Review of Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (2002) by Hillary M — 23 Jun 2013

For two men, wronged in their own way, vengeance is the only recourse they can now envision. This is the first of three vengeance films directed by Chan Wook Park the other two being Oldboy and Sympathy for Lady Vengeance. The talk of violence in this film is overstated as the film only boasts a select few graphic sequences, certainly Oldboy is far more graphic and bleak. Perhaps it being the second of his trilogy he has moved towards perfecting his study, it is considered the best of the three. We are shown how people in different circumstances are pushed down unfortunate paths, the film clearly understands the good in people even if it must also acknowledge their potential for destruction.

"I know you're a good guy... but you know why I have to kill you...".