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Oldboy Review

Oldboy

Last Friday, I watched the Korean movie Oldboy with my Korean friend. Before viewing, I had no idea what movie I was about to see, I did not even see the movie poster. The only bit of information my friend gave me about the movie was that it’s a thriller. Later, I found out the movie is directed by the controversial director Park Chanwook. He made his debut in 2000 with the political thriller Joint Security Area, and then followed by a gruelling tale of revenge, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance. Oldboy is released in 2003, and has won the Jury Prize at Cannes 2004.

The tale is twisted and bizarre, fictional and extreme. The central theme of the movie is revenge and vengeance, through it the director attempts to explore the human nature. I am not going to talk about the plot or any details of the movie, because by doing so I would ruin the shocking effect of this movie. What I can tell you is that the movie is wrapped with secrets and shocking revelations as the plot builds up for its climax. Today, many self-claimed thriller movies are too predictable. Usually viewers can guess the ending at the middle of the viewing, but this is not the case with Oldboy, the movie takes the lead and takes viewers into unpredictable turns.

Two phrases were left with me when the movie ended. I found them very philosophical and profoundly meaningful.

  • When you laugh, the world laughs with you; when you weep, you weep alone.
  • A grain of sand or a rock, when in water they all sink to bottom.

I think this is the end of my review. I do recommend you to see this movie. I thought it was refreshing and new, a feeling that you rarely get these day after watching any Hollywood movie.

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