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.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Eye for an Eye (1996)

Trace every key event in Eye for an Eye (1996) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Karen and Mack's Happy Life

Karen and Mack McCann are a happy couple living in Los Angeles with their two daughters, Julie and Megan. They enjoy a seemingly normal family life until tragedy strikes unexpectedly.

Los Angeles
2

Julie’s Tragic Attack

While Karen is out shopping, a horrific event unfolds as her 17-year-old daughter, Julie, is violently raped and murdered in a home invasion. Karen overhears the chaos through a phone call, leading to devastating news.

McCann Home
3

Investigation Begins

Detective Joe Denillo meets with the McCanns, assuring them of the DNA evidence that could lead to Julie's killer. Karen is encouraged to attend counseling to cope with her grief and trauma from the event.

McCann Home
4

Support Group Connection

At a support group meeting, Karen meets others who share similar traumas, including Albert and Regina. During the meeting, she overhears a suspicious conversation that raises her concerns about their motives.

Support Group Meeting
5

Identifying the Killer

The DNA evidence reveals that Julie's murderer is Robert Doob, a delivery driver with a troubling background. However, during a pre-trial hearing, the case is dismissed due to a prosecutorial error, leaving the McCanns in despair.

Courtroom
6

Doob's Courtroom Encounter

During the dismissal hearing, Mack loses his composure and attacks Doob after he provocatively addresses them. The incident is chaotic, with bailiffs restraining Mack as Doob is taken away with a smirk.

Courtroom
7

Karen's Obsession

Unable to cope, Karen becomes fixated on tracking Doob's movements, even following him during his deliveries. She tries to warn one of his potential victims, but the language barrier prevents her from being understood.

Los Angeles
8

Shocking News

Karen learns about the recent death of the murderer of the Gratzs' son, who was killed shortly after being released from prison. This news shocks her and prompts her to reevaluate her relationship with her living daughter, Megan.

9

Confrontation at School

Doob targets Karen's daughter, Megan, while at school, where he intimidates Karen into stopping her surveillance. This confrontation raises alarms for Karen about her daughter's safety, deepening her resolve for revenge.

Megan's School
10

Plotting Revenge

Desperate and planning for vengeance, Karen approaches Sidney from the support group for help. Sidney agrees to aid her in training for the murder of Doob, revealing the dark operation behind the group's activities.

11

Self-Defense Training

As part of her preparation, Karen joins a self-defense class which boosts her confidence and improves her familial relationships. This newfound strength allows her to reconnect intimately with Mack.

12

Undercover Revelation

Angel, a member of the support group, reveals to Karen that she is an undercover FBI agent investigating their vigilante actions. She warns Karen to reconsider her plans to kill Doob, heightening the tension.

13

Changing Minds

After momentarily reconsidering her intent to kill Doob, Karen is enraged when she learns of another murder connected to him. This leads her back to her original murderous plan, intensifying her determination.

14

Setting the Trap

Karen lays out a carefully crafted plan to bait Doob into her home under the guise of self-defense. She anticipates his approach by damaging his apartment to provoke him and make the situation appear justified.

Doob's Apartment
15

The Final Confrontation

During a fierce struggle at her home, Karen shoots Doob in self-defense, finally avenging her daughter's death. Detective Denillo arrives, aware of the true sequence of events, but chooses to label it as self-defense.

McCann Home

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 19:26

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Eye for an Eye Summary

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Eye for an Eye Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Eye for an Eye

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