Duelist (2005 South Korean Film)

Duelist (Korean: 형사; RR: Hyeongsa) is a 2005 South Korean action film directed by Lee Myung-se. The film is set during the late Joseon Dynasty and follows a narrative involving political intrigue and a series of counterfeit currency crimes.

Duelist movie poster — Promotional poster for the 2005 film Duelist.

Plot

The story centers on Detective Ahn (Ahn Sung-ki) and his partner, the passionate newcomer Namsoon (Ha Ji-won), who work for the Left Security Station. They are tasked with investigating a widespread counterfeiting operation that threatens the stability of the Joseon government. Their investigation leads them to the Secretary of National Security and his enigmatic assassin, known as Sad Eyes (Gang Dong-won). The film explores the complex, fated conflict between the detective Namsoon and the mysterious assassin.

Cast

The film features a prominent ensemble cast of South Korean actors:

Ha Ji-won as Namsoon
Gang Dong-won as Sad Eyes
Ahn Sung-ki as Detective Ahn

Actress Ha Ji-won — Ha Ji-won, who portrays the detective Namsoon.

Actor Gang Dong-won — Gang Dong-won, who portrays the assassin Sad Eyes.

Actor Ahn Sung-ki — Ahn Sung-ki, who portrays Detective Ahn.

Production and Reception

Directed by Lee Myung-se, the film was released on September 8, 2005, with a runtime of 111 minutes. It received recognition at the 25th Korean Association of Film Critics Awards, where it won in the categories of Best Film, Best Director, and Best Cinematography.

Scene from Duelist — A scene from the film Duelist.