Although it's a low budget cult/exploitation film, Abel Ferrara's controversial Ms. 45 is a landmark in the genre.

This category is very rich with highly rated, popular films; I suspect we thrive on these because we are unable to extract revenge on a personal basis in democratic societies. While going through the list of revenge movies I consider my favorites, I realized that what appeals to us in the way of revenge films might say something specific about us. What do my favorites say about me? Hazarding some introspection, I'd guess these particular revenge movies display my preference for a woman/girl not only getting revenge but acquiring self-empowerment. The Bride Wore Black (1968, alternate title: La mariée était en noir) directed by Francois Truffaut written by Cornell Woolrich (novel), François Truffaut and Jean-Louis Richard (adaptation) — A newly-married bride, played by the beautiful Jeanne Moreau, extracts a mortal price from each of the men responsible in some way for the grossly negligent accidental killing of her husband on their wedding day. Each man is hunted down and dispatched; she is conflicted about one of the targets. Though the last murder is a bit predictable, it’s really the only flaw in this otherwise attractive film. V for Vendetta (2005) [cited in post above] directed by James McTeigue, written by Alan Moore (graphic novel), David Lloyd (illustrator), Andy and Lana Wachowski (adaptation) — Politics is a contact sport causing far too much collateral damage in a dystopic, totalitarian British society; V ensures the reciprocal contact is deadly. This film captures the crisp quality of the graphic novel; it also fit well the political upheaval of the Bush and Blair years. V is always masked; he is played by Hugo Weaving, whose singular voice fleshes out the man we can’t otherwise see. Evie, played by Natalie Portman, also acquires wisdom as well as love while seeking retribution of her own. The Professional (1994, alternate title: Leon) directed and written by Luc Besson -- A cold killer becomes both father and brother to a 12-year-old girl, whose entire family was exterminated by a dirty cop. The emotionally stunted killer, played by Jean Reno, learns how to feel and love, while the girl extracts revenge for the loss of her loved ones. This was a breakout role for young Natalie Portman, who also appeared in V for Vendetta. Her native appearance of fragility may elicit strong feelings of sympathy from viewers. Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009, original version, alternate title: Män som hatar kvinnor) directed by Niels Arden Oplev written by Stieg Larsson (novel), Nikolaj Arcel and Rasmus Heisterberg (screenplay) — Not about revenge per se, but one lesser storyline features Lisbeth Salander's revenge on her probation guardian for his past abuses including rape. Played by Noomi Rapace, Salander is a marvelous anti-hero; the audience does not take to her immediately as she is deliberately off-putting, but we cheer for her after she carves out her revenge.

Ash, the android in "Alien", admired the monster for it's purity. That sums up my admiration for the revenge motive in dramaturgy: it's pure, straightforward, a motive everyone can understand and identify with. I submit "Slaughterhouse-Five" (1972) for consideration, specifically the subplot involving the character Paul Lazzaro who has a bloodlust for getting revenge on any human --or animal-- that has crossed him. Who revels in telling about his detailed fantasies of sadistic revenge. He vows to kill Billy Pilgrim. And does.

I just had a doh! moment.... Godfather II. Pretty much every story in this movie is about revenge: Hyman Roth's plan to destroy Michael, Vito's murder of Don Fanucci and his trip to Sicily to kill Don Ciccio, Frank Pentangeli informing to the Feds, Fredo's betrayal and his murder on Michael's orders, Kay's abortion, Senator Geary, etc...

The BOURNE series (Matt Damon - THE BOURNE IDENTITY Screenplay: Tony Gilroy, William Blake Herron...THE BOURNE SUPREMACY Screenplay: Tony Gilroy, ... THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM Screenplay: Scott Z. Burns, Tony Gilroy, George Nolfi) all qualify. Great pacing and strong cast. Also the film SHOOTER (Mark Wahlberg - 2007, screenplay by Jonathan Lamkin) seems a good fit for this category. If my memory serves me correctly, there’s a tip o’ the hat to a character known as 'Rambo, John J....?’ Its a scene where Wahlberg’s Character (Bob Swagger) ‘doctors’ his own wounds before he starts to wreak havoc on those who ‘screwed’ with him and his 'peacefully retired from special ops duty’ lifestyle. I would argue all are good action/retribution films... Four of my favorites from a genre I really enjoy.

I think Dead Again is a great twist on the revenge theme.

John Boorman's POINT BLANK (1967) with Lee Marvin - the source for Mel Gibson's PAYBACK. IMHO while both films have their strengths, POINT BLANK has the edge on its successor. Marvin's 'Walker' (renamed Porter in the Gibson movie) descends into psychotic hell as he extracts his retribution, and takes the viewer with him. A terrific ensemble cast with Keenan Wynn, Angie Dickinson, John Vernon and Carroll O'Connor among others. THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO (1975 version made for TV, with Richard Chamberlain and Trevor Howard) is perhaps THE classic revenge story, finely rendered by an excellent cast. And how could any 'revenge' movie list be without - REVENGE? This 1990 Kevin Costner-Madeline Stowe-Anthony Quinn vehicle has its flaws, but still delivers. STRAW DOGS (1971), highly controversial at the time and arguably Sam Peckinpah's masterpiece.

I loved this movie, saw it in the theater when it released. The use of black and white for past events and to heighten noir tone was great. Casting was superb. In 1991 this was an inventive piece of work by a young-ish screenwriter.