Detailed Summary
Introduction: Ryu’s Desperation
The story follows Ryu (Shin Ha-kyun), a deaf-mute factory worker who is trying to save his sister, who needs a kidney transplant. After being cheated by black-market organ dealers, who take his money and one of his kidneys without delivering the needed kidney for his sister, Ryu becomes desperate.
Unable to find a legitimate donor and lacking financial resources, Ryu and his anarchist girlfriend Yeong-mi (Bae Doona) hatch a desperate plan: they decide to kidnap Yoo-sun, the young daughter of Ryu’s former boss, Dong-jin (Song Kang-ho), a successful businessman.
The Kidnapping Gone Wrong
What begins as a seemingly “safe” kidnapping spirals out of control when Yoo-sun accidentally drowns while under Ryu’s care. The tragic event devastates both Ryu and Dong-jin. The loss of the child propels Dong-jin into a deep thirst for vengeance, and he embarks on a ruthless hunt for the people responsible for his daughter’s death.
Dong-jin’s Revenge
The movie shifts its focus to Dong-jin as he seeks revenge against Ryu and Yeong-mi. His transformation from a grieving father to a cold-blooded avenger is chilling, as he captures Ryu and tortures him in a cold, methodical manner. The film masterfully depicts how grief can turn a person into something unrecognizable.
Ryu’s Vengeance
Despite his own culpability in Yoo-sun’s death, Ryu is driven by his own desire for revenge after his sister, stricken with guilt over the kidnapping, commits suicide. Ryu then focuses his rage on the organ traffickers who cheated him, resulting in an incredibly violent sequence where he exacts his revenge.
The Final Showdown
The film concludes with a harrowing face-off between Dong-jin and Ryu, both consumed by their need for vengeance. This violent and heart-wrenching climax serves as a commentary on the cyclical nature of revenge, with no one emerging as the clear victor. The ending is bleak, leaving the audience to reflect on the devastation left in the wake of vengeance.
Movie Ending
The film ends tragically with both Ryu and Dong-jin succumbing to their vengeful pursuits. After killing Ryu, Dong-jin is confronted by a group of anarchists connected to Yeong-mi. In a cruel twist of fate, they kill him, ensuring that the cycle of vengeance remains unbroken. The film’s ending reinforces the central theme: vengeance begets more vengeance, and there is no resolution or redemption.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance does not feature any post-credits scenes. The movie’s grim tone remains consistent throughout, and the ending is definitive.
Type of Movie
Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance is a psychological thriller with heavy elements of drama and crime. It’s a revenge movie that leans into dark, moral complexity, exploring the consequences of violence and justice.
Cast
- Shin Ha-kyun as Ryu
- Song Kang-ho as Park Dong-jin
- Bae Doona as Cha Yeong-mi
- Im Ji-eun as Ryu’s sister
- Han Bo-bae as Yoo-sun
Film Music and Composer
The haunting and minimalistic score for the film was composed by Jo Yeong-wook, who is known for his work in other Korean films, especially with Park Chan-wook. The music complements the bleak and intense mood of the film, enhancing the emotional weight of the story’s darker moments.
Filming Locations
The film was shot primarily in Seoul, South Korea, with many scenes taking place in industrial areas and gritty, urban locations. These settings reflect the economic struggles of the characters and add a grimy, oppressive atmosphere to the narrative. The cityscape is used to emphasize themes of isolation, desperation, and the suffocating nature of urban life.
Awards and Nominations
While Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance did not win major international awards, it gained a cult following and significant critical acclaim, particularly for its innovative storytelling and striking visual style. The film is regarded as a key work in Park Chan-wook’s career and a major influence on the South Korean cinema landscape.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Park Chan-wook initially intended to explore the concept of revenge from multiple perspectives, which is why he created an entire trilogy centered around it.
- The film’s raw depiction of violence was intended to feel naturalistic, avoiding glorification.
- Shin Ha-kyun and Song Kang-ho had to endure physically demanding scenes, especially the torture sequences, which were emotionally taxing to film.
- The intense scenes between Ryu and Dong-jin were shot with minimal dialogue to emphasize their emotional turmoil and sense of isolation.
Inspirations and References
The film was inspired by classic revenge films and novels but also by real-life tragedies involving family members who sought retribution. Park Chan-wook’s desire was to create a film that looked at the ethical and psychological costs of vengeance rather than simply making a typical action-driven revenge thriller.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no official alternate endings or significant deleted scenes for the film. Park Chan-wook crafted a tight narrative, and the film’s bleak ending is essential to its message about the futility of revenge.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film is not based on a specific book, though its themes echo classic literature about revenge, such as Shakespeare’s tragedies and works like The Count of Monte Cristo. The exploration of moral ambiguity and the consequences of vengeance is a thematic link to many revenge stories throughout literature.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The brutal scene where Ryu retrieves his sister’s body from the river, signifying his deep loss and sense of failure.
- The heart-pounding moment when Yoo-sun accidentally drowns, changing the course of the story.
- The violent showdown between Dong-jin and Ryu, each seeking vengeance in their own way.
Iconic Quotes
- Yeong-mi: “You’re worse than I am, you know. You always have been.”
- Dong-jin: “Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The anarchist group led by Yeong-mi contains several subtle references to historical revolutionaries, such as Che Guevara.
- The river that features prominently in the film symbolizes the irreversibility of the characters’ actions and the flow of consequences.
- In the factory scenes, the mechanical, industrial noises are used as a way to represent Ryu’s internal turmoil in the absence of traditional dialogue or sound design.
Trivia
- Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance was Park Chan-wook’s least commercially successful film in Korea upon its release, but it has since become a cult classic.
- The film was part of Park Chan-wook’s effort to explore revenge from different angles, which led to the creation of Oldboy (2003) and Lady Vengeance (2005).
- Song Kang-ho, who plays Dong-jin, has been a frequent collaborator with Park Chan-wook and is one of Korea’s most renowned actors.
Why Watch?
If you enjoy intense, character-driven thrillers that explore the depths of human emotion, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance is a must-watch. It’s not just a revenge movie—it’s a meditation on grief, desperation, and the unintended consequences of violence. The film’s stark realism, haunting visuals, and compelling performances make it a standout in the genre.
Director’s Other Movies
- Oldboy (2003)
- Lady Vengeance (2005)
- The Handmaiden (2016)
- Thirst (2009)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Oldboy (2003)
- I Saw the Devil (2010)
- Lady Vengeance (2005)
- Memories of Murder (2003)
- Blue Ruin (2013)
