Clever thriller that's a bit overlong but intense and exciting

Rating: 8/10 (29 March 2006)

I almost intentionally avoided reading press about Oldboy before I saw it, largely because I didn't want to see any spoilers previous to it. I wouldn't say I was hugely excited about seeing it, but I was very interested and a friend's recommendation eventually got my bum on a seat for it. Continuous discussion of the graphic nature of Oldboy had suggested that perhaps it'd be a very unpleasant two hours, but it proved an intelligent and at times deeply funny and moving study of a man imprisoned over something he is unaware of, suddenly let go after several years with no explanation other than a time limit to find out why he was locked away before a young woman is killed.
It's a great premise, and the film genuinely manages to keep you thrilled throughout it's two hours. I found the ending a little on the overblown side to tell you the truth, but other than that I found little to fault Oldboy. The film has a kind of surreal bent to it, and a jet black streak of humour that many seem to have missed entirely. The main character's narration is part of this, being both dry and witty, but also the way the movie is directed lends it a strange dream-like quality, a little like Barton Fink.
While Oldboy isn't hugely violent, and more importantly is not a movie where the violence IS the film, it is probably graphic enough to put the more wimpy viewer off Asian movies for life. Certain scenes of violence are tinged with humour, particularly the two early fight scenes, but then others are nasty and disturbing (Claw hammer dentistry anyone? Thought not.). Still, at the end of the day, the premise of Oldboy is supposed to be dark and disturbing (would you like to be kidnapped and locked up in a disused apartment for no obvious reason) and there is enough detail and humanity in this film for the violence to be put in contrast and not dominate the feature, so this wasn't an issue for me.
So, to conclude, if you're strong of stomach and enjoy a good twisty-turny movie, then it'd be a good idea to check out Oldboy. It's original, dark and well balanced, and doesn't make it's story overly confusing. I liked it a lot, hopefully you will too.