The Old Woman with the Knife (2025)
A razor-sharp Korean action thriller about an aging assassin whose deadliest enemy may be hiding within her own ranks.
The Old Woman with the Knife - Movie Information
- Original Title: 파과
- Release Year: 2025
- Directed by: Min Kyu-dong
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Mystery, Drama
- Runtime: 2h 3m
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean, English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 30, 2025 (South Korea - 15), May 16, 2025 (Canada)
- Alternative Titles: Pagwa (KR), پیرزن چاقو به دست (IR), Bıçaqlı Qoca Qadın (AZ), Старуха с ножом (RU)
- Production Companies: Soo Film
- Production Countries: South Korea
The Old Woman with the Knife - Plot
Aging assassin Hornclaw has seen it all, but she never expected to mentor a reckless rookie like Bullfight. As their unlikely bond deepens, cracks form in the underworld they navigate together. When Hornclaw discovers someone wants her dead, she's thrust into a deadly game of deception. With enemies closing in and trust in short supply, survival means staying sharp—both blade and mind.
The Old Woman with the Knife - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the tension unfold:
Now I see who you are.
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The Old Woman with the Knife - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Min Kyu-dong
Main Cast
- Lee Hye-young
- Kim Sung-cheol
- Yeon Woo-jin
- Kim Moo-yul
- Shin Sia
- Kim Kang-woo
- Choi Moo-seong
- Ok Ja-yeon
- Lee Hyun-gul
- Lee Yong-nyeo
Writers
- Min Kyu-dong
Producers
- Park Jae-sung
The Old Woman with the Knife - FAQs
Where can you watch The Old Woman with the Knife?
The Old Woman with the Knife is available to rent or buy digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for the most current regional availability and pricing options near you.
Is The Old Woman with the Knife based on a true story?
No, The Old Woman with the Knife is not based on a true story. It is adapted from the acclaimed South Korean novel 파과 (Pagwa) by Gu Byeong-mo, a fictional thriller that explores themes of aging, identity, and survival within a shadowy criminal underworld.
Who are the main actors in The Old Woman with the Knife?
The film stars Lee Hye-young as the veteran assassin Hornclaw and Kim Sung-cheol as her impulsive rookie partner Bullfight. The supporting cast includes Yeon Woo-jin, Kim Moo-yul, Kim Kang-woo, Ok Ja-yeon, Shin Sia, and Choi Moo-seong.
What is The Old Woman with the Knife about?
The film follows Hornclaw, an aging professional assassin who is forced to mentor a brash young recruit named Bullfight. When she learns that someone within her own organization has marked her for death, she must outmaneuver enemies while confronting her own mortality and complicated past.
Who directed The Old Woman with the Knife?
The Old Woman with the Knife was directed and written by Min Kyu-dong, a South Korean filmmaker known for his work across drama and genre cinema. He adapts Gu Byeong-mo's novel, bringing a measured, character-driven sensibility to the action thriller format.
Does The Old Woman with the Knife have a surprising ending?
The film builds toward a tense, emotionally resonant conclusion as Hornclaw's past and present collide. Without revealing specifics, the ending prioritizes character consequence over conventional action resolution, leaving viewers reflecting on themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and what it means to survive a life of violence.
When was The Old Woman with the Knife released?
The Old Woman with the Knife had its South Korean theatrical release on April 30, 2025, carrying a 15 age rating in that market. It subsequently opened in Canada on May 16, 2025, expanding its international reach beyond its home territory.
How long is The Old Woman with the Knife?
The Old Woman with the Knife has a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes (123 minutes). The film uses its runtime to balance action sequences with quieter character-driven moments, giving space to the evolving dynamic between Hornclaw and her rookie partner Bullfight.
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