DVD Review: Oldboy

Original Release Date: November 21, 2003

FS Verdict:  This movie will raise the bar on your film expectations; it will stay with you long after it’s finished. Add it to your Queue…HERE!

I heard the buzz on this movie for awhile before finally seeing it for myself.  I sat down on the couch, popped in the DVD, and had no idea what I was about to see.  It was a rare time that I saw a film completely in the dark. And that’s what I ask of all of you.  Don’t ask what it’s about. Don’t let anyone give anything away.  Experience it for yourself.  Because of this, the review will be short. Here is the only thing you need to know about the brilliant Oldboy:

The film follows the story of  Oh Dae-Su, who is locked in a hotel room for 15 years without knowing his captor’s motives. When he is finally released, Dae Su finds himself still trapped in a web of conspiracy and strangeness. His own quest for vengeance becomes tied in with romance when he falls for an attractive sushi chef.

This South Korean film was directed by Chan-wook Park. His restraint, patience,  and direction in telling the story is superb. The film won the Grand Prix award at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival and high praise from the President of the Jury (Quentin Tarantino), who could not persuade the members of the jury to give it the Palme d’Or over Fahrenheit 9/11.  In 2008, CNN named Oldboy one of the ten best Asian films ever made.

I know some of you are asking yourselves, does this mean there are subtitles? The answer is YES.   And here is an important note when you watch it. The DVD automatically plays the English dubbed version.  Take this off and go with the Korean subtitles. The dubbed version sounds like a bad karate movie. It will ruin things.

This film is twisted, dark, funny, light, and will have you wondering what happens next.  For emphasis…again…this movie is twisted. Let that be your warning to the innocent out there.  I’ve seen lots of movies to say the least. This instantly went into my Top 20…possibly even Top 10.

*Note — Steven Spielberg and Will Smith are in discussions to remake this film in the U.S. After you finish the movie, think about that idea. Bad or good idea?   Let me know your thoughts.

-Corey @ FS

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