Oldboy (2003) one in a trilogy of revenge series by director Chan-wook Park! It is preceded by ‘Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance‘ and followed by ‘Lady Vengeance.’

Oldboy (2003)

• Director: Chan-wook Park
• Writer (s): Hwang Jo-yun, Chan-wook Park, Lim Chun-hyung, Gim Joon-hyung & Garon Tsuchiya
• Starring: Choi Min-sik, Yu Ji-tae & Kang Hye-jeong
• Country: South Korea
• Language: Korean

‘Oldboy (2003) audio is in its native Korean language. To fully enjoy the effect of the film, it is highly recommended that watch it in its original language with English subtitles.

Before watching Oldboy, ask yourself these two questions: ‘Can you keep a secret?’ and ‘How long could you hold a grudge?’ If you were to get a huge pot– like a huge soup pot — gather your ingredients, your veggies and spices, etc., and for that added kick, psychological revenge with a pinch of romance–when it is all boiled up and done,  fix yourself up a bowl of Chan-wook’s Oldboy (2003). If I was asked what I thought of this film prior to watching, I would have summed it up to the everyday, typical karate movie that fell short of suspense and real action. I am fortunate to be wrong…big time! Oldboy (2003) is all that and then some–a rare action packed revenge saga from Korea. Oldboy (2003) is an ‘old school style’ kick-ass film of fierceness that only director Chan-wook Park can deliver.

The movie is based on keeping a secret. Dae-su (Choi Min-sik) saw something out of the ordinary one day at school and what made it worse, he committed the crime of telling that tale. Spreading gossip is the cause Dae-Su’s misfortune in this film. After 15 years of confinement and released with only a stacked wallet and cell phone which rings in a warning:

5 days to find out who locked him up and why!

Dae-su’s pursuit for information causes him to have flashbacks of his past, which only fuels his rage for revenge. Accompanying him is the beautiful Mi-do (Kang Hye-jeong). The two head into a psychological whirlwind!

To top all this off: prepare for some kick ass fighting scenes–the most famous ‘hammer’ scene– crowns director Chan-wook a master of suspense. There is so much more to write about Oldboy–but it would only spoil the challenge of figuring out the plot for yourself.

So, grab a seat.

Be patient.

Enjoy.

Besides, don’t you just hate it when someone tells how a movie will end? I don’t want you to hate me. But, I can leave you with a warning: get ready for a mind blowing experience!

15 years imprisonment–and only 5 days for vengeance!

‘laugh, and the world laughs with you–weep, and you weep alone!‘