The Tokugawa shogunate has just collapsed and the Meiji Era is dawning in Japan, and former samurai Jubei is lying low and living as a father of two and a farmer in a secluded island in Hokkaido. One day, former friend Baba comes and proposes to take care of some vicious thugs that stabbed a prostitute and collect the reward. Jubei does take care of the bad guys, but he must face the village police chief, Ichizo, meet in a final duel. In a remake of Clint Eastwood’s 1992 same titled Director Lee Sang-il questions the boundary between ‘good and evil’. While Ichizo strictly adheres to the law, he is ruthless dictator. Jubei speaks of upholding his honor as a samurai with revenge, but the two are really alike. Unforgiven appears to be a story of revenge, but is really a reflection on the vicious circle of violence in the name of justice and vengeance. The majestic scenery of Hokkaido presents a view truly becoming of the theme presented in the film. (KIM Ji-Seok)