MONSTER (****)

(2014) When the sister of Bok-soon - a young special needs girl with a hot temper, who runs a food stall among neighbors who think she's either nuts or downright dangerous - is killed by psychotic Tae-soo after seeing too much, the death of her beloved sibling (and lack of police action when no body can be found) unleashes Bok-soon's rage and she becomes determined to get revenge on her sister's killer.  Teaming up with a little girl, the only other survivor of Tae-soo's murderous impulses, they follow a trail that leads to one of the most tense, suspenseful cat-and-mouse thrillers - laced with a quirky humor that somehow works - that I've seen in some time.  Violent and bloody, Tae-soo's determination to tie up loose ends by killing Bok-soon and her young companion seems just as strong as Bok-soon's raging mission to avenge her sister - and when the two finally come face to face, what happens next sure as hell makes it worth the wait.  Over-the-top crazy, and occasionally Bok-soon's actions seem almost too goofy, but this is a genuine thriller in the truest sense of the word.  (not rated)

MONSTER trailer