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      Oldboy

      2003, Action/Mystery & thriller, 1h 58m

      159 Reviews 100,000+ Ratings

      What to know

      Critics Consensus

      Violent and definitely not for the squeamish, Park Chan-Wook's visceral Oldboy is a strange, powerful tale of revenge. Read critic reviews

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      Oldboy  Photos

      A scene from the film "Oldboy." A scene from the film "Oldboy." A scene from the film "Oldboy." A scene from the film "Oldboy." Oldboy (2003)

      Movie Info

      Dae-Su is an obnoxious drunk bailed from the police station yet again by a friend. However, he's abducted from the street and wakes up in a cell, where he remains for the next 15 years, drugged unconscious when human contact is unavoidable, otherwise with only the television as company. And then, suddenly released, he is invited to track down his jailor with a denouement that is simply stunning.

      • Rating: R

      • Genre: Action, Mystery & thriller

      • Original Language: Korean

      • Director: Park Chan-wook

      • Producer: Kim Dong-ju

      • Writer: Im Jun-hyeong

      • Release Date (Theaters):  original

      • Rerelease Date (Theaters):

      • Release Date (Streaming):

      • Box Office (Gross USA): $1.7M

      • Runtime:

      • Distributor: Tartan Films USA

      • Production Co: Egg Films, Show East

      • Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

      • Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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      Critic Reviews for Oldboy

      Audience Reviews for Oldboy

      • May 12, 2018

        Oldboy is diabolical and ahead of it's time in the way it's directed and told. From its gritty violence to its heart-drenching thrills and revelations, the film is a remarkable feat and innovative take on vengeance and cunning storytelling. 4.3/5

        Super Reviewer
      • Aug 31, 2016

        One of the most visually impressive films of the 2000's with meticulously craft directing from Chan-Woo Park. But also easily one of the most devastating films you'll see. It rips your heart out in more ways than one. A revenge tale is only as good as the characters are written, and this film is brilliantly adapted from the 90's comic. The characters, who were apparently not developed enough in the comic, are well established within the first 20 minutes. All characters are brought around nicely by the time the credits roll, which contributes to the devastation of the film's emotional gut punch towards the end. One of the main reasons the characters work so nicely, is that Park provides character development in more ways than one. Whether it be through an important close up on our lead character's face or even a well-timed artistic metaphor, the story is so well-realized through its characters. Being that it's a tragic story that turns into a revenge flick but then turns back into a tragic tale again, you need to believe both sides of the coin. Min-sik Choi and Ji-tae Yu do a tremendous job at rounding out motivations as Dae-su and Woo-jin respectively. In order to feel the full impact of emotion Park was going for, you have to be with the film every step of the way. Although there are some plot points that blur the lines of being plot holes, Park gives us at least an acceptable answer to keep us engaged. Even just looking at the thrilling action sequences, which can be over-the-top and 'Raid'-like at times, is acceptable after seeing the finished product. Oldboy is a modern day classic. Not necessarily the type of film I would want to revisit more than once, but I got the full emotional impact that I had hoped for. Chan-Woo Park majestically directs the comic to life better than anyone possibly could. +Impressive fight scenes +Devastatingly beautiful storytelling +Lead performances -Potential holes in the story 9.1/10

        Super Reviewer
      • Mar 11, 2016

        Gripping action carries the load for this cinema standard, but, as the plot develops, the movie becomes increasingly unbelievable. This caused me to lose interest towards the climax because Oh Daesu was so likable early on. I will say it's a film worth watching once as long as it hasn't been spoiled beforehand.

        Super Reviewer
      • Feb 01, 2015

        And completing my list of movies that I have taken ages to see is this. As everyone says this is far superior to the American remake and I loved every minute of it.

        Super Reviewer

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