BLOG 2: Oldboy (2003)

 OldBoy (2003)

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Creator: Jhayne 

    SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!!!!

I suggest watching Oldboy (2003) first, then return to read my review and check out my rating for it!

Let's get right into it since this movie is full of unexpected turns.

Official IMDB page

The Plot:

        Oldboy is a revenge story that follows Oh Dae-Su, a man who wants vengeance after being imprisoned for 15 years. Oh Dae-Su's violent debut at a police station sets the tone for the chaos, which follows his incarceration for over a decade when he's kidnapped outside the station.

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    During his confinement, he learns about his wife's death and his daughter's adoption through a television in his cell. Then......he's miraculously set free.....(weird right?) His search for answers takes a compelling turn when he finds Mi-Do, an attractive woman he falls in love with. She remains by his side and assists him throughout the process of uncovering the truth about his kidnapper. 

        The narrative intensifies as Oh Dae-Su confronts individuals responsible for the suffering he endures, culminating in a showdown with his old schoolmate Lee Woojin. Lee exposes a frightening reality about Oh Dae-Su's background, exposing Dae's role in his sister's suicide and creating an evil plan to have him fall in love with Mi-do as revenge. 

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        After inspecting a timelapse-style picture book in a present box, Dae discovers Mi-do is HIS OWN DAUGHTER! (Isn't that an eccentric twist?! At this point, I almost fell out of my chair and even cried!) 

Lee's vengeance goes beyond physical agony, affecting Oh Dae-Su's life, including the loss of his wife and the adoption of his daughter. The film breaches standard storytelling conventions, displaying the complexities of vengeance fictions while involving gore to add another layer of insanity to this work of art.

My Rating

10/10

Originality of Story/Characters: Oldboy is a unique and captivating film with a complex and deeply human main character, Oh Dae-su. The plot takes unexpected turns, keeping the audience on edge. The movie delves into themes not commonly explored in mainstream cinema, making it a standout in storytelling and character development.

8/10

Cinematography: In Oldboy, the cinematography is nothing short of extraordinary. The use of extended, continuous views, particularly in the infamous fight sequence in the hallway, is evidence of the filmmakers' talent. The film's overall intensity and suspense are increased by the visual style. The thoughtful framing and composition add to the overall impact of the movie.

7/10

Soundtrack Use: Oldboy's soundtrack is a component that enhances the movie's emotional effect. The gloomy and eerie tone of the story is complemented by the hauntingly gorgeous score.

9/10

Rewatchability: Every time you watch the movie Oldboy, new layers are revealed. It is a timeless and enduring work of cinema because of the detailed intricacies, foreshadowing, and subtle nuances in the storyline that become more obvious after a second or third viewing.

My Overall Rating: 8.5/10

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