Finally re-watching the film that put Park Chan-wook on the map internationally. Close to two decades on i'm coming to the conclusion that for me, the trilogy's first part Sympathy for Mr Vengeance (2002) is the actual highlight, although comparing the two flicks is kind of an apples-to-oranges affair. This one being more of an action-packed crowdpleaser, also inventive as fuck in terms of visuals and narrative structure, i can't really overlook its flaws (however minor in the grand scheme of things) coming down mainly to the comicbook-like (and indeed manga-based) artificiality of it all and the contrivances of the plot dulling the emotional impact. As a neon-colored escapist revenge fantasy it works perfectly but when it comes to raw emotional force, the more realistic approach of Mr. Vengeance ain't messing around and packs a way more devastating punch if you ask me.