Oldboy

Oldboy is a gripping South Korean thriller directed by Park Chan-wook. It follows a man imprisoned for 15 years who seeks revenge upon his mysterious release, uncovering dark secrets along the way.

Synopsis

The film opens with Oh Dae-su (played by Choi Min-sik), a seemingly ordinary man, being kidnapped and imprisoned in a cell that resembles a hotel room. With no explanation or contact with the outside world, Dae-su spends 15 years in solitary confinement, his only companions being a television and his own thoughts. During this time, he learns that his wife has been murdered, and he is the prime suspect.

One day, as abruptly as he was captured, Dae-su is released, given money, clothes, and a cellphone. Confused and filled with rage, he embarks on a quest to find his captors and seek revenge. He soon encounters a young sushi chef named Mi-do (played by Kang Hye-jung), who becomes his ally and love interest. Together, they delve into the mystery of Dae-su’s imprisonment.

As Dae-su investigates, he discovers that his captor is a man named Lee Woo-jin (played by Yoo Ji-tae), who harbors a deep-seated grudge against him. The plot thickens as Woo-jin reveals that Dae-su must uncover the reason for his imprisonment within five days or face further consequences. This sets off a series of violent confrontations, psychological games, and shocking revelations.

The climax of the film is both disturbing and poignant, as Dae-su learns the truth about his past and the real reason behind his imprisonment. The film concludes with Dae-su making a desperate decision to erase his memories, highlighting the tragic irony of his quest for vengeance and the cost of uncovering painful truths.

 

  • Taglines: “15 years of imprisonment, 5 days of vengeance”
  • Genres: Action, Drama, Mystery
  • Duration: 120 minutes
  • Year: 2003
  • Rated: R
  • Metascore: 77

Interesting Facts

  • The film is based on a Japanese manga of the same name by Garon Tsuchiya and Nobuaki Minegishi.
  • The famous one-take hallway fight scene took 17 days to film and involved no CGI.
  • Director Park Chan-wook was inspired by Alfred Hitchcock and used similar techniques to build suspense.
  • Choi Min-sik, who played Oh Dae-su, actually ate a live octopus for one of the film’s most iconic scenes.
  • The film won the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival, where Quentin Tarantino was the jury president.

What Makes the Film Great?

Oldboy is celebrated for its intense narrative, complex characters, and stunning cinematography. The film’s blend of raw emotion, brutal action, and psychological depth creates a haunting and unforgettable experience, making it a standout in the thriller genre.

Director

Park Chan-wook directed Oldboy, showcasing his unique style and storytelling prowess. He is also known for other acclaimed films such as Lady Vengeance, Thirst, and The Handmaiden.

Cast

  • Choi Min-sik: Oh Dae-su
  • Kang Hye-jung: Mi-do
  • Yoo Ji-tae: Lee Woo-jin
  • Ji Dae-han: No Joo-hwan
  • Oh Dal-su: Park Cheol-woong