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Best South Korean Revenge Movies (10+1list)

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Best South Korean Revenge Movies

written by Souranath Banerjee

An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind’

But then, there are many who insists on vengeance, retaliation and retribution!

For those – ‘Revenge is the best dish served cold’. 

And for most of the South Korean film makers, the ‘revenge theme’ has become their speciality and they indeed are the masters of such vindictive form of storytelling.

So, here is the list of the Best South Korean Revenge Movies at your service.

10. Don’t Cry, Mommy (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrTkEMXDPdw

dont-cry-mommy-posterA rape of a young girl that eventually leads into her suicide, but will the rapists (being minors) get their desired punishments?

When the judgment of the law ends up favoring the three juveniles, the mother of the girl decides to take things in her own hands.

Directed by Yong-han Kim, this is one perfect revenge drama. 

9. The Suspect (2013)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ctw3o_tv_k

Suspect-posterAbandoned during a mission and on the run, his wife and daughter murdered, this is a tale of a field agent in North Korea who is all set to take revenge on them who has destroyed his life.

Directed by Shin-yeon Won. an action pact drama where the central character’s only goal is to have his vengeance and finish the treacherous game of double cross and deceit.

8. A Bittersweet Life (2005)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6Kcns8MujA

A Bittersweet life poster

A gangster’s sweet life turns bitter when he refuses to follow his boss’s order.

An ego clash with the dangerous mafia boss can cost you your happiness if not your life.

Directed by Jee-woon Kim, a classy film shot beautifully and great performance allover. One of the best gangster movies i have seen.

7. The Yellow Sea (2010)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoyKIBiCb7Y

The yellow sea poster

Directed by Hong-jin Na, this is the story of a poor taxi driver who is sent across the sea to kill someone. But instead of killing his target he starts searching for his wife!

A dangerous mistake that almost costs his life.

A tale of extreme vengeance; some action moments in this film are legendary even in Korean standards!

6. Pieta (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MebVzBdz0OI

pieta-poster1A loan shark who leads a brutal and violent life encounters a strange woman who claims to be his long lost mother.

Directed by Ki-duk Kim, a unique film that revolves around a son taking revenge on his so-called mother because she has abandoned him in his childhood! 

A mother and son film with so many layers of emotions, never seen before.

5. The Man from Nowhere (2010)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38rPoGSr19U

The man from nowhere poster

A pawn shop owner who prefers to keep to himself befriends a little girl from the neighborhood.

And when this girl’s life is in danger this man from nowhere makes it his business to rescue his little friend from the ruthless gangsters.

Directed by Jeong-beom Lee, a fast paced yet emotional revenge story told in style.

4. The Housemaid (1960)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40u9lEHrMa8

The-Housemaid-posterA man in an illicit relationship with his housemaid eventually complexes his married life a bit too much for a peaceful resolution.

Directed by Ki-young Kim, this is one of the most artistic film in this list, very well dramatized and superlative performances.

A classic thriller, and definitely one of the best South Korean revenge drama ever made.

3. Mother (2009)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qcxml0xeFlI

mother-posterDirected by Joon Ho Bong, this is an incredible story of a mother’s retribution.

When a mentally retarded boy is suspected of murder, his mother takes upon the task to find the real killer. Her maternal instinct to protect her child takes her to the ultimate level of desperation.

Powerful performances and a brilliant piece of story telling.

2. I Saw the Devil (2010)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwWgp1bqVwE

I-Saw-the-Devil-posterA deadly game of revenge between a secret agent and a serial killer is being played through out the film. But who will be the winner?

Insanely violent and graphic, a story of a psychopath being chased and tormented by an equally demented cop.

Directed by Jee-woon Kim, this revenge story has a insane level of hatred attached to it.

  1. Oldboy (2003)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HkjrJ6IK5E

oldboy-posterAnd now, the most popular South Korean film ever; also included in the all time best 100 films list in IMDb.

A revenge saga, so unique and yet disturbing, intensified till the very last sequences when finally the plot gets revealed.

Directed by Chan-wook Park, a violent and gritty tale of merciless action and extreme vengeance.

Along with Oldboy, don’t you forget to check out the other two films of Chan-wook Park‘s Vengeance Trilogy, that includes Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (2002) and Sympathy for Lady Vengeance (2005).

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most insane one. A must watch)

+1. Bedevilled (2010)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG2bObtGlsI

Bedevilled-posterAs Eleanor Roosevelt once said ‘A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it’s in hot water.’

Directed by Cheol-soo Jang, this is the story of a woman living in an isolated island, who is abused and tortured in every possible way until one day she decides to avenge upon her tormentors!  

Extreme violence, disturbingly real.

Similar Interest: Best Suspense Thrillers from South Korea

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comtheasiancinemablog.com

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