modern masterpiece!

Rating: 10/10 (3 March 2006)

Oldboy is the second film in Chan-wook Park's revenge trilogy. The films are unrelated, but all share a common link in the plot.
Because Oldboy is about revenge. unknown revenge...
the main character is taken into captivity by an unknown villain for 15 years. that is the plot description the back cover gives you. and it is great that is so ambiguous. Because when I watched it for the first time half a year ago I was stunned and mortified by the plot and its twists. It is impossible to say too much without letting the goods spill, so I wont.
But this film doesn't only sprout a grand plot, it also carries it self with great style! the colour tweaks done in RGB are quite subtle, but they add immensely to the atmosphere. the atmosphere clearly states that this is a serious movie. the main character is confused and angry, barley away from hateful.
The film only builds this atmosphere deeper and deeper the further the movie progresses. it is violent, yes. but all the violence is done in such a fashion that you feel the need for it. it is very emotionally strong violence. And in the midst of all this Chan-wook Park finds the space for some dark(as it can be) humour. but the great thing is that the humour only adds to the depth of the characters and strenghten the plot, making it very plausible and extremely believable.
To summarize: this movie is not for the faint hearted. the subject at hand is more or less one of the final taboos in this liberal world(next to farming babies for the black organ market)...
Strong, sad and ultimately stunning film for the mature minded