The Villainess [2017]

Orphaned girl turned gangster assassin turned secret agent, The Villainess is all about betrayal and revenge, just like Kill Bill and Nikita. The opening few minutes of long take fight scene is shot in the POV style like Hardcore Henry then jumps seamlessly into third person view, which sets up a game-like tone for the film's action sequence. No matter if it is shot in first-person or third-person view, the exciting action sequences keep you guessing how they managed to make it work with all the special effects and hiding the cameras.

It takes a while to get familiar with the characters' faces and relationships, as the narrative jumps back and forth. There is also a short middle section of Korean TV romance happening, but it all sets up what comes next. The story also mixes gangster assassins with government secret organisation that sounds like a tribute to 1980s action movies.

The Villainess gives an emotional impact and powerful and exciting ride of action thrills, while pushing the boundaries of stylistic violence visuals, which are not to be missed.