The maverick Korean director Park Chan-Wook has created poetry out of extreme violence and bizarre misfortune in this uniquely visceral movie. The shock therapy dished out is unmistakable. Oldboy tells the mind-boggling and utterly discomforting tale of a simple-minded buffoon Oh Dae-su, who, for apparently no reason is put into solitary confinement for 15 years. When he was least expecting, he is released and given 5 days to uncover the truth. An explosive tale of punishment, vengeance and redemption, the movie is as visually implosive as it is intellectually stimulating. The dénouement is so unanticipated and shocking that it would leave even the most hard-core movie viewers numbed out of their senses. The sudden bursts of histrionics are wonderfully balanced with deadpan humour by the lead actor. The psycho-analytical study of a simple man’s transformation into a mad and ruthless avenger is disquietingly perfect in this dark, riveting thriller. The sheer audacity and technical virtuosity of the director are palpable in every single sequence.
To read a detailed review by me on the complete Vengeance Trilogy, click here.
Director: Park Chan-Wook
Genre: Psychological Drama/Psychological Thriller/Action/Romantic Drama
Language: Korean
Country: South Korea
