Unbelievable!! Please Hollywood Don't Ruin This!!!!

Rating: 10/10 (5 February 2005)

Oldboy is one of those rare movie experiences that unfolds deliberately and note perfect. Park layers on the detail of Daeshu's journey from the opening frame yet never lets the viewer on to where the path will take and it does take some dark and unnerving twists. Still this is bold and visionary film-making at its finest with standout performances by each of the 3 leads. Mass American audiences will never find this film though as there are few distributors that have the courage to stand behind a film this risky and adventurous as far as the subject matter goes, i.e. the final reveal and the choices that it brings. The final 2 minutes alone will have most American audiences gasping in PC shock and most likely offended. This does not seem to be Park's meaning despite the challenging and uncompromising actions that Daeshu makes. Film-making this good deserves to be recognized and rewarded--thank you Cannes Grand Prix--but it is a pity that only those that seek out material this unique will find it. Thank the celluloid Gods that I did!!!!