Oldboy

Starring: Min-sik Choi, Ji-tae Yu, Hye-jeong Kang
Directed by: Chan-wook Park
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
2003

Times Seen:
Tim: 1


Summary: A Korean man (Min-sik Choi) is mysteriously kidnapped and is imprisoned for fifteen years. Just as suddenly, he is released. Now, he has five days to figure out why he was imprisoned and seek his revenge.

Review:

Tim: Oldboy is an absolutely stunning movie. This is one of the most violent, original, memorable thrillers you will ever seen. I haven't seen many Korean films, but this one ranks high on my list of foreign films. There is such an engrossing mystery throughout the movie, and seeking the answers to this mystery keeps us thoroughly engaged. Chan-wood Park directs such a stylish, cool movie that it is very difficult not to get caught up in this world he created. Even with subtitles, I was completely bought into the story and the characters.

I have to mention the absolutely jaw-dropping final twist. There have been so many films with surprises at their conclusion, and this one ranks right up there. The movie's great secret is so startling, so awful, so diabolical that it will never leave you. Everything comes together in the end in shocking fashion. The film's conclusion alone is worth seeing this movie for. Luckily, the rest of the film is just as good. Yes, it is ultra violent and at times gruesome, but that is a huge part of what makes this movie unique.

The cast is very good. Min-sik Choi is terrific as Dae-su Oh. He gives such a great performance and is so much fun to watch on screen. Hye-jeong Kang is also quite good as Mi-do. Both these actors work well together.

Oldboy is obviously not for everyone. It is violent, gruesome, and shocking. You also have to read subtitles (and many Americans don't go to the movies to read..sigh...). However, this is one of the most enjoyable movies I've seen in a while.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Thirst