Please watch it

Rating: 9/10 (3 January 2005)

A man is taken, imprisoned and just as escape is imminent, released. By whom? Why and why again? It's a simple premise (based on a Japanese comic book), but it's the start of a complicated, involving movie. And I promise, it only gets better from there.
The main character of this movie is acted out by the amazing Min-sik Choi, who earlier appeared in the Korean box office hit, Swiri. He deserves every acting award (and even some to be created specifically for this role) for the mind-blowing rendition of Oh Dae-su - who undergoes a drastic change during his imprisonment. For such an impossibly difficult role, he performs brilliantly - almost inhumanely. I hope to see more meaty roles such as this (not the popcorn Swiri type) come his way in the future.
Perhaps it's hard to appreciate this movie against the history of Korean movies. It's such a new direction in many ways - basically all ways. The direction will blow you away - the shades of light, patterns and other bits that almost escape you, such as a fight scene along a hallway done in one long take. Chan-wook Park (whose previous works include JSA) has done an amazing job. The more I watch this movie, the more I notice and appreciate of his style and vision.
Perhaps I am biased in some way, because I find it hard to see fault in this movie - the acting, direction and camera work are brilliant. Having said this, be prepared for some violence, sex and some pretty lurid themes. If you feel like being surprised, watch this movie. Watch it a couple of times. It will blow your mind every time.
I trash many movies, this one I worship.