Oldboy (EOTWS)

End Of The Week Shorts #11 extract: Oldboy (2003)


A flawless film that really didn't need the remake - which I've not seen in full, so don't really have a valid opinion on. 
With his newest feature, The Handmaiden, Park Chan-wook certainly proved himself to be one of the most interesting directors working today. But, the Vengeance Trilogy, which Oldboy is apart of, is an example that Chan-wook has been making great films for well over a decade now. As the most sensational film of the trilogy, Oldboy is edited and directly masterfully with great, though over-the-top at points, performances all round.
What stands out most about Oldboy, however, is the story which, looking past the plot twists on numerous re-watches, is very intricate and darkly profound. In short, Oldboy is an exploration of inhumanity and isolation - a crushing aspect of existence that can leave people only wanting to be numb. The manner in which these themes and ideas are explored is entirely exceptional with some unforgiving dark humour. 
All in all, I think it's safe to say that Oldboy is probably a masterpiece - one that maybe isn't for everyone.

Popular Posts