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Monster is a 2014 South Korean thriller movie directed by Hwang In-ho. The film stars Lee Min-ki, Kim Go-eun, and Seo-hyun Ahn in prominent roles. Monster is a gripping drama about a young woman who is kidnapped and her kidnapper's efforts to help her escape from her captors. The movie begins with Bok-Soon (Kim Go-eun) who is a young woman living in a remote village in rural Korea. She is a simple young woman who is not very good at socializing with people. However, she has an extraordinary talent for catching fish. One day, Bok-Soon is kidnapped by a group of human traffickers who use her as bait to lure her sister into their clutches.

The kidnappers take Bok-Soon to a city where they force her to work as a prostitute. She is desperate to find a way to escape from her captors and find her sister. Bok-Soon holds on to the hope that her captors may let her go someday. However, when she discovers that her sister is no longer alive, Bok-Soon is determined to seek revenge and kill the person responsible for her sister's death.

Enter Won-Ho (Lee Min-ki), the man responsible for Bok-Soon's captivity. He is one of the kidnappers working as a broker for the human trafficking network. Despite his involvement in the crime, Won-Ho feels a sense of guilt for his part in the kidnapping. He is moved by Bok-Soon's resilience and her desire to be reunited with her sister.

Won-Ho, who had initially just been interested in making money through human trafficking, begins to see himself in Bok-Soon, who reminds him of his younger self. Attuned to the grim realities of human trafficking, Won-Ho now feels a sense of responsibility for the young woman's fate. He begins to develop feelings for Bok-Soon, and for the first time in his life, he is willing to take risks for someone who matters.

The film is not just about Bok-Soon and Won-Ho's complicated relationship. It also dives deep into the dark world of human trafficking, depicting the harsh realities of those who are involved. As the film progresses, the viewers are exposed to the complexity of the crime, how it is conducted, and how women like Bok-Soon are exploited.

The movie’s director, Hwang In-ho, manages to balance the gritty, real-life issues with gripping cinematography. There are some heart-wrenching scenes that will surely leave the viewers with a sense of unease. The film's technical aspects are impressive, with the sound design being a standout feature.

Lee Min-ki's performance as Won-Ho, the conflicted brothel owner, is a tour-de-force in acting. He brings depth and nuance to the role and manages to evoke empathy for someone who is initially just portrayed as a criminal. His on-screen chemistry with Kim Go-eun's Bok-Soon, the feisty heroine, is the highlight of the film. In addition to the chemistry, the two actors do justice to their roles with powerful performances.

Kim Go-eun delivers a stellar performance as Bok-Soon, the young woman who refuses to be a victim despite the horrors she faces. Her character is strong, determined, and has an unyielding spirit, making her one of the most memorable heroines in recent Korean cinema. She is fierce and hard-hitting, and her captivating performance makes the viewers root for her throughout the movie.

Overall, Monster is an intense and unsettling thriller that shines a light on the dark world of human trafficking. The film is a masterclass in gritty storytelling and features some fantastic performances by the lead actors. Hwang In-ho's direction is top-notch, with the technical aspects of the film being impressive. Monster is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys well-crafted thrillers that are both engaging and thought-provoking. It is a must-see for fans of Korean cinema looking for something new and fresh.

Monster is a 2014 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.