Vicious cycles... we’ve all been subjected to them in one way, shape or another. Some may have even been life-threatening, even life-changing. But one thing is certain: “what goes around, comes around.” Such is the story of Ryu. A man who has gone through some very rough patches in his lifetime. Thank goodness his sister is there to share it with him. Now what would you say if I told you that Ryu’s sister is in need of a kidney transplant or she’ll die? Or, that her over-protective brother Ryu is completely deaf? I’d say you have a very interesting beginning to a rather tragic story. This is Sympathy For Mr. Vengeance. And as you’ll see, this movie carries a wicked one-two punch.

Ryu works in a factory where they make nuts and bolts and screws. He’s a hard worker..and he’ll do anything to help his sister – and I mean that literally. Ryu’s sister is dying and she needs to have a replacement kidney. Knowing this Ryu gets an idea.... There are things about this film that you’ll find funny (dark humor), and others that you’ll find twisted. The main thing to keep in mind is that revenge IS a dish best served cold. And there’s plenty of “serving” going on.

There are very explicit scenes regarding sex, self-love and even cruel punishment in the form of torture. If I were to tell you where in the movie you’ll see these things, I’d be wrecking it for you. As per the usual, I won’t reveal the entire story. This is one of those that you’ll have to actually WATCH. Again, this is a movie for ADULTS. Don’t have kids ANYWHERE near this movie. And now, back to Ryu, and how his world is about to change... Ryu is at the bathroom one day, and sees a sticker on the wall dealing with black market organ removal. This gets the wheels going in his head to help his sister. She needs a kidney, and he would most likely be the best candidate – seeing as how he’s family and all. He goes to the bank, empties out his life savings, and goes to visit the doctor for the operation. What happens next is only the beginning of his trip downward into the sea of problems. He’s knocked out, and when he wakes up, he’s naked, his money gone, and missing one kidney. The next day at work, Ryu’s supervisor reprimands him and (due to the fact that he’s technically deaf and dumb – Ryu can’t hear a word he’s saying.) he is fired from his job. Not having any money, no kidney for his sister, and now no income, Ryu becomes angry. Heads are going to roll, and someone’s going to pay for this.

Ryu’s girlfriend Yeung-mi is an extreme leftist, and concocts a plan to get Ryu the money needed for his sister’s operation. They decide to kidnap his ex-boss’ daughter and hold her for ransom. When the kidnapping goes horrifically awry, those involved will feel the most pain they’ve caused the others in the taste of bittersweet retribution. This film knocked me for a loop. I didn’t expect the ending, and the cycle of vengeance was graphic, and the scenes that blind-side your brain while you watch this are amazing. This is not a film to miss, and make sure that if your going to show it to a friend, that it’s someone who can tolerate this level of violence. This is NOT for the squeamish.
One word to remember: Earlobes. You’ll see...

-Brian K. James