Revenge thrillers are often a cliched genre, with plots which clearly draw the line between good and evil. “Broken” departs from the sensationalism contained in films such as “Taken", while embracing the gritty realism which popularized the 1974 film “Death Wish”. “Death Wish” received harsh criticism for glorifying vigilante violence and its portrayal of an inept criminal justice system. By contrast, “Broken” explores the nuances which can drive an innocent man to seek vengeance and the responsibility of law enforcement to deliver justice unto all criminals.

"Broken” is an adaptation of “The Hovering Blade", the 2004 Japanese novel by Keigo Higashino. Actor Jung Jae Young leads the predominantly male cast as Lee Sang Hyeon, an overworked and overwrought widower. The film opens with a wintery scene, in which Sang Hyeon appears to have become detached from reality. The setting then shifts to one in which Sang Hyeon drunkenly arrives home. Like many single fathers, Sang Hyeon struggles to maintain an emotional connection with his adolescent daughter, Su Jin (Lee Soo Bin). Su Jin is dismissive of her father, but respectful.

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