Pieta is a gritty and intense South Korean crime thriller directed by Kim Ki-duk. The film follows the life of Kang-do, a cold-hearted loan shark in Seoul's industrial district who leads a violent and ruthless life.
Kang-do's world is turned upside down when a strange woman claiming to be his long-lost mother appears out of nowhere. She desperately tries to connect with him, but Kang-do remains skeptical and distant, convinced that she is a fraud and is trying to scam him.
As the woman continues to pursue Kang-do, delving into his violent past and offering him a chance at redemption, Kang-do begins to see his life and actions in a different light. He starts to question his own morality, and his once stone-cold heart begins to thaw.
The film explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the cyclical nature of violence. The violent acts that Kang-do commits are shown in grim detail, while the relationship between the mother and son is touching and poignant.
Pieta premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2012, where it won the prestigious Golden Lion award for Best Film, and was hailed by critics for its unflinching portrayal of violence and intense emotional drama.
