Oldboy (2003) is a captivating South Korean film that tells a story of revenge, manipulation, and redemption. Directed by Park Chan-wook and starring Choi Min-sik, the movie is an adaptation of a Japanese manga series written by Garon Tsuchiya and illustrated by Nobuaki Minegishi. Oldboy is an engaging and suspenseful thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from the opening scene to the final credits.
The protagonist, Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-sik), is a flawed and complex character who finds himself imprisoned in a makeshift jail without any explanation. He spends fifteen years in solitary confinement, constantly wondering who put him there and why. When he is finally released, Oh Dae-su embarks on a quest for revenge, determined to find out the truth behind his captivity and to settle the score with those who wronged him.
The performances in Oldboy are exceptional, especially Choi Min-sik‘s portrayal of Oh Dae-su. He carries the entire film with his intense and emotional performance, creating a character that is equal parts sympathetic and terrifying. The supporting cast is also outstanding, with Yoo Ji-tae as Lee Woo-jin, Oh Dae-su’s adversary, and Kang Hye-jung as Mi-do, Oh Dae-su’s love interest, both delivering powerful and nuanced performances.
The plot of Oldboy is a masterclass in storytelling, as it gradually unravels and reveals new details that keep you guessing until the end. The film is expertly crafted, with stunning cinematography, choreographed fight scenes, and beautiful music that perfectly captures the tone and mood of each scene.
One of the most notable aspects of Oldboy is the infamous hallway fight scene, which features a single take of Oh Dae-su fighting off multiple assailants in a narrow corridor. This scene, which lasts for several minutes, is a brilliant example of how to create tension and excitement in a fight sequence, without resorting to flashy editing or special effects.
In conclusion, Oldboy is a masterpiece of cinema that deserves all the praise and recognition it has received. It is a film that stays with you long after you’ve seen it, leaving you with a deep sense of admiration for its artistry and an appreciation for the power of revenge, redemption, and the human spirit. If you love movies that challenge your mind and emotions, then Oldboy is a must-watch.
Lesson about Oldboy
One lesson we can take from the movie Oldboy 2003 is that revenge can consume a person and lead to self-destruction.
The Best of Oldboy
- 1. Intricate and unpredictable plot: One of the most significant strengths of Oldboy is its intricate and unpredictable plot. The story is not only engaging but keeps the audience on the edge of their seat for the entire duration of the film. The twists and turns are the key elements that make it an excellent thriller.
- 2. Stunning cinematography and direction: The film’s direction and cinematography are commendable. The camera work is visually appealing, and the stunning visuals create an atmosphere of dread and mystery that sucks the viewer into the story.
- 3. Superb performance by the lead actors: The actors’ performances are the backbone of this film, and they have done an impressive job, especially the lead actor Choi Min-sik, who played the protagonist, Oh Dae-su. He portrayed the character with depth and intensity, making the audience feel invested in his journey. Overall, the acting is natural, and the actors’ believability was a key factor in the movie’s success.
Week points of Oldboy
- 1. Prolonged Violence: Oldboy, directed by Park Chan-wook, is known for its excessive violence and graphic scenes. While the movie’s plot may require some violent scenes, the prolonged portrayal of bloodshed and explicit content may deter some viewers.
- 2. Subtle Exposition: The movie’s elements, such as plot twists and character nuances, may be too subtle for those unfamiliar with Vengeance Trilogy. Some plot points are left unexplained, and the audience has to figure things out by themselves, which might leave some viewers confused.
- 3. Unrealistic Plot: While the plot might seem intriguing, the storyline and the ending may be unrealistic and far-fetched for some. Some plot twists have plot holes, and the final revelation may make the audience feel unsatisfied or betrayed. The movie’s dark, psychological themes may not be suitable for all audiences.
Technical details of Oldboy
| Title | Oldboy |
|---|---|
| Year | 2003 |
| Rated | R |
| Released | 21 Nov 2003 |
| Runtime | 120 min |
| Genre | Action, Drama, Mystery |
| Director | Park Chan-wook |
| Writer | Garon Tsuchiya, Nobuaki Minegishi, Park Chan-wook |
| Actors | Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jeong |
| Plot | Abducted on a rainy night in 1988, the obnoxious drunk, Oh Dae-Su, much to his surprise, wakes up locked in a windowless and dilapidated hotel room, for an unknown reason. There, his invisible and pitiless captors will feed him, clothe him, and sedate him to avert a desperate suicide–and as his only companion and a window to the world is the TV in his stark cell–the only thing that helps Oh Dae-Su keep going is his daily journal. Then, unexpectedly, after fifteen long years in captivity, the perplexed prisoner is deliberately released, encouraged to track down his tormentor to finally get his retribution. However, who would hate Oh Dae-Su so much he would deny him of a quick and clean death? |
| Country | South Korea |
| Awards | 40 wins & 21 nominations |
