Post by Mirrorless on Oct 10, 2007 11:23:03 GMT -5
Oldboy is a South Korean movie based on a Japanese manga of the same name.
And, frankly, it's one of the best movies I've ever seen.
It's about an alcoholic businessman named Oh-Daesu who gets kidnapped and placed in the same room for 15 years. Over that period of time, his only communication with the outside world is watching TV, and he is fed the same thing every day, fried dumplings. He changes his ways, noting all the bad things that he's done to others, and shadowboxes against his wall for practice for a potential chance to avenge himself on his kidnappers, going to the point that his knuckles bleed and develop huge callouses. He is framed for killing his wife while captive, and learns that his daughter moves to Sweden while still a child. After the 15 years, for no given reason, he is released, with a new suit and a phone. He is given 5 days to find his kidnappers, or else he will never know why he was imprisoned or get a chance at revenge.
And that's just the beginning of the movie. This, I truly believe, is a masterful work of art. The intricate plot is absolutely mesmerizing, unfolding in so many different ways while keeping intact so that it's not too confusing. The visuals are brilliant and beautiful, and the actors are believably humane in their roles.
Oldboy is so many different things in one; it's captivating, thrilling, emotional, disturbing, disgusting, and enlightening all at the same time. There are some scenes noted for blood, but it never gets as bad as chop-'em-up thrillers like Saw; violence is one recurring theme in this movie, but most of the intimidation and manipulation of other characters is more psychological, playing mind games that involve the most important possessions in one's life, an object, hope, aspiration or relationship.
Even if the violence itself is not as gross as Saw, there are some plot elements that are just as shocking as Saw's overall display. There's a rather discomforting amount of sexuality in two particular scenes, almost enough to be pornographic, and foul language is not at all uncommon, but not to the law-breaking amount as Scarface.
Still, this film is a wonderful and realistic piece while giving off a very slight taste of fantistical presence. It delves into the depth of human psyche and emotions. There's also some parts that warrant dark comedy, but throughout, "Oldboy" remains a primarily serious movie.
I reccomend this movie to anyone who is unafraid of bizarre plots and content, who is seeking an enthralling, deep, thoughtful, emotional experience. Oldboy is a huge success.
I also have one more piece of advice; the less you know about it going in, the better. If you are planning to see it, please don't ruin the plot for yourself, or it won't be as good. My summary of the beginning events isn't enough to ruin it, so it should be okay.
And, frankly, it's one of the best movies I've ever seen.
It's about an alcoholic businessman named Oh-Daesu who gets kidnapped and placed in the same room for 15 years. Over that period of time, his only communication with the outside world is watching TV, and he is fed the same thing every day, fried dumplings. He changes his ways, noting all the bad things that he's done to others, and shadowboxes against his wall for practice for a potential chance to avenge himself on his kidnappers, going to the point that his knuckles bleed and develop huge callouses. He is framed for killing his wife while captive, and learns that his daughter moves to Sweden while still a child. After the 15 years, for no given reason, he is released, with a new suit and a phone. He is given 5 days to find his kidnappers, or else he will never know why he was imprisoned or get a chance at revenge.
And that's just the beginning of the movie. This, I truly believe, is a masterful work of art. The intricate plot is absolutely mesmerizing, unfolding in so many different ways while keeping intact so that it's not too confusing. The visuals are brilliant and beautiful, and the actors are believably humane in their roles.
Oldboy is so many different things in one; it's captivating, thrilling, emotional, disturbing, disgusting, and enlightening all at the same time. There are some scenes noted for blood, but it never gets as bad as chop-'em-up thrillers like Saw; violence is one recurring theme in this movie, but most of the intimidation and manipulation of other characters is more psychological, playing mind games that involve the most important possessions in one's life, an object, hope, aspiration or relationship.
Even if the violence itself is not as gross as Saw, there are some plot elements that are just as shocking as Saw's overall display. There's a rather discomforting amount of sexuality in two particular scenes, almost enough to be pornographic, and foul language is not at all uncommon, but not to the law-breaking amount as Scarface.
Still, this film is a wonderful and realistic piece while giving off a very slight taste of fantistical presence. It delves into the depth of human psyche and emotions. There's also some parts that warrant dark comedy, but throughout, "Oldboy" remains a primarily serious movie.
I reccomend this movie to anyone who is unafraid of bizarre plots and content, who is seeking an enthralling, deep, thoughtful, emotional experience. Oldboy is a huge success.
I also have one more piece of advice; the less you know about it going in, the better. If you are planning to see it, please don't ruin the plot for yourself, or it won't be as good. My summary of the beginning events isn't enough to ruin it, so it should be okay.