Hwang Jung-min in I, the Executioner (TIFF)

The annual Toronto International Film Festival is the place to discover emerging filmmakers and some of the best cinema from all over the world. This year was no exception, as TIFF 2024 curated some fascinating movies from Asia, which were some of the fest’s top picks. They range from an action comedy to a quieter drama focusing on systemic corruption from a fresh perspective, and a bloody story about hyper-violent assassins.

I, THE EXECUTIONER

The South Korean action-comedy (and box office champ) has a lot of humor and a darker suspenseful plot that efficiently utilizes the action as well. Writer-director Ryoo Seung-wan seamlessly blends the two genres without the comedy undercutting or coming at the expense of the emotional moments in this sequel to Ryoo’s Veteran (2015). (I, The Executioner works as a stand-alone. Prior viewing of the original is not required.)

When a vigilante starts killing reformed criminals who the assailant has decided haven’t been punished enough, Detective Do-cheol (Hwang Jung-min) and his team of veteran detectives have to protect those he arrested years ago. This role reversal forces Do-cheol to deal with his own ideas of justice and the use of violence in its name. Specifically, when it carries over into his family life.

The action-comedy movie recaptures the magic of genre classics such as Lethal Weapon and Rush Hour. It also succeeds on the backs of its incredible cast with their pitch-perfect comedic deliveries, but also Jung-min’s powerful dramatic range. Not to mention the incredible action choreography, which further immerses audiences into its storytelling.

One criticism is some tonal inconsistencies. Sometimes it is an all-out comedy, but the dramatic parts later become darker, with scenes of graphic violence and torture. This results in a jarring shift that takes audiences out of the story. Otherwise, it is a hilarious movie that enhances the genre for modern-day audiences.

Shahana Goswami in Santosh (TIFF)

SANTOSH

Exploring the idea of police corruption as a social issue as well as a systemic one, this dramatic police thriller from India sets itself apart by approaching the topic from a new perspective, literally.

After the death of her police constable husband, a government scheme allows Santosh (Shahana Goswami) to take his place on the force. With no other income earner in the household and facing a difficult life ahead, the widow accepts the scheme. However, she quickly learns the difficulties of being a woman in a male-dominated police force and realizes she was not prepared for the emotional toll, especially the unexpected impact her new job has on her own moral compass.

The gritty cop drama explores the idea of corruption within local law enforcement through Santosh’s eyes. Kudos to writer-director Sandhya Suri for creating a story that at times is very much a riveting detective story, with all the suspense and investigative nuance of a murder mystery. Goswami is excellent when she basically becomes Sherlock Holmes. But despite her good intentions, Santosh has difficulty aligning her moral sensibilities with those of the institute meant to serve those ideals, corrupting them instead.

While the movie raises difficult issues excellently, the execution and payoff don’t always land. The story introduces some themes but does not explore them any further, creating a lack of closure for the viewer. Despite that, the compelling Santosh is worth watching for its unique approach to tropes and themes and for the stunning performances.

The Shadow Stray (TIFF)

THE SHADOW STRAYS

While I, The Executioner was more comedy than action, the gory, brutally violent The Shadow Strays overcorrects on the action side. The Indonesian extravaganza from writer-director Timo Tjahjanto features a shadow organization of assassins who end up having to tangle with one of their own. The simple premise kicks off a nonstop action thrill ride that doesn’t let up until the end.

When a teenage assassin, Codename 13 (Aurora Ribero), is supposed to lie low after a mission that has gone wrong, she gets embroiled in an underworld drama that threatens the life of a young boy. Yet rescuing him means going up against the organization she works for, and worse, her mentor. While The Shadow Strays has emotional beats, the overall story is quite thin. Still, the movie is a self-aware, adrenaline-fueled actioner that completely delivers on its premise.

Tjahjanto’s direction is superb, and his action is relentless. Similar to his previous work in The Night Comes for Us, Tjahjanto’s brilliance lies in his pacing of the action. Similarly, The Shadow Strays features massive action set pieces that race along at breakneck speed, with frantic energy from the characters. Each punch, explosion, and knife wound impacts both heroes and villains, making the combat feel more real and brutal.