Oldboy, is simply one of the most remarkable movies I have ever seen. I would recommend this movie tby Stephen_Toziopoulos
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March 31, 2009:
Like my title stated I feel this movie is absolutely remarkable.
This movie truly can only be endured and appreciated by people who love film and theatre, so if this is not you most likely you will not like this movie.
Things you must consider before watching this movie:
1. This is not for the faint of heart and can be very gruesome and grotesque throughout the whole entire movie.
2. This movie is like a work of art....It has many underlying themes and meanings to be interpreted by the viewer. To many people get caught up in the literal story line and plot.
3. The ending will leaving you hanging and the purpose is to entice and continue the internal dialogue created by the movie.
4. You must watch this movie at least 3 times to get it... Not the plot or whatever but to actually get it...
Must I say anymore!!! If you are still reading this review than you definitely should watch this movie!!!!
This review was written about the DVD edition.
I Also Recommend: Spy Game, Persepolis, Cidade De Deus, Don Juan DeMarco and the Centerfold, The Libertine.
A man who runs after vengeance have to put all the pleasure of life aside.by Anonymous
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October 23, 2006:
Lots has been said about this film. It is neither a classic nor a flop. After seeing this film last night I found it to be pretty decent. There’s no reason to bash this film because it does deserve to be rated moderately. When rating a film I ask myself what is the film giving the audience and what is the message that the director is pushing across. In this film the message is not much smarter than your average horror flick, and the only feeling you have after seeing it is disgust. That's not really a bad thing, if it has direction. In films like ‘Seven’ there is and it can be summed up really easy in the last sentences from Morgan Freeman. "The world is a beautiful place and worth fighting for. I agree with the last part." Because ‘Oldboy’ lacks a message like this the whole film becomes an empty vessel. That being say, it might be one of the best empty vessels created. 'Oldboy' has a very intriguing premise: A man has been locked up for 15 years in a private prison by unknown people. No reason has been given for this punishment. After he is finally released, he tries to find out who imprisoned him and what their motives are. The first part of the movie is very good. The plot is a little bizarre but you simply want to know what is going on. Once the puzzle start coming together, things are falling apart. The movie may still work for some as a morality tale, but those who desire at least a little bit of realism (and the first half of the movie certainly encourages this expectation) will be sorely disappointed. This is certainly not the first movie that uses hypnotism as a cheap and highly unrealistic plot device for mind control, but in the 21st century one should expect the authors to know better. I will say the photography is stunning, the editing is clever and the acting is at most parts really good. The story is smart, but becomes a little to smart at times. It's trying too much to live up to films like Memento, ‘Seven’ or even ‘The Sixth Sense’ where everything is revealed in the end. First of all I wasn't that surprised, but the worst part was that I really didn't care. With a better resolution of the plot and a slightly less playful style this could have been a winner. I will say though ‘OldBoy’ didn't bore me a single second and it is worth viewing.
This review was written about the DVD edition.