The film "The Assassin(s)" is earning cinematic acclaim at film festivals around the world.

Having been invited to the Gala Presentations section of the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, "The Assassin(s)" kicked off its global journey by selling out all public screenings and being named a runner-up for the People's Choice Award.

Following this, the film drew international attention after being invited in succession to the 28th Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival, the 37th Singapore International Film Festival, the 21st Paris Korean Film Festival, the 46th Hawaii International Film Festival, and the 29th Philadelphia Film Festival. In particular, it was selected as the opening film for the Paris Korean Film Festival, generating significant buzz by selling out all seats within three minutes of ticket sales opening.

Reactions following local screenings have been overwhelmingly positive. The Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival evaluated "The Assassin(s)" as a work "with exciting directing and the potential of a box-office hit," while at the Singapore International Film Festival, anticipation for the opening film turned into acclaim following its screening. A programmer for the festival stated, "For our opening film, we wanted a blockbuster with an overwhelming scale that simultaneously brought to life the distinct sensibility and individuality of an auteur director. Looking at the audience's response, we believe 'The Assassin(s)' fully lived up to those expectations."

Indian actor and director Aamir Khan, who is widely beloved by Korean audiences for "3 Idiots" and "Dangal," also shared his deep impression after watching the film. He delivered high praise, saying, "I was truly deeply moved. It is an extraordinarily powerful film, and I believe the message this movie seeks to remind us of is very important. I extend my sincere congratulations to the director, producers, and all the production staff who created such a wonderful piece of work."

The Paris Korean Film Festival likewise showered the film with praise, noting, "'The Assassin(s)' continues the lineage of great crime and journalism thrillers in cinema history. The relentlessly unfolding investigative drama grips the audience as if locking them into their seats throughout the running time, never letting go for even a single moment. The film emphasizes the importance of freedom of expression that both the press and the public ought to enjoy during turbulent times, guiding us into the past to shed a sharper light on today's reality." Chief programmer David Tredler added his praise for the festival's meaningful opening film, stating, "Director Hur Jin-ho's 'The Assassin(s)' is a breathtakingly immersive investigative thriller that brilliantly weaves together multiple narrative threads. Tense from start to finish throughout its two hours and ten minutes, this fast-paced film will powerfully usher in the opening of the 21st Paris Korean Film Festival."

"The Assassin(s)" has surpassed its break-even point of approximately 3.3 million admissions and is now on the verge of crossing 3.5 million. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)