Oldboy : A Park Chan Wook film which has divided viewers into two different camps.

Rating: 10/10 (20 September 2014)

Park Chan Wook's film "Old Boy" has divided viewers into two different camps. On the one hand there are many viewers who have voiced their positive opinions about it. On the other hand, there are also some viewers who have not been able to understand this film and its message of revenge. Whatever one might say, there is no point in going into details regarding this film's popularity neither would it be worthwhile to discuss its notoriety. All that can truly be said about "Old Boy" directed by Korean iconoclast filmmaker Park Chan Wook is that it can make one learn more about a Korean person's psyche. This aspect of human behavior is revealed in the character of Oh Dae Su whose role has been amazingly played with heavenly aplomb, tremendous maturity and remarkable agility by Korean actor Choi Min Sik. A film critic has to be trusted when he states that a film like this has not been made in the recent past. This is one of those rare Asian films which doesn't walk on the crutches of exotic Asian elements even for a second. There is one sincere advice for the Victorian prudes who criticized the scene in which an Octopus is eaten alive. Kindly have a look at Pasolini's film "Salo". Compared to that film the octopus scene appears like an angelic infant. Those viewers who lambasted the portrayal of incest, it must be told that it has always been a part of human civilization since olden times. Hence, why are some people making unnecessary noises now about its depiction ? The best thing about "Old boy" is that it makes us aware of the fact that the time connection is extremely important for all of us. Everything about the film is brilliant indeed mind boggling. Whether it is catchy music, quick pace, ample suspense, raw violence or maudlin melodrama. "Old boy" is a first class product in the truest sense of the word. It is a film which gives its viewer complete value for money. Whichever format one chooses to watch this film, it is surely going to rest in the viewer's mind for a long time.