Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance
I hadn't seen Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Part 1 of the Park's Vengeance trilogy, and finally treated myself to it. Hollywood remakes are being discussed for both part 2 (OldBoy) and 3 (Lady Vengeance). Even though this isn't a martial arts film per se, Park is a maverick, and given that the other two parts in the trilogy have their own threads, I'm starting this for completion's sake.
It was inspired filmmaking for sure. But ****...what a ****ed up tale. Nevertheless, I love Park's way of moving a camera to tell a story. I was completely engaged all the way through. The characters were all reprehensible, yet sympathetic on some level. The story arcs wove together into a noteworthy quilt of depravity. It lacked the amazing fight scene of OB, but not the bloodiness by any means. No sword fights but some gritty knifings, mondo bat bashing and a satisfying arterial spray.
It's on my Top Ten Korean Films List
Glad to see you're enjoying another one of the HH recommendations list, War or Arrows, Man from Nowhere, this trilogy, and of course Old Boy are all examples of South Korea's outstanding film industry.
Their plots and characters are complex, action sequences top notch, and there is definitely a twisted side to the Korean revenge themed movies. Check out all three when you get time...you won't be disappointed.
Here is my is list: http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/foru...ad.php?t=64200
