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The Neighbors
이웃사람
2012 110 min South Korea 18+
★6.8
Thriller, Mystery
Director: Hwi Kim
🎭 Based on
«The Neighbor»
byKang Full
Trailers
Description
A serial killer murders a girl from his neighborhood. The residents begin to suspect him one by one, as he tries to cover his tracks and plans another kill before escape.
Starring
Yunjin Kim
Actor
Ma Dong-seok
Actor
Kim Sae-ron
Actor
Awards
4 wins & 4 nominations total
Key opinion
Neighbors (2012) is a tense, ensemble-driven thriller that examines the fragility of community through the lens of a serial killer living among residents. While the film is praised for its unique social perspective and strong performances, some viewers find the fragmented narrative structure and shifting tones to be uneven.
| Acting | Ma Dong-seok delivers a standout performance as a charismatic, principled ex-gangster who provides both muscle and levity. | |
| Theme | The film effectively avoids 'torture porn' clichés, favoring tension and investigative suspense over gratuitous, fetishized violence. | |
| Originality | The story takes a non-traditional approach by focusing on community dynamics and shared responsibility rather than a single heroic protagonist. | |
| Screenplay | Opinions on the screenplay are divided: some appreciate the intricate, interlocking ensemble stories, while others argue the mosaic plot feels cluttered and unfocused. | |
| Direction | The tonal consistency is debated, as the film frequently oscillates between dark, suspenseful thriller elements and excessive melodrama. |