The first film by Park Chan-wook I saw was The Handmaiden via Amazon Studios.
In Japanese-occupied Korea, a con man operating under the sobriquet of “Count Fujiwara” plans to seduce a Japanese heiress named Lady Hideko, then marry her and commit her to an asylum to steal her inheritance. He hires a pickpocket named Sook-hee to become Hideko’s maid and encourage Hideko to marry him.
Sensual, mysterious, intriguing, the movie is rather captivating with classic film noir elements. “The Handmaiden” is a visually stunning and erotically charged thriller set in 1930s Korea. It’s a complex story of love, betrayal, and deception with twists that will keep you guessing. The film is beautifully shot with incredible attention to detail, and the performances are top-notch. However, it’s definitely not for everyone due to its explicit sexual content and mature themes. If you’re looking for a visually captivating and thought-provoking film with a dark and twisted story, “The Handmaiden” is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for some intense and explicit scenes.
The Vengeance Trilogy
I kept seeing the film “Oldboy” show up on movie suggestion lists and decided to check it out. What a ride! You never are exactly sure where the story is going and it becomes more and more horrifying right up to the end as the moral lesson of the dangers of revenge are reveals.
The “Vengeance Trilogy” is a thematically linked series of three South Korean films directed by Park Chan-wook: Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (2002), Oldboy (2003), and Lady Vengeance (2005). While the films don’t share the same characters or plot in a traditional serial format, they explore similar themes of revenge, its cyclical nature, and its devastating consequences.
Each film presents a distinct perspective on the act of vengeance, examining the motivations behind it, the methods employed, and the ultimate cost to those involved.
They are known for their stylish visuals, complex narratives, and unflinching portrayal of violence. It’s important to note that while thematically linked, each film stands alone as a powerful and impactful work.
Out of the three films, Olboy (2003) stands out and is considered one of the best films of all time. It sets up two storylines of characters seeking revenge against each other and the tragic results for the innocents around them.
‘Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance’ – The sister of a simple and deaf factory worker, Ryu, falls ill and needs a kidney transplant, however he is not a match so he looks to the black market which he can’t afford. After being fired from his job, his rebel girlfriend suggests that he kidnap the child of his former boss, Park. When the girl accidentally dies, her father seeks vengeance for her death.
‘Oldboy’ – Park Chan-Wook’s classic genre-defining revenge tale of a man who’s wrongly been imprisoned for 15 years and is then suddenly released. Given money and a cell phone, he’s challenged to discover who incarcerated him in the first place, but he only has five days to uncover the truth. Even with a mysterious young girl to help him, his tortures have just begun. Cannes-winner championed by Tarantino, OLDBOY regularly appeared in top ten best movie polls across the country and is listed as one of the all-time best films as rated by IMDB users.
‘Lady Vengeance’ – After being wrongfully convicted of kidnapping and murdering a young child, a beautiful young woman (Lee Young-ae) is imprisoned for 13 years. While in prison she gains the respect and loyalty of her fellow cellmates, all the while plotting her vendetta on the man responsible (OLDBOY’s Choi Min-Sik). Upon her release she sets in motion an elaborate plan of retribution, but what she discovers is a truth so horrifying, even revenge doesn’t seem punishment enough.
Eastern Take On The Revenge Narrative
It’s worth noting that while the Vengeance Trilogy expose the dangers of taking the idea of vengence too far, in Western films revenge is often celebrated. The hero typically ends up bloodied and hurt at the end but not remorseful.
The Vengeance Trilogy, while fitting within the broad genre of revenge films, distinguishes itself from many Western revenge narratives in several key ways:
- Emphasis on Sympathy and Complexity: While Western revenge films often focus on a clear-cut hero seeking righteous retribution against a villain, the Vengeance Trilogy explores the moral ambiguity of revenge. The characters, even those driven by understandable grievances, are often flawed and their actions have devastating consequences, blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator. The films often elicit a degree of sympathy for even the “villainous” characters, exploring the circumstances that led them to their actions. Western films, on the other hand, often present a more simplified morality.
- Focus on the Cycle of Violence: The trilogy emphasizes how revenge begets further revenge, creating a destructive cycle that consumes everyone involved. Rather than providing catharsis, the acts of vengeance often lead to more suffering and leave a lingering sense of emptiness. Western films sometimes offer a sense of closure or justice being served, even if through violent means.
- Stylistic and Visual Storytelling: Park Chan-wook’s films are renowned for their distinctive visual style, characterized by striking cinematography, unconventional camera angles, and a blend of beauty and brutality. This aesthetic approach elevates the films beyond simple revenge narratives and adds layers of meaning. Western revenge films tend to rely more on straightforward narrative and action.
- Exploration of Social and Cultural Context: The Vengeance Trilogy is deeply rooted in Korean culture and explores themes of social inequality, class struggle, and the impact of societal pressures on individuals. These cultural nuances add depth and complexity to the narratives. While Western revenge films can also address social issues, the focus is often less specific to a particular cultural context.
- Ambiguity and Lack of Resolution: The endings of the films in the trilogy are often ambiguous and leave the audience with lingering questions. They don’t necessarily provide a sense of closure or resolution, reflecting the messy and inconclusive nature of revenge. Western revenge films often offer a more definitive ending, even if it’s a violent one.
- Less Emphasis on Action: While the Vengeance Trilogy contains violence, it’s not always the primary focus. The films prioritize character development, psychological exploration, and the emotional toll of revenge. Western revenge films often prioritize action and spectacle.
In essence, the Vengeance Trilogy offers a more nuanced, complex, and morally ambiguous take on the revenge narrative compared to many Western films in the genre. It delves into the psychological and social ramifications of vengeance, leaving the audience to grapple with the consequences of violent actions and the cyclical nature of retribution.
Western Revenge Movies for Comparison
Ah, revenge movies! A classic genre with so many flavors. Here are some of the best Hollywood revenge flicks, spanning different styles and eras:
For the Action Junkie:
- John Wick (2014): This modern classic launched a franchise and redefined Keanu Reeves’ career. It’s a stylish, visceral, and surprisingly emotional revenge story about a retired hitman seeking vengeance for the death of his dog (and yes, it’s as awesome as it sounds).
- Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & 2 (2003/2004): Quentin Tarantino’s two-part martial arts epic is a wild ride of stylized violence, memorable characters, and killer dialogue. Uma Thurman is iconic as the Bride, a former assassin seeking revenge on her former boss and his crew.
- Taken (2008): Liam Neeson solidified his “action dad” persona in this thriller about a retired CIA operative who uses his “particular set of skills” to rescue his kidnapped daughter. It’s a simple but effective revenge story with intense action.
For the Gritty and Grimy:
- Death Wish (1974): A controversial but influential film starring Charles Bronson as a man who becomes a vigilante after his wife is murdered. It’s a dark and disturbing exploration of grief, anger, and the desire for justice.
- The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976): Clint Eastwood directs and stars in this Western about a Missouri farmer who seeks revenge on the Union soldiers who murdered his family. It’s a classic revenge tale with a moral compass, exploring the complexities of the Civil War.
- Man on Fire (2004): Denzel Washington delivers a powerful performance as a former CIA operative who seeks vengeance on the kidnappers of a young girl he was hired to protect. It’s a brutal and emotional thriller with a strong moral center.