June 23rd: SYMPATHY FOR LADY VENGEANCE (Park Chan-wook, 2005)

An ex-convict who served time for a murder she didn't commit seeks revenge on those responsible.

Writer-director Park Chan-wook was active in the cinema community of Seoul, South Korea, organizing screenings and becoming a published film writer. He supported his fledgling directing career with work as a critic, until his breakthrough Joint Security Area, which became the highest-grossing film in the country's history.

Park used his new-found clout to make his next film with less studio control, the grand guignol thriller Sympathy For Mr. Vengeance. While less of a success back home, its American admirers included Quentin Tarantino and Ain't It Cool News founder Harry Knowles, who promoted it heavily. Park followed this up with another revenge tale, Oldboy, which won a series of international awards (including the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival), and turned him into a worldwide success.

The final film in what would be termed the "Vengeance Trilogy" (though the films share no story elements) would take a significant turn by having a female protagonist, as well as delving deeper into the moral dilemma of revenge as well as the question of salvation.

To play his lead character, Park cast Korean star Lee Young-ae, up to this point known for playing wholesome roles. The rest of the cast is filled with local actors, many of whom appeared in Park's previous films.

Like its predecessors, the film features bravura camerawork and over-the-top, graphic violence. However, there is a significant increase in humor, making the finished work as much a black comedy as it is an action thriller.

Lady Vengeance premiered at the Venice Film Festival. Back in Korea, it received prominent nominations from various critics groups and publications, and wins for Best Film and Best Actress.

Running time is approx. 2 hrs.