Although the script for Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance was completed before Joint Security Area (2000) began filming, both films explore the themes of the cycle of revenge and violence in response to violence, as well as highlighting the thin line between redemption and vengeance. Born deaf and mute, Ryu (Shin Ha-kyun) kidnaps the daughter of factory owner Park (Song Kang-ho) when his sister needs a lifesaving kidney transplant. When the little girl accidentally drowns, Park launches a bloody quest to avenge her death with unexpected consequences. While the film’s extreme violence and dark themes pushes the limits, Park Chan-wook’s incredible ability to balance minimal dialogue with strong visual style is undeniable. This film, which Park describes as a quintessential ‘hardboiled’ film (as opposed to film noir), also became the first chapter in his celebrated ‘Vengeance Trilogy.’

Park Chan-wook (b. 1963, South Korea) studied philosophy at Sogang University in the 1980s. After working as a film critic for many years, Park made his directorial debut with The Moon Is... the Sun's Dream (1992), followed by Trio (1997). His political thriller Joint Security Area (2000) received rave reviews and became the high-grossing film in South Korea at the time. Park then directed Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (2001), the first of his ‘Vengeance Trilogy’, followed by Oldboy (2003), which was awarded the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, and Lady Vengeance (2005). After the intense trio, Park directed the offbeat romantic comedy I’m a Cyborg, But That’s OK (2005). In 2009, he subverted expectations with the genre-bending vampire film Thirst. Park made his American debut with Stoker in 2013. Meanwhile, his streak at Cannes continued with The Handmaiden (2016) and Decision to Leave (2022), for which he was awarded Best Director.