Tartan | Release Date: April 28, 2006
8.0
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 95 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
82
Mixed:
9
Negative:
4
Watch Now
Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Review this movie
VOTE NOW
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Check box if your review contains spoilers 0 characters (5000 max)
10
AaronM.Aug 16, 2006
Incredibly powerful and intensley emotional storytelling. Pefect in a very dark, disturbing way that all drama should strive to be.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
2
ChrisJ.Oct 11, 2006
An extremely confusing and disjointed film. Twenty minutes into it I was looking at the time. Park should have steered clear of doing a flashback style movie. He flounders.
1 of 4 users found this helpful
6
[Anonymous]Oct 2, 2006
A high-brow melodrama.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
9
mattb.Nov 6, 2006
Not at all confusing, honestly. i have seen it several times and wrote a paper on it, and had no problem with it in my first viewing. if you have seen his other movies, the themes (isolation, loneliness, technology, media, revenge, futility) Not at all confusing, honestly. i have seen it several times and wrote a paper on it, and had no problem with it in my first viewing. if you have seen his other movies, the themes (isolation, loneliness, technology, media, revenge, futility) are all the same and still relevant. the third act is as gruesome as it is moving. stunning use of mood and color. the female lead and her situation adds a new wrinkle to the trilogy and makes it unique in comparison to the other, too. see it!! Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
MarcK.Nov 9, 2006
The first hour is extremely disjointed and hard to follow, and I almost turned it off. Thankfully, I hung in there, the movie became more linear, and it was magnificent! Very interesting, creative, and visually stylish.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
DarkeverJul 15, 2006
An overlook on the concept of vengeance, seen as both sin and act of justice. The contrapposition in Guan-Ju between her research for purity and her desire for vengeance is deep and well rapresented by the character, even if the second one An overlook on the concept of vengeance, seen as both sin and act of justice. The contrapposition in Guan-Ju between her research for purity and her desire for vengeance is deep and well rapresented by the character, even if the second one is clearly dominating. I didn't see the first two chapters of the trilogy, but I liked this one anyway. A good movie, still not over a 7,5 vote. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
RG.Jan 16, 2007
A little slower than oldboy but a great finish to his triliogy. movie takes its time to gather its forces and then get in its flow. didnt like the flashback style and first but then expecting it made it very stylistic tack on the themes of a A little slower than oldboy but a great finish to his triliogy. movie takes its time to gather its forces and then get in its flow. didnt like the flashback style and first but then expecting it made it very stylistic tack on the themes of a modern man and this movie hits all the right emotional highs. in the end i thought the style represents shards of humanity in a disjointed way. some very impressive scenes with great music that stick to you after the movie. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
SteveK.Apr 11, 2007
The movie drags its feet with an inevitable, merciless, and drawn out revenge. Much more complex in its exploration of revenge and its consequences than Oldboy, but a much less interesting plot. Geum-jah's brilliant plot for revenge is The movie drags its feet with an inevitable, merciless, and drawn out revenge. Much more complex in its exploration of revenge and its consequences than Oldboy, but a much less interesting plot. Geum-jah's brilliant plot for revenge is a Count of Monte Cristo wanna-be that feels hollow, underdeveloped, and under-explained. Less shock, less plot, but more emotionally moving than Oldboy. Its an exhausting and disturbing movie, that's worth a look, but Park could have paced this movie a lot better and kept it from sputtering to its clumsy, unresolved end. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
BenMay 12, 2006
Seriously now, there's nothing quite like Park Chan-wook's masterful revenge trilogy. Holding this film up to Sympathy for Mr. Vengence and Oldboy is inevitable... but this film stands on its own two feet way above any film that Seriously now, there's nothing quite like Park Chan-wook's masterful revenge trilogy. Holding this film up to Sympathy for Mr. Vengence and Oldboy is inevitable... but this film stands on its own two feet way above any film that has been released so far this year. More comedic and equally just as tragic as his two past revenge films, Mr. Chan-wook has created a wonderfully visual and dramatic piece of art that I believe will be honored for years to come. BRAVO! magnificent theater. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
moonman1994Jun 19, 2013
The film is very interesting especially in the way that it handles the flashback sequences. The major problem with this film is the fact that the ending doesn't really seem to fit with the rest of the film. Also the ending makes it seem likeThe film is very interesting especially in the way that it handles the flashback sequences. The major problem with this film is the fact that the ending doesn't really seem to fit with the rest of the film. Also the ending makes it seem like less of a revenge film and makes all the prison flashbacks seemingly less important. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
Nesbitt10Jul 13, 2013
"Lady Vengeance" is an unsettling mix of stylish visuals, surreal fantasy, and shocking violence. Chan-wook Park's "Lady Vengeance" is the third and final installment of his "Vengeance Trilogy," which are linked by theme only--not literal"Lady Vengeance" is an unsettling mix of stylish visuals, surreal fantasy, and shocking violence. Chan-wook Park's "Lady Vengeance" is the third and final installment of his "Vengeance Trilogy," which are linked by theme only--not literal sequels. Park positively revels in the artistic possibilities of good old-fashioned badness. Beyond the unsettling storyline, violence, and bloodshed-- there lies a splendor of exceptional film making by Park, and a marvelous performance by Yeong-ae Lee to appreciate. Anyone who has enjoyed the filmmaker's previous works will appreciate what this film has to offer.

After thirteen and half years in prison for kidnapping and murdering a young boy, Geum-ja Lee (Lee) is released from prison and tries to fix her life. She finds a job in a bakery; orders the manufacturing of a special weapon; reunites with her daughter, who was adopted by an Australian family; and plots her revenge against the real killer of the young boy, a English teacher named Mr. Baek (Choi Min-sik.) Geum-ja Lee enlists the aid of her prior inmates and friends, who had come to recognize her for her kindness and caring while incarcerated, and are all too willing to assist in her revenge. Geum-ja is after gruesome justice of a distinctly personal nature. It's her overwhelming grief and anger, and her unwavering conviction in an act she knows will taint her beyond redemption, which in turn gives her obsessive odyssey its intensity.

Reflecting on the "Vengeance trilogy," it becomes apparent that each film focuses on a different aspect of revenge. In "Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance," (2002) Park highlights the irony of vengeance, and how the violent and impulsive acts of the main characters all stem from love. "Oldboy" (2003) focuses on the madness inherent in the quest for vengeance. Finally, "Lady Vengeance" is about salvation and the morality behind the need for vengeance. As the final film of the theme based trilogy--"Lady Vengeance" comes across as a combination of its predecessors, with slick cinematography, gorgeous production design, and a wonderful musical score.

The self-imposed sentence served is utterly brutal and gruesome, and yet unconventionally satisfying. Revenge is a dish best served cold, but only enjoyed when shared by a group of like-minded diners, accompanied by a classical Vivaldi score for a final banquet of closure.
Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
Meth-dudeFeb 20, 2019
With a beautifully told story, great cinematography, good acting performances and interesting characters, Lady Revenge, arguably the most obscure movie out of the whole "Vengeance Trilogy", is a great revenge flick. If you liked the previousWith a beautifully told story, great cinematography, good acting performances and interesting characters, Lady Revenge, arguably the most obscure movie out of the whole "Vengeance Trilogy", is a great revenge flick. If you liked the previous two movies in the trilogy, you'll enjoy this one for sure. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
Xan_RyilDec 3, 2015
Lady Vengeance is a powerful movie which starts just like any other movie. With flashbacks which introduces new characters. Then it starts making a shape which is not much different then many of the revenge movies. However, it really getsLady Vengeance is a powerful movie which starts just like any other movie. With flashbacks which introduces new characters. Then it starts making a shape which is not much different then many of the revenge movies. However, it really gets interesting during last half an hour. Revenge for yourself is not enough, let other serve this dish at the best of the time. Yet it finds little comic moments. There are some questions which are left unanswered as is the ending confusing but it is very satisfying with it's climax which is brutal yet clean and impressive. Most powerful of all the the direction and acting. Every one on screen has been marvellous. Cinematography also needs a mention so does the editing. Background score is very experimental and could be held single mean of amusement in the movie. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
9
BroyaxJan 3, 2019
Dernier volet de la trilogie vengeresse de Park Chan-wook, Lady Vengeance est moins dingue, moins excentrique que le premier, plus rythmé que le second mais le plus tire-larmes des trois... et en même temps, le plus élégant. Il est aussi leDernier volet de la trilogie vengeresse de Park Chan-wook, Lady Vengeance est moins dingue, moins excentrique que le premier, plus rythmé que le second mais le plus tire-larmes des trois... et en même temps, le plus élégant. Il est aussi le plus contrasté puisqu'après sa première partie extrêmement grinçante (et pour tout dire ponctuée de moments hilarants, c'est-à-dire d'une cruauté jubilatoire), la seconde est d'un pathos terrifiant...

Le réalisateur met ainsi la douleur de la perte littéralement à nu, cette souffrance morale inextinguible et inexpugnable des victimes dont la rage la plus froide espère une rédemption, que la vengeance daignera leur accorder ou non... Il souligne également avec beaucoup de justesse le moteur que constitue le désir de vengeance, puis le désespoir qui lui succède... Oui, c'est une tristesse infinie que nous dépeint à la fin le cinéaste coréen... avec peut-être un tout petit espoir. Eventuellement.

L'actrice principale est exceptionnelle d'intensité dans sa colère rentrée, sa haine mais aussi sa dépression, sa culpabilité et ferait sans aucun doute un sujet de choix pour la psychanalyse tout entière. Quel brio et quelle magnifique névrose... que la belle musique de facture très classique souligne encore un peu plus, si besoin était. On peut regretter cependant que la narration soit quelque peu décousue avec beaucoup de retours en arrière et parfois une ou deux séquences un peu confuses (la gamine avec ses parents adoptifs vers la fin ?).

En tout cas, la mise en scène reste originale et souvent percutante tant dans ses excès d'ironie au vitriol que dans le mélodrame pour finalement un film très émouvant et une sorte de fable sur la vengeance, laquelle comme un certain argent ne fait certainement pas le bonheur... mais semble y contribuer... à sa façon comme une violente thérapie peut-être plus redoutable encore que le mal qu'elle est censée... "soigner".
Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
9
TheEventsOf1989Jan 19, 2020
This story is packed with potently sympathetic moments, and it contains one of the best female protagonists of all time.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
9
panther49Mar 3, 2023
An incredible Count of Monte Cristo story with an absolute top-notch soundtrack. Easily rewatchable as the director does not insult the audience; its non-linear approach can be difficult to follow, but there's so many details throughout theAn incredible Count of Monte Cristo story with an absolute top-notch soundtrack. Easily rewatchable as the director does not insult the audience; its non-linear approach can be difficult to follow, but there's so many details throughout the movie that demand repeated viewings. The difficult-to-watch scenes are quickly offset by scenes of revenge, satisfying baroque-style music, and excellently framed imagery. Geum-ja Lee is a powerful female character. She has many flaws and her actions vary from morally questionable to straight up murder, but there's never a doubt in her reasoning.

Some cuts are kind of odd and the musical themes could have been spaced out a bit more at parts, but this remains one of my favorite films.
Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews