Eye for an Eye

Eye for an Eye

Year: 1996

Runtime: 101 min

Language: Chinese

Director: John Schlesinger

DramaThrillerCrime

Driven by rage and a sense of justice, the enigmatic "knife-catcher" Cheng seeks retribution for the brutal slaughter of an innocent family. When a young girl's plea for help pierces his detached existence, Cheng’s relentless pursuit of vengeance evolves into a journey towards redemption, confronting a world where violence only begets more bloodshed.

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Timeline & Setting – Eye for an Eye (1996)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Eye for an Eye (1996). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The narrative unfolds in contemporary times, where modern legal and social challenges are explored within the context of a gripping personal tragedy. This era highlights the complexities of the justice system and societal reactions to crime, particularly focusing on the emotional aftermath of violent acts.

Location

Los Angeles

Los Angeles, known for its sprawling urban landscape and vibrant culture, serves as the backdrop for this gripping tale of tragedy and revenge. Famous for its film industry, diverse population, and iconic landmarks like Hollywood, the city offers a contrast between its glamorous image and the dark realities faced by its residents.

🌆 City 🏙️ Urban

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:06

Main Characters – Eye for an Eye (1996)

Meet the key characters of Eye for an Eye (1996), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Karen McCann (Sally Field)

Karen is a deeply emotional character who undergoes a harrowing transformation from a grieving mother to someone driven by obsession and the desire for revenge. Her journey reveals her vulnerabilities and strengths as she grapples with guilt and the consequences of her actions.

👩‍👧‍👧 Mother 😢 Grief 🔍 Obsessed

Mack McCann (Ed Harris)

Mack is a supportive husband who stands by Karen throughout their ordeal, embodying the complexities of dealing with shared grief. He represents the voice of reason amid Karen's descent into obsession, highlighting the emotional toll of their family tragedy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 Family 💔 Supportive 🤝 Reason

Robert Doob (Kiefer Sutherland)

Robert is portrayed as the epitome of the villain, a remorseless character who eludes justice, thus becoming the target of Karen's wrath. His dark past and unsettling demeanor create an atmosphere of fear and visceral tension within the narrative.

🚨 Villain 😈 Remorseless ⚡ Danger

Detective Joe Denillo (Joe Mantegna)

Detective Denillo is a steadfast character who represents law enforcement's struggle in the face of tragedy. He provides support and hope to the McCann family while exposing the limitations and failures of the judicial system.

🚓 Law Enforcement 🕵️‍♂️ Supportive ⚖️ Justice

Sidney Hughes (Philip Baker Hall)

Sidney serves as a guiding figure in the support group, offering insights that can lead to both healing and moral ambiguity. His character represents the duality of support and the potential for destructive decisions stemming from shared trauma.

🧠 Insightful 👥 Counselor ⚡ Morality

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:06

Major Themes – Eye for an Eye (1996)

Explore the central themes of Eye for an Eye (1996), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

The theme of justice permeates the narrative, portraying the struggle to achieve it after a heinous crime goes unpunished. Karen's obsessive quest illustrates the lengths to which one might go when justice seems elusive, raising questions about vengeance and morality.

💔 Grief

Grief plays a central role in the characters' lives as they cope with the loss of Julie. The film delves deep into how loss affects relationships and individual psyches, showcasing different methods of coping and the often destructive path of seeking revenge as a means of healing.

🔫 Vigilantism

Vigilantism emerges as a contentious theme, highlighting the conflicts between personal ethics and societal laws. The support group's turn towards vengeance reflects a breakdown of faith in the justice system and the moral dilemmas faced by those seeking retribution.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:06

Unlock the Full Story of Eye for an Eye

Don't stop at just watching — explore Eye for an Eye in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Eye for an Eye is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Eye for an Eye Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Eye for an Eye, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Eye for an Eye Summary

Eye for an Eye Timeline

Track the full timeline of Eye for an Eye with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Eye for an Eye Timeline

More About Eye for an Eye

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Eye for an Eye: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Eye for an Eye

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