Review of Lady Vengeance (2005) by Paul H — 27 May 2008

Though in my opinion this chapter in the thematically connected vengeance trilogy is the weakest link, it cannot be denied that it marked somewhat of an evolution in Chan-Wook's directing style and the overall style and ability of his team. The execution and beautiful, glossy feel of this are a triumph of film, transcending Chan-Wook and his cinematographer's work on his previous endeavours to create something so visually pleasing, a remarkable achievement given that this is at very base a crime thriller/drama and not a period piece or a costume drama.

There is no mistaking that this is a masterpiece of a technical achievement, but as the climax of the seminal vengeance trilogy this fell a little flat. Although it progressed the theme and highlighted the futility of revenge whilst delivering an arguably more upbeat resolution that succeeded in conveying the futility of revenge and the destructive toll it takes on one and those around you, it lacked the force and punch of both Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and the masterpiece of modern cinema that was Oldboy. Don't get me wrong though, this is still a poignant peice that will probably devastate you particulary if you are a parent. To digress, it's interesting to note that family is an important theme in all thee films, and happens to be the driving force behind all three.

No comlaints about the acting here, everything is apt, it just fades in comparison to its predecessors somewhat and the pace is a little uneven, the anticlimax, although necessary, brings the film to a halt.

Ultimately, better than 99% of the production line movies that roll out of Hollywood, but not the Jewel in the crown of the vengeance trilogy.