No, not a masterpiece, but....

Rating: 8/10 (27 November 2006)

While it is true that Old Boy isn't a masterpiece, it is a well-constructed piece of cinema. There isn't anything particularly revolutionary regarding the themes of Old Boy, it is well-acted, beautifully shot, and the characters are engaging.
The movie is both beautiful and sad. Although vengeance is the underlying motivation for our protagonist, the film does not capitalize on a lot of cheap violence. If anything, the film demonstrates the folly of seeking revenge.
I very much recommend this movie and it has motivated me to explore other Korean films.