Oldboy
From director Park Chan-wook (Joint Security Area and Sympathy For Mr. Vengeance) comes the winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes – OLDBOY.
(MOVIE)
From director Park Chan-wook (Joint Security Area and Sympathy For Mr. Vengeance) comes the winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes – OLDBOY.
The Story begins with a loud, obnoxious alcoholic Oh Daesu (Choi Min-sik) who for no apparent reason finds himself confined without explanation in a small room containing a bed, toilet, bath facilities, a desk, and a television. He is periodically knocked out with gas, and awakens to find that his hair has been cut and his cell cleaned. Daesu only link to the outside world is his TV, which he watches endlessly. He even sees that he has been framed for the murder of his wife. Time passes and he counts years still in captivity with out any explanation. Then finally after 15 years incarcerated Daesu awakens and finds that he has been released. Not only has he been released but he is also supplied with money and a mobile, all from the person who originally imprisoned him and views the whole thing as an experiment. Daesu thankfully is not completely alone as finds a female sushi chef Mido (Kang Hye-jeong), who helps him find this unknown enemy and more importantly learn the reason why he was put away for so long.
So this is obviously a revenge movie, but what sets it apart and makes it an award winner. Well simply put I do not think you’ll ever see a movie like this, its themes are twisted and simply put sick (if you think SAW, Se7en or Silence of the Lambs were bad – well you haven’t seen anything yet). So what can you expect; a tooth removal scene with a hammer, Choi Min-sik eating a live squid (he really did) and some themes that will make you feel really naughty for just watching it. I must make a point the violence is not that bad, as it is more applied then shown – so it’s never as bad as you think, it’s just your imagination.
So what do we get for our moneys worth, we get great direction by Park Chan-wook, some great acting especially from Choi Min-sik, and parts of a storyline that so sick – you never thought possible. All of which should make you think this movie will get top marks. And even though the movie is very accomplished it will not get top marks for two main reasons; (1) there is never an emotional connection between Choi and the audience, (2) the ending I personally did not find satisfactory, I didn’t particularly like the reason for the incarceration or how the film resolved itself right at the end with Choi’s character. That does not even include the moments of complete implausibility.
Make no mistake, Old Boy is a dark and depressing film that can be a dark comedy at time, still hits you hard. That said this is still a well made, compelling good movie, and I have no reservations recommending for people after something extremely different, and are not to put off by bizarre sick storylines.
3.5/5
(Picture)
Unlike previous Tartan releases this picture is has a proper PAL transfer, meaning there is no ghosting which happens on NTSC to PAL transfer. Sharpness and contrast are good and black levels are as solid, but the colour is not completely rich as would be expected for a brand new film, though from previous DVD release this appears to be the way the director wanted it.
3.5/5
(Sound)
Both the DTS and the Dolby Digital 5.1EX are absolutely stunning. The film’s score is beautifully depicted by the use of the rear speakers, whilst the woofer is put to good use with solid thuds and the overall sharpness adds to the feel of the movie.
5/5
The Extras
Some really great extras are provided by Tartan, the likes of which I don’t think have ever been seen for an Asian film in this country.
Disc 1
You’ll find three subtitled audio commentaries all of which appear to have been taken from the Korean Ultimate edition. There is none by Harry Knowles who did an English commentary for a Korean release.
The commentary he does by himself is very thoughtful; though a little slow at times. He’s more talkative on the commentary with the cinematographer where he gets a lot more technical about the film. The Director and Cast track is much less detailed and has more banter, and is is more about ‘fun’ then anything else.
Disc 2
This disc is broken up into 6 sections:
2 making of documentaries.
9 deleted scenes with optional commentary
Director interview
Footage from the Cannes premier
A short film: Memory of Old Boy
Of them my favorite features are the interviews and deleted scenes. I really like the interviews as I found them fascinating and interesting, usually I find interview with cast a bit boring as they talk about how great the film is, rather then their own roles. The interviews in my opinion are a must watch. Among the usual fluff of deleted scenes there are a few, which add to the movie including a scene for the ending, making it even clearer. The optional commentary is a nice touch, as you can find out even more.
Overall easily the most extras features I’ve seen for an Asian film released in this country, not only large in volume, but large in quality too.
5/5
Overall an impressive, dark, twisted - but flawed film, on a really superb DVD.
4/5
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