Vengeance

Vengeance is a 2009 thriller film directed by Johnnie To and starring Johnny Hallyday as a French chef seeking vengeance against the men who killed his daughter and son-in-law. The film was filmed in Hong Kong and is in both French and Cantonese, with English subtitles.

The movie centers around Costello (Hallyday), who appears to have lived a quiet life as a chef in a small French town. However, it is revealed that he is a former hitman and criminal who left the business after he started a family. Ten years ago, his daughter and son-in-law were killed by a group of hitmen, and he has been consumed by the desire for revenge ever since.

Costello travels to Hong Kong, where the men responsible for his daughter's death have fled. He employs there the help of a group of hitmen led by a shady character named Fung (played by Simon Yam). Costello joins forces with Fung and his team, but as they get closer to their targets, Costello's desire for vengeance blinds him to the escalating danger.

As the film progresses, the action becomes more intense and the stakes are raised. Violence and bloodshed become ever more frequent, as the movie takes the typical tropes of Western revenge thrillers and subverts them with a distinctly Asian flair. The kung-fu-infused action sequences are stylishly choreographed, while the many gunfights are marked by spectacular explosions.

However, the movie is more than just a violent action film. It delves into the themes of revenge and how it can consume and distort a person's life, leading them down a path of violence and destruction. As Costello becomes more and more obsessed with revenge, he risks losing everything, including his own life. The movie explores the idea that revenge is a two-way street, and that in seeking it, one only perpetuates the cycle of violence.

Throughout the movie, there are realistic portrayals of the city of Hong Kong, showcasing the bustling streets, neon-lit alleyways, and skyscrapers of the metropolis. The film offers a vivid portrayal of the city and its underworld of crime.

The performances in the movie are top-notch, with Hallyday delivering a powerful and nuanced performance as the vengeful Costello. The other actors are equally impressive, especially Simon Yam as Fung, who brings a sense of ambiguity and danger to his character.

Overall, Vengeance is a captivating and thrilling film that is both stylish and thought-provoking. Combining visceral action and philosophical musings on the nature of revenge, the movie is a must-watch for fans of the thriller genre.