All she wanted was a peaceful life… they didn’t give it.|Jul. 29, 2005|South Korea|115 Min.|R
Genre: Drama;Thriller
Description: The 2005 film *Sympathy for Lady Vengeance* tells the story of Lee Geum-ja, a woman who, after being released from prison, seeks revenge for the injustices she endured. Convicted of kidnapping and murdering a 6-year-old boy named Won-mo 13 years earlier, Geum-ja became infamous due to her young age and angelic appearance. Her confession and subsequent imprisonment made her a symbol of prisoner reform, earning her early release. However, her transformation was a facade, as she had spent her time in prison plotting her vengeance.
Upon her release, Geum-ja reveals her true intentions. She manipulates her former fellow inmates to secure resources like food, shelter, and weapons. She starts working at a pastry shop and begins a relationship with a young assistant, Geun-Shik, who is the same age Won-mo would have been if he had lived.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Geum-ja was not the one who killed Won-mo. The detective involved in her case knew she was innocent but helped her fabricate details to make her confession seem credible. The real culprit was Mr. Baek, a school teacher who had exploited Geum-ja when she was a pregnant high school student. He forced her into helping him kidnap Won-mo, then murdered the boy and kidnapped Geum-ja’s infant daughter, threatening to kill the child if she didn’t take the blame. Geum-ja’s imprisonment and separation from her daughter fueled her desire for revenge against Mr. Baek.
The film explores themes of justice, revenge, and the lengths one will go to reclaim their life after tragedy.
Cast director: Park Chan-wook
Cast actor: Lee Young-ae, Choi Min-sik, Kwon Yea-young, Kim Shi-hoo, Nam Il-woo, Kim Byung-ok, Oh Dal-su, Lee Seung-shin, Seo Young-ju, Kim Bu-seon
Original name: 친절한 금자씨