Strange story - but very entertaining

Rating: 10/10 (16 September 2005)

When I read some of the negative reviews I began to wonder if I'd just been watching the same movie. But then, I didn't start the movie expecting anything in particular - it always looked intriguing on the trailers and I had a few hours to kill so I got out the DVD. Also, I didn't spend the whole movie trying to second-guess the story and work out the ending before I'd got halfway through - I just sat down and let myself be drawn into Oh Daesu's weird story.
I thought the acting was superb and all the lead characters turned in very convincing performances. The lighting and 'mood' are also perfect. As for the supposedly over the top violence, I really didn't think it was any worse than most Tarantino movies. A fair bit of nasty stuff happens but usually off-camera.
I'd say, if you're a fan of quirky, violent movies with great acting and intriguing story lines - and you don't mind reading fast subtitles then OldBoy could very well be your kind of movie.