Review of Vengeance Is Mine (1979) by Keenan S — 05 Apr 2018
Vengeance is Mine is a chilling portrait of a killer tinged with moments of dark humor. Iwao Enokizu is a man who seems rather mundane at first, until he one day brutally murders two of his co-workers and goes on a killing spree.
What makes this film so chilling is the performance by Ken Ogata as the main character who conveys charisma and charm at initial glance by his victims before the monster emerges to brutally murder them and steal their money before moving onto the next victim.
It's very believable and frightening. The story offers glimpses into his background, perhaps explaining some motives, but it also leaves an air of mystery as to why he would suddenly snap or perhaps had been harboring these motives for some time.
It also doesn't help that his own father has been having an affair with Enokizu's wife, leading to more dysfunction in the lives of the characters. This film never offers straight answers - only conjecture, critiques on society, human nature, and the terrifying nature of psychopathy.
It's a brilliant film that should be seen by adventurous viewers who like films that challenge their minds not only through themes, but also in toying with the viewer.
This review of Vengeance Is Mine (1979) was written by Keenan S on 05 Apr 2018.
Vengeance Is Mine has generally received very positive reviews.
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