Lady Vengeance (2005)

Last updated:
October 16, 2024

Detailed Summary

Geum-ja’s Release from Prison

The film begins with Lee Geum-ja (played by Lee Young-ae) being released from prison after serving 13 years for kidnapping and murdering a young boy, a crime she did not commit. She emerges as a changed woman, determined to take revenge on the man responsible for her wrongful imprisonment: Mr. Baek (played by Choi Min-sik).

Her time in prison is explored through flashbacks, revealing how she cultivated a reputation for kindness and gained the trust of her fellow inmates, all while plotting her revenge.

Building a Network of Allies

Geum-ja carefully assembles a group of people from her prison days to help execute her plan. Each of them owes her a favor from the time she helped them during their incarceration. Her meticulous plotting and methodical preparations form the backbone of the movie’s narrative. She presents herself as reformed, but beneath her seemingly kind and gentle demeanor lies a deep thirst for vengeance.

The Truth About the Crime

As the plot unfolds, we learn that Geum-ja was coerced into confessing to the crime by Mr. Baek, a sadistic kindergarten teacher who used her to cover up his own series of child murders. Geum-ja had no choice but to comply due to threats against her infant daughter, who was later adopted by an Australian family.

The mystery deepens as Geum-ja discovers the horrifying extent of Mr. Baek’s crimes. Her desire for personal revenge turns into a moral quest to deliver justice for all the victims.

The Families’ Revenge

In a shocking and unique twist, instead of taking revenge on Mr. Baek herself, Geum-ja gathers the families of his child victims. She offers them a chance to decide his fate. In an emotionally charged and morally complex sequence, the families take turns exacting their own brutal form of justice on the killer. It is a dark commentary on the consequences of revenge and the toll it takes on everyone involved.

Redemption or Revenge?

The film’s finale revolves around Geum-ja’s internal struggle. While she achieves her goal, she is haunted by the question of whether vengeance has truly brought her peace or redemption. The symbolic use of a white cake covered in red icing (blood) and her interactions with her now-teenage daughter underscore this theme. In the end, she buries her face in the cake, seemingly seeking purification from the bloodshed and guilt that has consumed her.

Movie Ending

In the end, Lady Vengeance leaves viewers pondering whether Geum-ja finds peace. After the act of vengeance, she reconnects with her daughter, who has her own unresolved feelings toward her mother. The final moments of the film show Geum-ja emotionally overwhelmed, suggesting that the satisfaction of revenge may never truly erase the pain or the weight of her decisions.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

There is no post-credits scene.

Type of Movie

Lady Vengeance is a psychological thriller that blends elements of crime drama, mystery, and revenge. It is dark, complex, and thought-provoking, delving into themes of guilt, redemption, and moral justice.

Cast

Lee Young-ae as Lee Geum-ja: The main protagonist, driven by revenge and guilt.
Choi Min-sik as Mr. Baek: The sadistic antagonist responsible for the child murders.
Kwon Yea-young as Jenny: Geum-ja’s daughter, who was adopted by an Australian family.
Kim Si-hoo as Geun-shik: A young man who helps Geum-ja with her revenge plot.

Film Music and Composer

The hauntingly beautiful score was composed by Choi Seung-hyun. The music masterfully blends classical pieces with original compositions, enhancing the emotional depth of the story. Notably, a version of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” is featured, bringing a tragic elegance to key scenes.

Filming Locations

Most of the movie was filmed in South Korea, with key scenes set in urban areas, including Geum-ja’s release from prison and her search for revenge in the city. The prison scenes are set in a realistic facility, while some emotionally critical scenes were filmed in scenic, wintry landscapes that symbolize Geum-ja’s quest for purity and redemption.

Geum-ja’s daughter’s life in Australia is also depicted briefly, contrasting the cold, dark tones of South Korea with a warmer, sunnier environment that represents the innocence lost.

Awards and Nominations

Blue Dragon Film Awards: Best Actress (Lee Young-ae), Best Director (Park Chan-wook)
Venice Film Festival: Golden Lion Nomination
Grand Bell Awards: Best Actress (Lee Young-ae)

Although Lady Vengeance didn’t sweep international awards, it was highly praised for its unique style and performances, especially Lee Young-ae’s portrayal of Geum-ja.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Park Chan-wook originally intended to cast a different actress but chose Lee Young-ae after seeing her portrayal of purity in Jewel in the Palace (a popular TV series), which contrasted with Geum-ja’s darker side.
To accurately depict her character’s change in appearance, Lee Young-ae underwent significant weight loss for the role.
Park Chan-wook shot two different versions of the film, one in full color and another that slowly desaturates into black and white, reflecting Geum-ja’s moral descent.

Inspirations and References

The film is inspired by Park Chan-wook’s earlier vengeance-themed works. It loosely follows the classic tale of a wronged individual seeking retribution. The director mentioned Medea, a woman who takes violent revenge, as a thematic influence.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no widely known alternate endings, but Park Chan-wook did film multiple versions of certain scenes, such as the final moment between Geum-ja and her daughter. The black-and-white version of the film offers a more artistic, alternate presentation of the same narrative.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While Lady Vengeance is not directly based on a book, the character-driven plot and themes of vengeance and moral complexity echo elements from classic literature, such as Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

The haunting prison flashbacks, where Geum-ja’s mix of kindness and manipulation is revealed.
The shocking scene where Geum-ja offers the families of the victims the opportunity to exact revenge on Mr. Baek.
The final confrontation between Geum-ja and Mr. Baek in his hideout.

Iconic Quotes

Geum-ja: “Be white. Live white. Like that tofu.”
Mr. Baek: “No matter how much you hate me, I hate myself more.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The character of Mr. Baek shares the same last name as Oh Dae-su, the protagonist from Oldboy, suggesting a thematic connection across the trilogy.
The angelic imagery surrounding Geum-ja—often depicted in pure white clothing—contrasts with her inner moral corruption.
In a nod to previous films, the name of the bakery Geum-ja works at is similar to a location in Oldboy.

Trivia

Park Chan-wook originally intended to name the movie Kind-Hearted Geum-ja to contrast with the violent acts she commits.
Lee Young-ae’s performance in Lady Vengeance marked a significant departure from her usual roles in more wholesome dramas.
The movie was partly inspired by real-life child abduction cases in South Korea.

Why Watch?

If you’re a fan of psychological dramas, morally complex characters, and intense, visually stunning storytelling, Lady Vengeance is a must-watch. The film offers a deep dive into the themes of justice, revenge, and redemption—and does so with Park Chan-wook’s signature style and emotional weight.