Desire to Kill (2010 Film)

Desire to Kill (Korean: 죽이고 싶은; RR: Jukyigo Sipeun) is a 2010 South Korean suspense-thriller film directed by Kim Sang-Hwa and Jo Won-Hee. The film centers on two men, Min-ho and Sang-eop, who find themselves confined to the same hospital ward while harboring a mutual desire to end each other's lives.

Desire to Kill promotional image — Promotional poster for the film Desire to Kill.

Plot

Min-ho (played by Cheon Ho-Jin) has struggled with suicidal ideation since witnessing the death of his lover. His mental state is further complicated by distorted memories. He shares a hospital room with Sang-eop (played by Yu Hae-Jin), a patient suffering from a brain disease that has left him paralyzed. As the two interact, a forgotten connection from their past resurfaces, escalating the tension within the small confines of their ward until they both become determined to kill one another.

Production

The film was produced by Kim Jang-Wook, Han Jae-Deok, and Nam Kwon-Woo. Principal photography commenced on July 15, 2010, at the KOFIC Namyangju Studios located in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. The film was distributed by Lotte Entertainment and has a runtime of 91 minutes.

Cast

Cheon Ho-Jin as Min-ho
Yu Hae-Jin as Sang-eop
Seo Hyo-Rim as Nurse Ha
Lee Jeong-Hun as Professor Choi
Ra Mi-Ran as Head Nurse
Kim Seo-Hyung as Department Chief Baek

Reception and Festivals

Desire to Kill was screened at several international film festivals, including the 31st Fantasporto International Film Festival in 2011, where it received the Special Jury Award for the Orient Express section. It was also presented at the Imagine: Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival, the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, and the Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival.

Lee Jeong-Hun, who plays Professor Choi.

Kim Seo-Hyung, who plays Department Chief Baek.

Co-director Jo Won-Hee, who also appears as patient 1.