In Response To...

Rating: 9/10 (7 June 2006)

I'm writing this comment in response to another comment by an IMDb user. I've watched a fair number of movies in my time with a wide range of genres... I'll have to say that although this movie does have some details that may irk some, as a revenge film it is outstanding.
While the aforementioned comment was made in a similar fashion as the "overpraisers," (overpraisers, under-praisers they're all the same, LOL) he fails to recognize some of the important elements that he/she perhaps lost in translation. The story of Oldboy has many elements that only eastern viewers may understand, or a more rounded out western viewer. For example, Oh Dae-su's name is very important to the movie, if you've missed this, watch it again. There are small bits and pieces in this film that many viewers will fail to understand because the movie has that subtle layer below the obvious that the aforementioned user "saw." The movie's ending is also quite intriguing. While many will see the ending very simply and only skim the surface of the reality presented to them, there is an argument that the director has presented to the viewers that needs careful attention, examination and discussion.
It is difficult for a western audience to truly appreciate this movie, or Park's Sympathy For Mr. Vengeance. While many will dub either of these movies as "gorefests," Park is presenting the bare and raw version of revenge that humans often desire. He shows us the limits to which many are willing to go for attaining said vengeance. If you don't believe people like this exist, simply browse through a paper.
If you watch this movie, watch it with an open mind. AND PLEASE, please, please, dive deeper into the surface of the movie, question everything you see and discuss the movie. Don't just say it's "extreme" cinema or that it's a "gorefest." Most of all, don't rely on the opinion of others to sway your decision to watch this movie. Watch it, if you don't like it, turn it off and save yourself the displeasure of sitting through it.