deserve it.
Now, Hornclaw struggles with aging. Her hands tremble, and her body aches. Despite her legendary status, her company sees her as outdated. Yet, her skills remain sharp, using hairpins, knives, and even everyday objects like shovels as deadly weapons.
Intense Rivalry with a Young Assassin
The story heats up when Bullfight (Kim Sung Cheol), a young and ruthless killer, joins Shinseong Quarantine. He has spent his life tracking Hornclaw, driven by a mysterious past connection. Their tense confrontations spark curiosity about their shared history.
Bullfight taunts Hornclaw, calling her old and useless. His youthful energy contrasts with her experience, leading to brutal showdowns. The film’s action scenes are visceral, with Hornclaw zipping across rooftops and wielding poison-tipped spikes. Bullfight’s motives remain unclear, adding suspense to their deadly game.
“You’ll never be able to protect them — because I’m going to kill them.” — Bullfight
“Can I kill you?” — Hornclaw
Emotional Depth and New Bonds
Hornclaw’s life shifts when she meets Dr. Kang (Yeon Woo Jin), a kind veterinarian raising his daughter alone after his wife’s death. After treating her injuries, he discovers her secret. Instead of exposing her, he shows compassion, stirring unfamiliar emotions in Hornclaw.
This bond puts Dr. Kang in danger. When a hit is ordered on him, Hornclaw hesitates to kill, breaking her rule of avoiding attachments. Bullfight exploits this weakness, escalating their conflict. Dr. Kang’s moral dilemma—protect Hornclaw or save himself—adds depth to the story.
Ryu, Hornclaw’s mentor, also plays a key role. As the founder of Shinseong Quarantine, he instilled her belief in eliminating “human trash.” His past guidance contrasts with Hornclaw’s current struggles, shown through flashbacks.
Stellar Performances
Lee Hye Young delivers a commanding performance as Hornclaw. Her cool demeanor and subtle expressions convey the weight of a 40-year career. She balances action—wielding hairpins with lethal precision—with raw emotions like regret and pity.
Kim Sung Cheol shines as Bullfight, blending mischief with deep pain. His action scenes are rough and flashy, contrasting Hornclaw’s precise style. Yeon Woo Jin brings warmth as Dr. Kang, while Kim Moo Yeol adds gravitas as Ryu. Shin Si Ah, as young Hornclaw, captures her transformation from innocence to cold efficiency.
Berlinale executive Tricia Tuttle praised Lee Hye Young’s “astounding and commanding” performance after the film’s premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival on February 20, 2025.
Action and Visuals
The film’s action is a highlight, though not flawless. Hornclaw’s fights are creative, using everyday objects and cunning to overcome physical limits. Scenes of her taking down multiple enemies are thrilling, despite occasional reliance on stunt doubles.
Cinematographer Lee Jae Woo ensures fight and chase scenes are dynamic. However, some early combat feels chaotic due to frenetic editing. Later sequences find a better rhythm, showcasing Hornclaw’s miraculous skills.
The film’s setting—dank warehouses and empty lots—feels familiar but fits the gritty tone. Posters and teasers, like one showing Hornclaw with a sharp hairpin, build anticipation with striking visuals.
Strengths and Flaws
Breakthrough excels in its unique premise: a 60-year-old female assassin leading an action film. Lee Hye Young’s performance anchors the story, blending physical intensity with emotional nuance. The dynamic between Hornclaw and Bullfight keeps viewers guessing.
However, the film has drawbacks. Frequent flashbacks, especially to Hornclaw’s childhood, disrupt the pace. Bullfight’s motives lack clarity, leaving some questions unanswered. The focus on their rivalry overshadows deeper themes like aging or social inequality.
The score, described as an “overbearing orchestral onslaught,” sometimes overwhelms the action. Sentimental moments, like Hornclaw’s bond with Dr. Kang’s daughter, feel forced.
Audience Reception
The film premiered at Berlinale to mixed reviews. Critics praised Lee Hye Young’s performance and the inventive action but noted narrative flaws. Some fans of Gu Byeong Mo’s novel Pagwa may find the adaptation lacking introspection.
Netizens have shared varied reactions online:
“Lee Hye Young is unreal! The action is so intense, but the story feels rushed.”
“Kim Sung Cheol’s Bullfight is terrifying yet heartbreaking. Wish they explained his past more.”
“The hairpin scenes are iconic! Hornclaw is a legend.”
Film Details
Breakthrough runs for 122 minutes and is rated for ages 15 and up. It is set to release in South Korean theaters on April 30, 2025, after its Berlinale debut. The film, produced by Soo Film, adapts Gu Byeong Mo’s novel Pagwa, meaning “breakthrough” or “flawed fruit,” symbolizing Hornclaw’s imperfect yet resilient life.
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As of April 27, 2025, Breakthrough continues to draw attention for its bold take on the assassin genre through the trailer. Lee Hye Young’s performance remains a focal point, with praise for her action scenes and emotional depth. The film is available in South Korean theaters, with international releases planned. Fans await updates on its box office performance and potential awards recognition.
CREDITS: Star News
