Watch Old Boy

Old Boy is a South Korean psychological thriller movie directed by Park Chan-wook and released in 2003. The movie follows the story of Oh Dae-su, a man who is suddenly abducted and held captive in a small prison cell for 15 long years, without any explanation. During his confinement, Oh Dae-su is drugged, hypnotized and watched by his captors who keep a keen eye on his every move. He has no contact with the outside world, no access to television, radio or newspapers, and barely any human interaction except for the occasional delivery of food and water, which is slid through a small slot in the door.

One day, Oh Dae-su is released without warning or explanation, and he is left to unravel the mystery of his imprisonment and take revenge on those responsible. As he sets out to discover the truth, he meets a young woman named Mi-do who is kind and compassionate towards him. Soon, Oh Dae-su finds himself on a sinister journey where he must face the demons of his past and the shocking truth behind his captivity.

The character of Oh Dae-su is played by Choi Min-sik and his performance is intense and powerful. He portrays the character with sincerity and conviction, making the audience empathize with the horrors he has been through. Yoo Ji-tae plays the role of Lee Woo-jin who is a mysterious and calculating antagonist, who has a deep connection with Oh Dae-su's past. Kang Hye-jeong plays the supporting role of Mi-do, who is a lithe and gentle young woman. She becomes entangled in Oh Dae-su's quest for vengeance and shows her loyalty to him at the end.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of Old Boy is the cinematography. The film uses a range of innovative techniques including handheld shots, slow motion, and unusual camera angles, giving the movie an unconventional feel. The color palette is predominantly dim and bleak, with a liberal use of muted blues and greens, which highlights the oppressive nature of the story.

The movie has been praised for its originality, and the twist ending, which is a hallmark of the thriller genre, is particularly remarkable. The revelation is both unexpected and satisfying, tying up all the loose ends while also delivering an emotional catharsis to the viewer. The film's screenplay is well-written, and the characters are complex and layered, making for a gripping experience.

The movie also succeeds in weaving in elements of social commentary. The themes of revenge, guilt, and redemption are explored throughout the narrative, as is the idea of fate and karma. The portrayal of Korean society is also significant, as it raises questions about the power dynamics in the country and how far people are willing to go to maintain their position.

Overall, Old Boy is a movie that is not for the faint-hearted. It is an intense, gritty and often violent film that pushes the boundaries of the thriller genre. With brilliant performances from its cast, innovative cinematography, and an unexpected twist ending, it is a cinematic masterpiece that has become a cult classic. The film's exploration of themes like justice, revenge, and societal issues make it an intellectually stimulating experience while also providing the audience with an emotional gut-punch that lingers long after the credits have rolled.

Old Boy is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.3 and a MetaScore of 77.