Something about Song Kang-ho’s face – as a presence he emits an innate likeability and charm. The guy has range, of course, and it’s always compelling when a likeable film presence plays someone whose actions are considerably unlikeable. Sympathy For Mr. Vengeance (2002) is the first of the unofficial “Vengeance” trilogy from South Korean director Park Chan-wook, alongside Old Boy and Sympathy for Lady Vengeance. Follows in the tradition of “chaotic universe” neo-noirs like Blood Simple where one poor decision or bad turn of luck compounds upon another and another, escalating until everyone is trapped in a world of hurt. Here, things feel sadder and more severe. Box-cutters and screw-drivers are used as weapons, and the innocent and pure of heart (the few there are in this movie) are crushed underfoot. Deaf and mute factory worker, Ryu (Shin Ha-kyun) needs money for a kidney transplant – his sister (Im Ji-eun) will die without one. So Ryu and his Marxist girlfriend Yeong-mi (Bae Donna) hatch a plan to kidnap the daughter of a wealthy engineer (Kang-ho) and use the ransom to pay for the operation. Everyone has the best of intentions – in their plan, no one will die – and yet… All the major players have a sympathetic streak, yet as one dark turn initiates a counter response, heinous actions are committed in the name of vengeance. An ultimate “bad vibes” time at the movies with a class-conscious streak, demonstrating Chan-wook and his collaborators’ command of framing and pacing, withholding information and cutting at moments to heighten suspense. There are no real elaborate action sequences – just scenes that puncture with impact. Great performances from the main trio of actors – Kang-ho, Ha-kyun and Donna – gifting traces of soul to the nihilistic plot turns. Amazing as well to clock so many key shots and moments of mise en scene that Tarantino would whole-sale lift and “homage” into his films like Inglourious Basterds. Available to stream on Criterion Collection. Recommended.
VHS Tracking 