Night of the Assassin (2023) - full transcript

(After several wars,)

(the nation was in turmoil.)

(Laws no longer
served the people,)

(while ambitious politicians
rose up the ranks.)

(They didn't hesitate to kill
people by hiring assassins...)

(Some of these assassins
were extraordinary.)

Have you heard of Inan?

Joseon's best assassin, Inan.

No one knows who he is
or who he works for,

but his targets
always end up dead.

It's just a matter of when.



There are no exceptions.

Did Geum send you?

What does it matter,
now that you're about to die?

There's no end to
a person's greed.

I'm the one who
he should be thanking for.

Listening to your story
isn't part of my job.

(Kim Min-kyung)

I have been waiting for you.

Five moves to kill
four enemies!

Three of them died
with just one move each.

But Inan...

He wasn't even panting.

Listen, please spare me.

I'll give you anything.



I'll pay you twice, no,
ten times as much!

Please...

Please...

I can't die like this.

All people die in the end.

How dare you!

You think my family
will let this slide?

They'll follow you to

the depths of hell to kill you!

When did you start
having symptoms?

It's been a while.

Your vein is blocked,
and you have heart palpitations.

Your body can't
endure combat moves.

What are you saying?

You might die
if you keep up like that.

If you want to live longer,

stop using combat moves.

And don't sleep with women.

If you do sleep with them,
go slow.

Do you get what
I'm saying?

Just give me the cure.

There's no cure.

I have read

that an herb named
Mahwangcho can cure it,

but I'm not sure if
it really exists.

Are you going to kill me?

It's a doctor's duty
to keep his patients' secrets.

Take one when you really need to.

Be careful.

If you take too much,
your heart will explode.

Though he didn't show it,

Inan was shaken.

How could an assassin

not use combat moves?

To him, that was like
a death sentence.

And the doctor couldn't
keep his secret,

after all.

Sorry.

I like you...

But the price
for your head is too high.

Who hired you?

What does it matter,

now that you're about to die?

It's a natural happening

for wolves to
attack a weakened tiger.

That way,
Inan got constantly being chased.

(The Assassin)

(1 year later,)

(near Mt. Jangrim in the north)

What the heck?

Come on,
let's go have a drink.

Let go of me!
Let go!

Mister, please help me!

Have you never seen
a scene like this before?

Just leave.

Come on, let's go.

Let go of me!

Go away!
Get off me!

Get off me!

You wench!

What the hell?

What do you want?

Listen.

How about buying one instead?

I give you some money.

Money?

You'll give us money?

Oh, right...

I got my money stolen.

If you wait,

I'll go get it back.

So, just let her go.

She's not even that pretty.

She looks old...

We told you to leave!

If you can't fight,

why butt in?

You asked for help.

I thought you would be
good at fighting.

I could have taken
care of them myself.

(Soup House)

Eat.

Wow!

Could I have
one more bowl?

Why did you bring
home a bum?

He was getting beat up.

I felt sorry for him.

Be careful of bums.

They might be dangerous
opium addicts.

At least you don't
look like an addict.

How can you say that?

I don't want my son to know

that I was in danger.

Why do you keep
talking down to me?

- When were you born?
- Gapja year.

I'm older than you.

When were you born?

What year?

Eat up.
There's even meat in it.

I don't see any meat.

Thanks for the meal.

I'll pay for it later...

- Take this over there.
- What?

Come on,
take this over there.

- Me?
- Yeah.

- Where?
- Over there.

I did it, now...

Clean that seat.

- I'll pay for...
- Here, take this.

- Where?
- Over there.

Not there.
Over there!

Here, I need a drink!

He's a good worker.

Why doesn't my soup
have any meat?

Just stuff your face.

But he's fighting
with a customer.

He doesn't spill any soup.

That's not easy.

He has good balance.

I guess you're right.

If you are done cleaning,
cut up some firewood.

Don't you want dinner?

Are you taking
a break already?

If you have no place to go,
stay here for tonight.

Walking around at night
can be dangerous.

I'm just giving you
a place to sleep.

Don't you dare touch me.

Don't worry.

That would never happen.

That's kind of insulting.

My mom talks harshly,

but she's warm-hearted.

She's always feeding
bums like you.

That's why we're poor.

I wish she would stop complaining

about being poor.

What's that?

This book?

It's a really good novel called
'Wind, Snow, Assassin'.

The assassin fights
bad guys everywhere.

And he makes women
fall in love with him.

Reading this book
made me

decide my path.

I'm going to become
an assassin.

I'll make money by
killing bad guys.

So cool, right?

What if they aren't bad guys?

They must be bad
if someone wants them dead.

Don't tell my mom...

But I know combat moves.

There's someone I want to kill.

Do you want to see?

This is a skill used up close.

What crime did he commit?

Assassins kill people.

They do not ask why.

Why?

We lived a quiet life,

like they said...

So, why?

It's been a while, Inan.

I never thought
I would see you here.

I'm here for my things.

The kids took things
they shouldn't have.

I have been keeping them safe.

They bought some snacks.

They're kids.

By the way, is your health okay?

Do you want to find out?

Of course, not.

I heard there's Mahwangcho
on Mt. Jangrim.

Could you get me some?

There are bandits living deep

in the mountains,

so I'm not sure.

I'll do what I can.

A lot of people are after you.

Don't stir up any trouble.
Lead a quiet life.

I already am doing that.

Do you have a place to stay?

Could I work here for a while?

I'll earn my keep.

What can you do?

Is that a smile?

You'll drive our customers away.

Follow after me.

First, stretch your face muscles.

Then, do this.

Ah, eh, ee, oh, oo.

Smile while saying...

Spoiled cheese!

Ah, eh, ee, oh, oo.

Smile while saying...

You're not supposed
to say that part!

- Oh...
- Try again.

Ah, eh, ee, oh, oo.

- Smile while saying...
- Don't say that part.

- Spoiled cheese!
- Spoiled cheese!

Why don't you even
know how to smile?

Spoiled cheese!

Do you know
how to use a knife?

I bet he can't.

Hey, bandits.

You're being executed tomorrow,

so here's your last meal.

Eat while it's still warm.

Oops, my mistake.

Stop overreacting.

The town is being
overrun with gangsters.

They even run gambling
and opium businesses!

Everyone knows this!

But

why can't we ever
find evidence?

Lift your butt!

Maybe some of you,
or all of you...

Are being bribed by them.

Form a line.

I would like to kill
every one of you officials.

But there's an urgent matter,

so that will have to wait.

- Hey, Ibang.
- Yes?

- Read this.
- Yes, sir.

The cruel, cunning bandit
Baek Do-chi has escaped prison.

He is heading to Mt. Jangrim
to avoid the officials.

Catch him alive

before he gets to the mountain.

It's an order from the governor.

You all understand, right?

This is an easy one.

Let's get our men
to block all roads.

Sir...

We shouldn't be doing this

during farming season...

- Hobang.
- Yes?

- Get down.
- Sir...

Come on, get down!

Farming season?
You think I don't know that?

If we don't catch this man,

you're all dead meat.

- Got it?
- Yes, sir.

Your voices are tiny.
Got it?

Yes, sir!

Mr. Magistrate,
here's your meal.

So-wol, go wait
in my room.

So-wol, are you okay?

- It hurts...
- Don't try to carry it.

What a womanizer...

Sir, shouldn't we
do something?

This happens every day!

Do what?

All magistrates are like that.

Let's just do our jobs.

Let's go work.

(Notice)

This is so unfair.

They cut our pay,

and they send us everywhere.

They summon us for nothing.

And they beat us
if we make mistakes.

Someone might hear.

Let them hear...
Wait a second.

I have never seen
your face before.

Show us
your identification tag.

- I left it at home.
- You can't do that.

You need to carry your
identification tag with you...

- Just let him pass.
- What?

He's the servant
at the soup house.

Oh, Seon-hong's man?

Don't call him that
in front of Chil-bok.

Hurry on.

I'll let you pass this time.

Don't forget your
identification tag next time.

- Go on.
- Go.

He looks able-bodied.

It's not like that
between your mom and I.

I don't care.

He's usually so healthy.

Why does he have a cold?

Where's Chil-bok's father?

He was killed by bandits
while gathering herbs.

Human lives have
no meaning in this world.

Some people sell
their own kids for opium.

What work did you use to do?

What caused...

Never mind,
we all have secrets.

Dad...

Stay still and listen.

Otherwise, you'll lose your head.

Who are you?

My client wants
Baek Do-chi to return safely

to his family on Mt. Jangrim.

He asked me to
deliver this message.

If he fails to return safely...

If he is captured or killed,

no questions will be asked.

You and your young son

in Andong
who just learned how to walk

will have to face
the consequences.

That's the message.

I hope to never
see you again.

So-wol.

So-wol.

Is he gone?

Is the magistrate still sleeping?

I'm not sure.

He had no trouble eating
and having sex.

But he's hiding under his covers,

as if he has seen a ghost.

What'll I do?

Oh, dear...

They even know that my son
just learned how to walk.

I just learned that
myself, via letter.

Ibang...

What's the bandits' deal?

Do-chi is the brother of Baek Ga,

the boss of the bandits.

The brothers steal money
and supply opium.

They kill people
as easily as rats.

They also know
a lot of swordsmen.

Even the government
army is scared of them.

Oh, no...

Don't worry too much.

They wouldn't dare
hurt a magistrate.

They already did!
Look!

I'm really scared.

I have never experienced
anything like this.

Please help me.

Then, why don't you leave

one road unguarded?

Will that work?

Don't worry.

If I get the guards drunk,

the bandits will know where to go.

You're right!

Great idea!

What are you thinking?

There isn't even
a guard outside.

Hurry up, sir.

Flowers are still in bloom.

Hello, sir.

Welcome.

Look at those rags.

Do you want people
to know you're a bandit?

But it's so comfortable.

Tut...

This wasn't the deal.

The boss said that

he'll give you more next time.

That jerk...

When I said that
I would help Do-chi,

he said that we're family.

That just means

that he'll hold you
accountable if things go wrong.

Be careful.

If Do-chi gets captured,

you'll lose more than this deal.

You know how the boss is.

If Do-chi comes back,
you'll be pushed aside.

This has always been
the Baek brothers' gang.

You can't win against blood ties.

I knew this would happen.

Now, they're saying
not to guard this road.

They treat us like dogs.

They're so bad at their jobs...

Let's close early
and eat some chicken.

Chil-bok needs extra energy.

You know who we are, right?

I don't.

You know, right?

I don't.

Chil-bok, go sleep.

I'm not sleepy.

- Go inside.
- No.

- Go inside...
- I said no!

Hey, quit it!

You're upsetting my stomach.

Can't you all smile?

Smile, damn it.

Did someone die or something?

Lady, smile.

You, too.

Is that a smile?

He's doing his best.

Hey, kid.

Smile.

Hey!

I told you to smile.

No?

I'll make you smile...

Stop, you're upsetting my stomach.

I'm so full.

Kid, come here.

Come over here. It's okay.

We're not bad people.

We're good people.

Let's see...

Here, take this as payment.

Buy a snack with it.

What's that?

It's blood.

How did that get there?

Why?

You killed my dad!

Geez...

Chil-bok, Chil-bok!

I have never shed blood before.

Sir, please forgive him.

He must be mistaken.

I saw it myself!

He killed my dad!

What are you saying?

My son is an idiot!

He doesn't know anything!

Forgive him,
just this once!

I'll do anything!

Anything?

Yes, anything at all.

That's a good idea.

Then, let's do this.

Hey, cut off his arm.

Yes, sir.

I said I would do anything!

Chil-bok, Chil-bok!

Look closely.

If you obey me,
he might live.

Cut it off.

No!

I guess you're braver
than I thought.

But you don't have
a proper sword.

What are you going
to do with that?

Huh?

You prick...

Chil-bok...

Chil-bok...

What are you?

After I leave, report this.

- And say what?
- The truth.

That our servant
killed two bandits?

That'll get me killed.

They're all in on it.

Bandits, officials...

Don't you know why

this village is full
of opium addicts?

Thanks, mister.

Never speak of this.

Okay.

You're an assassin, right?

An assassin who kills bad guys.

That kind of assassins
don't exist.

We need to talk.

The bandit must have
passed through by now, right?

- It's been more than enough time.
- Right?

I have been so scared.

Don't worry, sir.

No one will know.

But you know.

If you try to blackmail me,

you'll regret it.

- I would never...
- Watch your mouth.

Of course, sir.

He still hasn't arrived.

- He hasn't even sent word?
- No, sir.

He's not a child,

so don't worry.

He's probably busy
cheating on his wife.

Sir, would you like
some cold alcohol?

It's too early for alcohol.

Is that your new man?

No, he works for me.

I have never seen him before.

Hey, where are you from?

The south.

Are you talking down to me?

I guess the class
system is outdated.

All that matters is money.

And I'm not a nobleman.

Oh, Seon-hong.

I have something to ask.

Have you seen this man?

No.

Look carefully, there's
a big bounty on his head.

He must have
passed through here...

You haven't seen him?

I haven't.

I see.

Where's Chil-bok?

I sent him on an errand.

How strange...

She must have seen him.

Why is she lying?

I didn't see anything.

Kid, think again.

You could even
get some money.

What should I do?

I can't do it myself.

Do you want to try?

I can't do it, either.

- Right?
- Right.

Bring Jeom-bak.

Yes, sir.

Oh, damn it...

What should we do?

Baek Ga will go berserk.

He might come after us!

Damn it, we're doomed!

Sir, let's round up everyone

and bring them to him.

They might be killed,
but so what?

What are you waiting for?

Sir, we have to catch
whoever did this!

Hey, what the hell
are you waiting for?

Do-chi was stabbed once
with a kitchen knife.

From the front...

From the front?

So what?

What does that matter?

Dal-gi, let's go.

Huh?

Sir!

It hurts...

A man who can kill Do-chi
with just one move is in town.

But I had no idea.

What do you think?

I had no idea, either.

And I have no duty
to report to you.

I see...

Dal-gi, teach him
who's boss.

I have heard about you.

I knew this day would come.

Are you ready to
open your mouth now?

I know nothing.

Just kill me.

Kill you?

Kill you?

We'll cut off their legs

and make them crawl around.

That'll jog your memory, right?

Inan?

Inan, the assassin?

Why isn't Chil-bok home yet?

I should go look for him.

Come out.

Make way, move.

Tut...

Swordsmen always
want to challenge people

who are stronger than them.

I can tell right away.

He's Inan!

You might all die!

Wow...

I never thought I'd see
the infamous Inan here.

Don't glare so much.

I'm only here for a chat.

What have you done to Chil-bok?

He's fine, for now.

Do you know
what you have done?

I guess you don't.

I'm supposed to kill everyone

involved in Do-chi's murder.

You, Seon-hong, Chil-bok...

But I don't know if
that will solve anything.

If I don't kill you...

The bandit boss
Baek Ga will kill you.

The guy you killed
is his brother.

He loved his little brother.

Bandits don't think.

They just beat and kill.

They're simpletons.

They rape, beat and kill.

I'm the one who's stopping them

from coming down the mountain.

Me.

Are you going to fight us?

Or will you accept my offer?

Go on.

Kill Baek Ga.

You're used to it, right?

Joseon's best assassin, Inan!

I want to change the game.

The playing field is
uneven right now.

It should be like this.

Why should I?

We're finally having
a proper conversation.

Inan wouldn't care
about a child's life.

What if I got you
some Mahwangcho?

Please save Chil-bok.

I'll do anything at all.

I'm not about to ask
for forgiveness.

I did what I had to do.

If you want to kill me, go ahead.

Tell me about Ibang.

His name is Kim Ja-hong.

He was born in Seoul.

He used to be the head of
the Anbyon swordsmen.

He somehow became
a government official.

He's secretly controlling
the swordsmen.

He used to run
a gambling business.

Now, he sells opium.

He makes people fall into debt.

Then, he takes
their land and family

and sells them for money.

He blackmails magistrates

and makes them his puppet.

He's the true ruler of Anbyon.

Baek Ga is powerful, too.

He's always threatening to
stop supplying opium.

That's why Ibang
wants to kill him.

Do you think
he'll keep his word?

If he doesn't,
I'll just kill him.

Don't underestimate
this region's swordsmen.

It's a shortcut to
the bandit headquarters.

You sent an assassin
to kill the boss?

Are you insane?

Insane?

You're the one who said...

If something happens to Do-chi,

I'll lose more than the deal.

I won't just
sit around and wait.

Still, you can't do this!

Let's go!

So, you want to die?

Put away your swords.

What's wrong?

What has Baek Ga
done for you?

Are you going to do
his bidding forever?

If you help me...

You'll become
the boss of the bandits.

Who are you?

Did Ibang send you?

That punk...

I knew this day would come.

My body feels lighter
than I expected.

Let's do this.

I can see that
you're something else.

Your eyes, they're...

Damn it, don't interrupt me.

Damn...

- The boss is dead!
- There's an intruder!

Find him!

Find him at once!

There's an intruder!

What do I need to do?

Do your duty.

Don't let the murderer
of your boss live.

He may be a great assassin,

but he's sick and close to death.

Get your men to attack him
at the same time.

Guys,

let's kill the murderer
of our boss!

Yes, sir!

My prediction that
he wouldn't keep his word

was correct.

How long would
his heart last?

But Inan knows

how powerless
people can be in front of fear.

Get him!

Spare me, please.

He's by himself!
Attack him!

Don't back down!

You idiots!

I'll kill anyone
who tries to run.

Wow,

I can't believe I caught Inan.

Don't blame me.

Someone really
wants your head.

We're similar types.
You understand, right?

Are you upset?

Oh, did you think I would
actually get you Mahwangcho?

I don't even know
what it looks like.

That gave me a scare.

Did you kill him?

I used the blunt side
of my sword.

Let's tie him up.

Use chains,
so he can't escape.

Yes, sir.

Well?

What are you waiting for?

Go become the boss.

Right.

Sir...

Is Ibang our boss now?

What do you mean?

I'm the boss.

Inan has been found.

This time, I won't
let him get away.

Ibang told me
to cut off his heels.

Let's see...

Why are you so muscular?

It'll be hard to stab you.

It was fun to kill the kid

because he was tender.

He was really stubborn.

He refused to
tell us about you.

If he just told us,

he would have lived.

Now, give me your foot.

You're the best
assassin in Joseon.

I can't end it like this.

You think you can win?

I have never lost before.

Even if I lose...

I'm not interested in
what happens after death.

I'll end it in ten moves.

That would be fair.

It won't take that long.

One.

Two, three, four.

Why are you only dodging?

Damn, that was close.

I should have made
a deeper cut.

Look forward to
my next move.

Damn it...

Damn...

His dad wanted to
name him Mu-tal.

But I named him Chil-bok.

I wanted him to have
a better life than us.

But that's impossible
in this day and age.

Even surviving is difficult.

I was an idiot.

If I had named him Mu-tal,

he might have lived longer.

All people die in the end.

It may be today,
or tomorrow.

You're right.

Human lives have
no meaning in this world.

They must die, too.

That would be fair.

You're a famous
assassin, right?

This is all I have.

I was saving up for Chil-bok,

but now it's no use.

I'll give you all this,

so kill for me.

Kill those who killed Chil-bok...

Kill every single person

who was involved.

Is this not enough?

Our bodies aren't worth much.

But would you like my body?

Ah, ee, oo, eh, oh.

Smile while saying...

Spoiled cheese.

Ah, ee, oo, eh, oh.

Spoiled cheese.

These idiots...

He has made me a liar...

He's probably nearby.

We'll catch him soon.

Don't worry.

I know him well.

He'll return on his own.

That would be appreciated.

Why does your client
want him dead so much?

He's already half-dead.

Assassins don't
need to know why.

I guess you're right.

Only money and
the results matter.

Sir, sir!

Oh, no! Sir!

Chun-seob, he...

Guys, let's show them
who's boss!

Those simpletons don't know

what's good for them.

What should we do?

We should teach them
who's boss.

But there are
so many of them!

And Dal-gi's dead!

So...

Will you help?

If you're asking for
my services...

I'll oblige.

I knew it.

Bandits!

Bandits are coming this way!

Is no one here?

Oh, Ibang!

Ibang, what happened?

The bandits are here!

You said everything
would be fine!

You're so incompetent!

Let's go somewhere safe.

Come on, hurry up!

What the...

Who are these people?

What's wrong with her eye?

Damn it, that's enough!

You're darn embarrassing!

What did you just say?

It's the truth!

A magistrate shouldn't
run away

because of bandits!

If word gets out that you helped
the bandits,

you'll be executed.

You little...

Hobang, what's
gotten into him?

Bark.

Mr. Magistrate...

Stay in your room
with So-wol.

Don't come out,
no matter what.

Or else, you'll die.

Open the gate,

or we'll break it down!

Open the gate,
you pricks!

Let's fight!

Don't be frightened.

Let's just break it down.

No, they're probably scared.

They'll open up eventually.

Then, I'll walk in

and declare that I'm the boss!

You can be my
second-in-command.

Sounds great, sir!

I don't think
they'll open up.

This is bad.

Can't we just go in
and kill everyone?

Then, who will we sell
the opium to?

What's taking them so long?

Who's this?

Do you know him?

No, I don't.

Is he on our side?

Who are you?

Sir, should
we wait forever?

Be patient.

Until when?

Dawn will break soon.

Wait, that's...

Take one when you really need to.

Be careful.

Take too much, and
your heart will explode.

Are you sure about this?

I have never given up on a job.

Inan agreed to work

for Seon-hong for just one coin.

Get him!

He's close to death.

My client wants you alive...

But I can't forgive you.

You cowards!

I'll kill anyone
who tries to run.

He's so weak,

he can't
even stand up straight!

I'll give twenty gold coins
to anyone who stabs him!

Get him!

Why, you...

Don't come near me!

Where are you
running off to?

You want to duel?

I could beat you
with my left hand.

Damn it...

You wench...

A life for a life.
It's only fair.

Isn't that right, Ibang?

Damn it...

Inan swung his sword
while coughing up blood.

He was hired to kill everyone

involved in Chil-bok's death.

He wasn't about to
let anyone live.

Don't come near me!
I did nothing!

I'm not a swordsman,
nor an assassin!

Please let me live!

I don't know how many
people died that day.

But since then,

no swordsman
or bandit has been seen.

The villagers were freed
from opium and debt.

That night came to be known as
'The Night of the Assassin'.

Mr. Magistrate,
I don't see Ibang's body.

What?

What happened?

Didn't Ibang die?

He must be dead!

Seon-hong stabbed him
with a knife!

We thought that he was dead,

but...

I knew it!

Men like him
don't die easily.

They even come back
from the dead!

She should have
stabbed him in the neck!

Inan survived, right?

He thought this would
be his last job.

He was hurt,

and he even
used all his medicine.

His heart couldn't handle it.

We tried to save him.

But his body was
half-dead, half-alive.

What a pathetic ending!

It was fun all along,

but
the ending is unpleasant.

It's a true story,

so it can't be helped.

If you enjoyed the story,

give me some coins.

Where is he?

He's already
half-dead, half-alive.

I would like to see for myself.

Damn it...

Thanks for saving me
the trouble of searching for you.

What happened?

You said he was
half-dead, half-alive!

That was the case...

But now that
the bandits were gone,

people could go up the mountain.

One of them found
the legendary Mahwangcho.

Before I finish this job,

I need to ask...

Who wants me
dead so much?

Would you like to know?

If you spare my life,

I'll take you to them.

No, thanks.

I'll find them on my own.