Vengance Movies

From David Fincher, starring Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey, Andrew Kevin Walker
Rated R

Se7en is a 1995 neo-noir crime thriller film directed by David Fincher and written by Andrew Kevin Walker. The film stars Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kevin Spacey. The story follows two detectives, William Somerset (Freeman) and David Mills (Pitt), as they pursue a sadistic serial killer known as "John Doe" (Spacey). John Doe believes he is on a mission from God to punish seven people in the city who represent the seven deadly sins. As the detectives track him down, they become embroiled in a psychological cat-and-mouse game between the killer and themselves. They eventually realize that the killer's motive is far more sinister than they originally thought, and they must race against time to stop him. The film ends with a shocking twist that will leave audiences questioning how far someone may go for justice.

From Luc Besson, starring Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, Natalie Portman, Danny Aiello
Rated R

Léon: The Professional tells the story of a professional hitman named Léon (Jean Reno) who lives alone in New York City. After the death of his close friend and mentor, he begins to take in and protect Mathilda (Natalie Portman), a twelve-year-old girl whose family was murdered in a drug deal gone wrong. Together they form a close bond as she learns the skills of a professional hitman while he teaches her the value of life and friendship. As Mathilda’s pursuers search for her, Léon will have to make a difficult decision between protecting the girl he has come to love and risking his own life to save her.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine
Rated PG-13

The Prestige is a 2006 British-American mystery thriller film directed by Christopher Nolan, starring Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. The film follows two rival magicians in London who engage in a dangerous competition to create the ultimate illusion. As the stakes become increasingly high, their rivalry takes a dangerous turn, resulting in deceit, tragedy, and ultimately, a shocking climax. The Prestige is a complex story of obsession, deceit, and sabotage that explores the power of obsession and the consequences of taking it too far. It is a thrilling exploration of the lengths people will go to in pursuit of an impossible dream.

From Damien Chazelle, starring Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist, Paul Reiser
Rated R

Whiplash tells the story of a young jazz drummer named Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), who dreams of becoming a renowned musician. His dreams are realized when he is accepted into the prestigious Shaffer Music Conservatory, under the tutelage of harsh and demanding jazz instructor Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons). In order to live up to the expectations of his instructor and become the great jazz musician he aspires to be, Andrew must push himself to the point of breakdown and beyond. As his career progresses, Andrew must face his personal demons and confront his instructor, leading to an explosive conclusion.

From Ridley Scott, starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed
Rated R

In Gladiator, the powerful general Maximus Decimus Meridius leads the Roman army to a decisive victory against the Germanic tribes and is then chosen by the dying Emperor Marcus Aurelius to be his heir over his own son, Commodus. When the Emperor dies and Commodus takes power, he orders Maximus' execution and his family is murdered. Maximus is able to escape and is forced into slavery, ending up in the gladiatorial arena in Rome. He is trained by a former gladiator, Proximo, and becomes extremely popular with the crowd. Maximus must battle to the death with other gladiators and gradually rises through the ranks of the arena, ultimately coming face to face with Commodus and seeking revenge for the murder of his family.

From Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans
Rated PG-13

Avengers: Infinity War is a 2018 superhero film directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and based on the Marvel Comics superhero team, the Avengers. The film follows the Avengers and their allies as they attempt to stop Thanos, an intergalactic warlord, from acquiring the powerful Infinity Stones and using them to destroy half the universe's population. The film features an ensemble cast, including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, and Josh Brolin. As they attempt to stop Thanos, they are joined by various other characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including Doctor Strange, Black Panther, Spider-Man, and the Guardians of the Galaxy. In the end, Thanos succeeds in gathering all of the Infinity Stones and wiping out half of all life in the universe, leaving the remaining Avengers and their allies to mourn their losses and prepare to fight Thanos in a future battle.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington
Rated R

Django Unchained is a 2012 American film by director Quentin Tarantino. The film tells the story of Django (Jamie Foxx), a freed slave who is trained by a German bounty hunter, Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz), to help him track down the Brittle Brothers, a vicious gang of outlaws. After successfully hunting down the Brittle Brothers, Django and Dr. Schultz find themselves in a partnership to free Django's wife, Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), from the ruthless plantation owner Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio). Along the way, Django and Schultz get help from the mysterious house slave Stephen (Samuel L. Jackson) and face numerous obstacles, including a violent KKK attack. In the end, Django and Dr. Schultz succeed in freeing Broomhilda, but at a terrible cost. The film is a masterful blend of action, drama, and humor, and proves to be one of Quentin Tarantino's most memorable films.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone Junior
Rated R

Memento is a neo-noir psychological thriller film written and directed by Christopher Nolan. The film follows Leonard Shelby, a former insurance investigator who suffers from anterograde amnesia, a condition that prevents him from forming new memories, as he attempts to avenge his wife's murder. With the aid of Polaroid photos, notes, and tattoos, Leonard pieces together clues in order to identify and track down his wife's attacker. As the film progresses, the chronological order of the scenes is reversed, forcing viewers to piece together the story the same way Leonard does. Ultimately, it is revealed that Leonard's memory loss was caused by a traumatic event during the murder that left him unable to remember the killer's identity. The film highlights the importance of memory and identity in the construction of reality, and raises questions about the reliability of memory, as well as the nature of truth and justice.

From Park Chan-wook, starring Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jeong, Kim Byeong-Ok
Rated R

Oldboy is a psychological thriller film written and directed by Park Chan-wook. The film follows the story of Oh Dae-su (played by Choi Min-sik), who is mysteriously kidnapped and held captive in a private prison for 15 years. After his release, Dae-su embarks on a mission to find the identity of his captor and to seek revenge. Along the way, he discovers the web of deceit and betrayal that his captor has woven, and the hidden motivations behind his imprisonment. The film is noted for its intricate and complex narrative structure, its stylish cinematography, and its intense action sequences.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman
Rated PG-13

The Dark Knight Rises is the third and final instalment of Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy. Set eight years after the events of The Dark Knight, Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) has become a recluse, living in the ruins of Wayne Manor. After being confronted by the mysterious Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway) and the terrorist leader Bane (Tom Hardy), he is forced to confront his own fears and return to Gotham City to battle Bane and save the city. Along the way, Bruce Wayne is aided by allies such as Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), Alfred (Michael Caine), and John Blake (Joseph Gordon-Levitt). As the movie progresses, Bruce Wayne discovers the truth about Bane and the League of Shadows, and ultimately triumphs over evil. The Dark Knight Rises is an epic finale to an iconic trilogy, exploring themes of heroism and redemption.

From Mel Gibson, starring Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Angus Macfadyen
Rated R

Braveheart is a 1995 epic war drama directed by Mel Gibson and starring Gibson as William Wallace, a Scottish rebel who leads the Scots in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England. The film follows Wallace's life and accomplishments, including his defeat of the English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 and his eventual execution in London in 1305. Wallace's courage, leadership, and passion for freedom inspire the Scots to fight for their independence from England, ultimately culminating in a decisive victory at the Battle of Falkirk. The movie is a thrilling and emotional depiction of the struggles of a young man willing to sacrifice himself for the freedom of his people.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Eli Roth, Mélanie Laurent
Rated R

Inglourious Basterds is a 2009 war film written, produced, and directed by Quentin Tarantino. The film tells an alternate history of Nazi-occupied France during World War II. In the film, a group of Jewish-American soldiers, known as "The Basterds," are chosen by their leader Lt. Aldo Raine to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by scalping and killing Nazis. Meanwhile, a French-Jewish cinema proprietor Shosanna Dreyfus plans her revenge against the Nazis. The Basterds, Shosanna, and the British Intelligence all plot to take down the Nazi regime. In the end, the Nazis are defeated and the Basterds are celebrated as heroes.

From Richard Marquand, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams
Rated PG

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi concludes the original Star Wars trilogy with a thrilling battle between good and evil. As the Galactic Empire tightens its grip on the galaxy, a small band of freedom fighters led by Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia Organa, come together to oppose them. Together they embark on a daring mission to rescue Han Solo from the hands of the vile crime lord Jabba the Hutt. Meanwhile, Luke travels to the remote planet of Dagobah in search of Yoda, the wise old Jedi Master, for guidance in his training as a Jedi Knight. Meanwhile, Emperor Palpatine unleashes a powerful weapon, the Death Star, to annihilate the Rebel Alliance. In a climatic finale, the Rebels launch a daring attack on the Death Star, while an epic lightsaber duel between Luke and Darth Vader decides the fate of the galaxy. In the end, the Rebels are victorious and the Empire is defeated.

From Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Ciarán Hinds, Martin Stringer
Rated R

There Will Be Blood is a 2007 drama film written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, based on the novel Oil! by Upton Sinclair. The film stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Daniel Plainview, an oil prospector and ruthless businessman in early 20th century California. The film tells a story of greed, corruption, and revenge set against the backdrop of the oil boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Plainview's relentless pursuit of wealth and power leads to his downfall as he is betrayed by those closest to him. The film also features a rivalry between Plainview and a local preacher, Eli Sunday (Paul Dano), whose beliefs clash with Plainview's materialistic outlook. Ultimately, the two men's paths cross in a violent, fateful encounter.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Richard Harris
Rated R

Unforgiven is an American drama western film directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, and Richard Harris. The film follows a former outlaw, William Munny (Eastwood), and his friend Ned Logan (Freeman) as they seek to collect a bounty on two fugitives in the town of Big Whiskey, Wyoming. Along the way, they are joined by a retired gunfighter, The Schofield Kid (Jaimz Woolvett). The film examines themes of morality and justice as Munny and Logan come to terms with the violence of their pasts and the consequences of their actions. The film is noted for its exploration of themes of morality, justice and redemption, as well as its stunning cinematography, which paints a vivid picture of the American Wild West. Unforgiven went on to win four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Film Editing.

From James McTeigue, starring Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, Rupert Graves, Stephen Rea
Rated R

V For Vendetta is a 2005 dystopian political thriller film directed by James McTeigue and written by the Wachowskis, based on the comic book series of the same name by Alan Moore and David Lloyd. The film follows a mysterious freedom fighter known as V (Hugo Weaving) as he battles a corrupt and oppressive future British government. V enacts his revenge upon those who have wronged him while inspiring others to take a stand against the oppressive government. The film is set in a dystopian future London and follows V as he wages a one-man war against the government, using terrorist tactics to manipulate the public and bring about a revolution. Its themes include the resistance of tyranny, the power of ideas, and the human capacity for change.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Daryl Hannah, Michael Madsen
Rated R

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is a martial arts action film directed by Quentin Tarantino and released in 2003. The story follows the Bride (Uma Thurman), a former assassin who is on a mission of revenge against her former boss, Bill (David Carradine). After being shot and left for dead on her wedding day, she awakens from a four-year coma and sets out to exact revenge on those who wronged her. Along the way, she faces off against deadly assassins while fighting her way up the hierarchy of the criminal underworld. The movie is full of stylistic references and homage to the martial arts and action cinema of the 1970s and features an impressive array of fight scenes and violent action sequences.

From David Fincher, starring Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry
Rated R

Gone Girl is a dark and twisted thriller directed by David Fincher and based on the novel by Gillian Flynn. The movie follows the story of Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) and his beautiful wife Amy (Rosamund Pike) who mysteriously disappears on their 5th wedding anniversary. As the police investigate, Nick becomes the prime suspect and his marriage and past become the focus of intense media scrutiny. As the layers of the mystery are peeled away, the truth of what happened to Amy is revealed in a shocking and unexpected climax. Along the way, the film examines the secrets that relationships can hide and the lies that people tell to protect themselves.

From Martin McDonagh, starring Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Caleb Landry Jones
Rated R

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a black comedy-drama film directed by Martin McDonagh and released in 2017. The film stars Frances McDormand as Mildred Hayes, a grieving mother who decides to challenge local authorities by erecting three billboards that call out their negligence in solving her daughter's murder. The billboards spark a heated debate in the small community of Ebbing, Missouri, as members of the public and police force become divided in their opinions on the matter. Meanwhile, Mildred must also contend with Chief Willoughby (Woody Harrelson) and police officer Dixon (Sam Rockwell), whose contempt for her actions only further fuel her determination to get justice. The film follows Mildred as she navigates the complex emotions that arise from her quest for justice, while also discovering strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

From Denis Villeneuve, starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Melissa Leo
Rated R

Prisoners is a suspenseful drama directed by Denis Villeneuve. Starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis and Maria Bello, the film follows two fathers who will go to any lengths to find their missing daughters. After the two young girls mysteriously disappear, Detective Loki (Gyllenhaal) begins his investigation, but quickly finds that he is up against a dangerous criminal who refuses to give up any information. In a desperate attempt to find the girls, one of the fathers (Jackman) takes matters into his own hands and kidnaps the suspect (Paul Dano). With the clock ticking and lives on the line, both fathers must race against time to uncover the truth before it's too late.

From Joss Whedon, starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner
Rated PG-13

The Avengers (2012) by director Joss Whedon is a superhero action-adventure film that brings together a team of Earth's mightiest heroes, including Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), all of whom have been recruited by Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) of the peacekeeping organization S.H.I.E.L.D. Together, they must work together to stop Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Thor's adopted brother, from assembling an army of aliens and conquering Earth. With the help of S.H.I.E.L.D., the team is eventually able to overcome Loki and his allies and save the world, becoming known as The Avengers.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Michael Madsen, Daryl Hannah
Rated R

Kill Bill: Vol. 2 is a sequel to the 2003 film Kill Bill: Vol. 1 and follows the Bride's (Uma Thurman) quest for revenge against the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad (VVAS). The Bride continues her journey of revenge, tracking down her former allies, Budd (Michael Madsen) and Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah), in order to finally settle the score with her ultimate target, Bill (David Carradine). Along the way, she discovers unexpected allies and foes, while discovering the truth about her child's fate. Along with its intense action sequences, the film also contains moments of heartfelt drama and dialogue, as the Bride confronts her past and comes to terms with her actions. The film culminates in an epic showdown between the Bride and Bill in which the truth of their pasts are revealed.

From Alejandro G. Iñárritu, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Will Poulter, Domhnall Gleeson
Rated R

The Revenant is a 2015 survival drama film directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu and starring Leonardo DiCaprio. It is based on the experiences of frontiersman Hugh Glass in 1823, as depicted in Michael Punke's novel of the same name. The story follows Glass as he is brutally attacked by a bear, left for dead by his hunting team, and then embarks on a journey of survival and revenge. As he travels through the harsh winter terrain of the Rocky Mountains, Glass battles the elements and his own inner demons to survive and eventually seek revenge on those who betrayed him. Along the way, he forms an unlikely bond with a Native American, who helps him overcome his physical injuries and the treacherous landscape. The Revenant is a powerful story of survival, endurance, and ultimately, redemption. With stunning cinematography and intense performances from the entire cast, the film is a gripping, emotional journey that ultimately reaffirms the strength of the human spirit.

From Directors: Frank Miller, Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez, starring Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen, Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba
Rated R

Sin City is a neo-noir action crime drama directed by Frank Miller, Quentin Tarantino, and Robert Rodriguez. It is based on Miller's graphic novel series of the same name. The film has an ensemble cast featuring Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen, Jessica Alba, Rosario Dawson, Benicio del Toro, and Elijah Wood. The story is set in Basin City, a corrupt and crime-ridden metropolis divided into four distinct neighborhoods. The film follows three of the main characters and their struggles in the city. Marv (Mickey Rourke) is a vigilante with a conscience whose obsession with a woman leads him to a shocking and violent journey of revenge. Hartigan (Bruce Willis) is an aging cop whose last case involves a child-killer. Dwight (Clive Owen) is a serial killer who finds himself in the middle of a power struggle between the city's two biggest crime bosses. The film is characterized by its striking visuals, innovative storytelling, and dark humor. It received positive reviews from critics, who praised its visual style, characterization, dialogue, and action sequences. It was a box office success, earning over $158 million worldwide on its $40 million budget.

From Lars von Trier, starring Nicole Kidman, Paul Bettany, Lauren Bacall, Harriet Andersson
Rated R

Dogville is a 2003 drama film directed by Lars von Trier and starring Nicole Kidman. Set in a small town in the Rocky Mountains during the Great Depression of the 1930s, the film follows Grace Mulligan (Kidman), a fugitive from gangsters looking for her. She finds shelter in the town of Dogville, where the locals agree to hide her in exchange for her work. As time goes by, however, the locals become increasingly cruel and demanding, and Grace must confront her situation and the difficult choices that come with it. The film is a harsh condemnation of small-town America and its inhabitants, and an exploration of power dynamics and the morality of the characters.