Lady Vengeance Ending Explained

Main Plot

"Lady Vengeance," directed by Park Chan-wook, follows the story of Lee Geum-ja, a woman who has spent 13 years in prison for a crime she did not commit. Upon her release, she embarks on a meticulously planned quest for revenge against the true perpetrator, Mr. Baek, who manipulated her into taking the fall for his heinous actions. Geum-ja's journey is marked by her interactions with former inmates and her estranged daughter, who play crucial roles in her elaborate scheme. The film delves into themes of redemption, justice, and the moral complexities of vengeance, culminating in a gripping and emotionally charged confrontation.

Characters

Nam-mi Kang is a fellow inmate and friend of the protagonist. She assists in the protagonist's elaborate plan for revenge against the true criminal.
Jeong-nam Choi is the daughter of protagonist Geum-ja Lee, central to her quest for redemption and revenge against the antagonist, Mr. Baek.
Hye-Sook Go is a fellow inmate who befriends protagonist Geum-ja Lee in prison, assisting her in the intricate revenge plot against the true villain.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of Park Chan-wook's "Lady Vengeance," Geum-ja Lee, the protagonist, successfully exacts her revenge on Mr. Baek, the man who manipulated her into taking the fall for a murder he committed. After discovering that Mr. Baek is responsible for the deaths of several children, Geum-ja gathers the parents of these victims and presents them with the opportunity to exact their own revenge. The parents collectively decide to torture and kill Mr. Baek, which they do in a secluded location. Following this, they meticulously clean the crime scene to avoid detection. Geum-ja's journey of vengeance culminates in a poignant scene where she attempts to find redemption and peace. She visits her daughter, Jenny, who has been adopted by an Australian family, and tries to reconnect with her. In the final moments, Geum-ja is seen holding a white cake, symbolizing purity and a desire for a fresh start. She buries her face in the cake, overwhelmed by emotion, suggesting a complex mix of guilt, relief, and the hope for a new beginning. The film closes on this ambiguous note, leaving Geum-ja's ultimate fate and emotional state open to interpretation.