The first in Chan-Wook Park’s series of revenge movies (Old Boy, which is a brilliantly dark and beautifully crafted psychological thriller, is the second). Unfortunately this first stab (heh) at it is very crude—the violence is limited to the physical and the shape of the characters’ revenge acts has nothing to do (symbolically) with the hurt they experienced. It’s just not very sophisticated or satisfying. Some coincidences are too contrived and don’t feel organic, though they are essential to forwarding the plot (particularly the crazy guy on the beach).

The film has some interesting qualities, though. The main character’s deafness makes for some tense dramatic moments as horrible things happen behind his back that he can’t hear.