Oldboy
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Movie Reviews of Oldboy
Movie Review: A Very Good "Boy"
Summary: 5 Stars
What a ride! "Oldboy," has been labeled a revenge flick - which it certainly is. It also has all the classic trappings of Noir, which may elevate things a bit, since such careful attention to noir elements reflects a careful construction behind the carnage. Of course, you couldn't tell that from watching the first twenty minutes or so - which is humorous and completely different in tone when contrasted with what follows. Still, if you watch carefully, the seeds of the story, and the fate of Oh Dae-Su (the movie's anti-hero), are all there. The movie's "secret" or mystery really isn't that big of a secret, and if you've watched noir flicks at all or have read your Jim Thompson, the characters' fates are not such a surprise. Shocking -- always, no matter how many times you've seen or read it, but not a surprise. But I'm not revealing anything more here.
The movie has loads of style (which is probably what attracted Tarantino's interest), and the story unfolds nicely - in a very pulpish way, while Oh Dae-Su, the whole time offers up pithy existential nuggets of hard won wisdom. The movie starts out almost as a comedy, turns surreal (Salvador Dali weird) as Oh Dae-Su is mysteriously imprisoned for fifteen years. Then it shifts gears into grindhouse action, and closes with a Sergio Leone like flourish - operatic, over the top and totally cool. Probably the only movie I've seen that believably shows a man fighting 15 others - with a hammer. It was like the Thriller from Manilla - kung fu version. Grueling. Brutal. A must see flick.
Movie Review: What An Amazing Twist
Summary: 5 Stars
I popped Oldboy into my DVD player expecting to see a pretty decent movie but I got something way past that. First do not buy this film expecting to see a martial arts or action packed film because this is not packed it's just the right amount to keep you interested. There's more torture than fighting as you see Oh dae-su seek the ultimate revenge after being kidnapped and held for 15 years and then for some crazy reason he's let go.
By this time your probably thinking Oh dae-su has some bit of control over his life after being released but his napper tells him different. Whenever Oh dae-su thinks he's getting some control he is pulled back like a dog on a leash. He figures out he has not really been released just let out for some air. The napper tells Oh dae-su he released him because he wanted him to know why this was done to him and who did it and he only had 5 days to do so. You think you know who's getting the revenge but you don't really know.
This film surpasses anything your thinking about it and the twist makes it worth every penny. I actually jokingly guessed the twist before it came and had the biggest jaw drop ever when I found out I was right, that's how unbelievable the twist is.
This film is so unique that you have to see it because there is no way you can find a twist in a movie in America like the one in Oldboy so get ready to be surprised. The actors are on the next level in this violent masterpiece and stop at nothing to make the film perfect. Don't watch this if you have a weak stomach.
Movie Review: Virtuoso!! - OLdBoy deserves the Criterion Edition
Summary: 5 Stars
Gripping, intense, powerful do not define Oldboy, but on the contrary, Oldboy defines those words since the powerful start of the movie until the very end.
Perhaps this is one of the best movies/concepts ever made, it will cause a stir between those normal folks who love their movies full of explosion, chases and cliches; since the story doesnt fall into anything predictable and never gives us mercy, not even to catch a small breath.
It is incredibly pointless to talk about the remake that we are going to see pretty soon, since i think that the role of Oh Daesu is way toooooo BIG for any self respecting actor; Russel Crowe cant do it, Thomas jane cant, Benicio del toro being the only good option, but still the role is too big. And what about the magnificient ending? Of course they are going to change it, of course they are going to make it weaker since the majority of the movie going audiencies are not going to accept the original shocking ending.
As a side note: lets all go to see the remake and laugh of one of the biggest cinematic mistakes ever done.
Ps: i dont know about you but Park chan wuk is my hero, for having the real guts for making a movie like this.
Ps2: Even Quentin Tarantino loves this film, i read somewhere else that after the screening in cannes he went to give his respect to park chan wuk and talk a bout the movie for about two hours.
PS3: If you cant read subtitles, you dont deserve to watch movies!
Movie Review: An ironic tale of retribution
Summary: 5 Stars
Chan-wook Park's amazing flick "Oldboy" is a modern day Shakespearean type saga of deceit, vengeance and reprisal played out against a current South Korean setting.
Oh Dae-su, played amazingly by Min-sik Choi, is a womanizing Seoul businessman, husband and father of a young daughter who is inexplicably confined in a private prison cell for 15 years. In his solitude his only attachment to the outside world is a TV. While watching he learns of the brutal murder of his wife, orphaning his child. From that point he musters all his power to sharpen himself both physically and mentally for revenge against those who immersed him in this predicament.
After being released he embarks on a blood thirsty campaign of vindication. While doing so he becomes befriended to a young female sushi chef Mi-do played by an innocent Hye-jeong Kang. They eventually fall in love and she supports him in his quest. Soon after his released he is outfitted with a cell phone and wads of cash by his tormentor. It is established that he is to be given 5 days to ascertain the reason for his incarceration by his captor or the life of Mi-do will be forfeited.
This last part of the flick chronicles Oh dae-su's voyage of discovery as to the genesis of the deeds that caused his plight. What is revealed is a stunning sequence of events leading to an unpredictable and ironic conclusion to an extremely well crafted and written plot that is superbly directed by Park.
Movie Review: Hollywood Take Notice
Summary: 5 Stars
Oldboy is, in my opinion, one of the well-made films I've ever seen. Park Chan-wook has developed a magnificent way of storytelling, filled with visceral and disturbing images that work effectively toward the overall. The idea of an ordinary man abducted and torn from his family only to be locked in a cheap hotel room for 15 years FOR NO APPARENT REASON is genius. He has five days to figure out why this was done to him and exact his revenge. I'd say that any smart Hollywood scriptwriter is probably mashing his brains on how to spin this into a US blockbuster (I don't blame them: the Indian film Zinda already ripped it off).
The acting was top-notch, especially Choi Min-sik's Oh Dae-su character. I think he totally killed in this role (betcha didn't know that octupus he ate was actually REAL?!), and the supporting roles of his tormentor and his lover were also very good. Park knows how to pick his actors and evidently can motivate them to do any role, no matter how disturbing the matrerial.
Obviously, I don't want to divulge the secret that this tale has to tell. After all, it is the secret that drives this entire story and will bring audiences to a nerve-shattering but satisfying climax. The DVD is filled with special features, but I suspect that the special metal box edition is certainly the must-have for any fan of this film. Either way, I don't think anyone would be disappointed in purchasing this movie.