H's Revenge in Guy Ritchie's Wrath of Man

Abstract

This study aims to analyse the motives, methods, and effects of revenge carried out by the main character in Guy Ritchie’s Wrath of Man. It explores how deep trauma and emotional wounds influence H’s transformation into an antihero who seeks justice beyond the boundaries of legal systems. The research applies a qualitative descriptive method using an extrinsic literary approach, drawing primary data from the film transcript and supported by thematic and narrative analysis grounded in psychological and revenge theories. The findings reveal that H’s revenge stems from profound grief due to his son’s tragic death and the legal system’s inability to deliver justice. This emotional devastation pushes H to adopt a cold, calculated approach, forging a false identity and employing psychological manipulation, threats, and emotional torture as strategies for retaliation. The study shows that H’s revenge is not a spontaneous reaction but a deliberate and strategic plan driven by unresolved trauma. The consequences of this revenge include psychological degradation, loss of empathy, moral detachment, and social isolation, highlighting how vengeance can consume one’s identity and emotional stability. The portrayal of revenge in Wrath of Man demonstrates that retaliation does not restore peace but intensifies inner conflict and alienation. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how trauma and institutional failure shape acts of revenge in cinematic narratives and offers insights for film studies, psychology, and cultural discourse about justice and morality.