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Vengeance (2009 film)

Vengeance
Several neon lights and buildings are seen in the background of a rainy setting. A man walks on a street, wielding a handgun in his right hand. Passerbys are seen in the background behind the man, walking in different directions and holding umbrellas. The top of the poster lists the Festival de Cannes logo, the film's lead actor, the title in both English and Chinese, and the film's director; the bottom right of the poster lists the production credits.
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Johnnie To
Produced by
Screenplay by Wai Ka-Fai
Starring
Music by Lo Tayu
Cinematography Cheng Siu-Keung
Edited by David M. Richarson
Production
company
Distributed by
Release date
  • 20 May 2009 (2009-05-20) (France)
  • 20 August 2009 (2009-08-20) (Hong Kong)
Running time
 109 minutes
Country
  • Hong Kong
  • France
Language
  • English
  • French
  • Cantonese
Box office $1,346,952

Vengeance (Chinese: 復仇) is a 2009 Hong Kong–French thriller film directed by Johnnie To, and written by Wai Ka-Fai. It stars Johnny Hallyday, Anthony Wong, Lam Ka-Tung, Lam Suet, Simon Yam and Sylvie Testud. Vengeance tells the story of Francis Costello, a French chef and former assassin. When his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren are attacked by a gang of Triads, Costello heads to Macau to embark on a violent quest for revenge, enlisting the aid of three hitmen. The film explores the themes of assassination, violence and the influence of Triads in modern society. Produced by Milkyway Image, the film was released by ARP Sélection in France, and Media Asia Films in Hong Kong.

The idea of Johnnie To directing an English-language film originated with the ARP co-founders and French producers Michèle and Laurent Pétin, who had Alain Delon in mind for the lead role. In 2006, after Delon turned down the role, the Pétins recommended Johnny Hallyday, who was cast in the lead role after meeting with To in early 2008. Principal photography for Vengeance began in November 2008, and concluded in February 2009; filming took place on location in Hong Kong and Macau, with a crew mainly based in Hong Kong.

Vengeance competed for the Palme D'Or award at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival, and was released theatrically in France on 20 May 2009. The film was later released in Hong Kong on 20 August 2009. It premiered in North America at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival. Vengeance was met with positive reviews, with several critics praising To's direction, Hallyday's performance, the cinematography and editing. During its theatrical run, the film grossed over US$1.3 million worldwide, having been released in Asia and parts of Europe. In the United States, the film was distributed by IFC Films, which made it available as a video-on-demand selection on pay television formats.


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