A masterpiece in every sense of the word

Rating: 10/10 (20 June 2005)

I'm rather surprised at the volume of negative comments that fill the most recent few pages...
I thought this was one of the best films I have ever seen, a remarkably-imagined and executed tour-de-force where every scene is a masterpiece. Acting from all three leads was not just good, but tremendous...and the direction is unbelievable - visceral, imaginative, original, energetic, and yet sensitive and touching. Special mention has to go to the score - which is one of the best I have ever heard.
This was a movie that was very, very exciting, but even more so, very, very moving. I have yet to see a movie that explores the pointlessness of revenge and the burden of memories and the past so thoughtfully...personally I enjoyed Kill Bill but whereas that was great, if shallow, fun, this is something else entirely. It is a stunning movie that succeeds both as an action thriller and as a powerful, affecting tragedy.
It is not an easy film to watch...besides the frequently brutal violence, it reaches climaxes of extreme emotional intensity. However it established Chanwook Park as a major talent in world cinema...personally I can't wait for Sympathy for Lady Vengeance...