Masterpiece?

Rating: 10/10 (17 April 2006)

Probably the best of the recent South Korean cinema boom, Oldboy is a compelling drama/thriller with an outstanding lead performance from Choi Min Sik. The premise of a man imprisoned for 15 years for no apparent reason is frightening but this is just the beginning of a series of horrors. At once scary, funny and poignant Oldboy is easily one of the best films of the last ten years, only the dreaded prospect of an American remake (possibly starring Nicholas Cage!!) leaves a bad taste in the mouth. The director's other films - JSA, Sympathy for Mr Vengeance and Lady Vengeance (the latter two part of a 'revenge' trilogy along with Oldboy) are not in the same class as this but still worth seeking out.