‘The Old Woman with the Knife’ Trailer – Lee Hye-young is an Aging Assassin in South Korean Thriller Film

In the South Korean thriller film The Old Woman with the Knife, director Min Kyu-dong brings to life author Gu Byeong-mo’s (Apartment Women, a New York Times Editors’ Choice) acclaimed novel of the same name, reframed through a distinctly female perspective.

Lee Hye-young (In Front of Your Face — Cannes Official Selection; The Novelist’s Film — Silver Bear at Berlinale 2022) stars as Hornclaw, a 65-year-old assassin forced into a deadly confrontation with a younger killer with hidden ties. Also starring in the movie are Kim Sung-cheol (Our Beloved Summer), Yeon Woo-jin (Daily Dose of Sunshine), and Kim Moo-yul (The Roundup: Punishment).

The film made its world premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival as part of the Berlinale Special program, then competed at the 43rd Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival; and will open in theaters in the United States and Canada on May 16, 2025. (see theatrical listings below)

The Old Woman with the Knife follows Hornclaw, a legendary killer in her 60s. Her mundane yet bloody life takes a sharp turn when she encounters Bullfight, a promising young killer. 25 years ago, he was there when Hornclaw killed his father. However, his feelings toward Hornclaw is something unexpected since he recalls her as the first person to show him kindness. Despite this, Hornclaw does not recognize the young man and his real intentions. Misunderstanding unresolved, their very last face-off involves weapons pointing at each other.

Critics have praised the film for its unique perspective and Lee Hye-young’s compelling performance. Siddhant Adlakha of Variety review writes, “Lee Hye-young is wonderfully committed as Hornclaw, a silent, lonely senior citizen reluctant to retire from her organization of hired hitmen. The moments in which the camera captures her toned form and her sprightly movements are exciting and impressive.” Brent Hankins of The Lamplight Review adds, “Lee Hye-young’s performance is the real attraction here. She brings a certain serenity to Hornclaw, making her more than just another archetype of the genre.”

Watch the trailer for The Old Woman with the Knife

Theatrical Listings

New York Metro Area
AMC Empire 25 – New York, NY
Regal UA Kaufman Astoria – Long Island City, NY
AMC Ridgefield Park 12 – Ridgefield Park, NJ