I first heard of the Korean film "Oldboy", from Bravo's "Most Terrifying Moments" count down. Disturbing imagery, disturbing plot, but the panel forgot to mention a twisted love story and sense of justice that encompasses it.
Oh Dae-su was an alcoholic husband and father with a very dark past that is unbeknownst to him. In 1988, he was kidnapped with no explanation. 15 years later he is released into the public by a man who demands that he rediscovers his past. If the truth is discovered, the "villain" will kill himself, but if he fails to do so in five days, his new love, Mi-do, will be executed.
I cannot particularly say that I am a fan of Asian Extreme cinema. It is probably because of the wretched American attempts to emulate it, but there is no way to deny a lot of the subject matter is stuff that need not be investigated or the violence just seems unnecessary. Also, the films seem to offer no hope. How can there be hope after all of the twists? Oldboy is an example of how all of Asian Extreme can be done right.
First off, the acting has to be excellent to make the viewer want to like all of the characters in the wretched world the film presents. Oldboy does so. Then it is all about the story telling, and again, Oldboy excels. Every scene builds upon itself, and every scene is important.
The most important thing is the Greek/Roman tragedy offered by Tsuchsiya Garon. There are numerous challenges presented, and our hero is willing to do whatever it takes to overcome them. This is where Park Chan-wook's direction excels. What needs to be seen is seen, and if everything needs to be seen, he captures everything.
The scenes that show Park's ability to excel as a director are the first fight scene which plays out a lot like "Final Fight" in a good way. The climax is captured very well, and since it is the culmination of all of the disturbing story and imagery, that is essential to any film. It is a beautifully ironic scene because the audience only knows it is happening, and are forced to imagine it.
Oldboy brilliantly offers terror, action, and horror when ever it feels it necessary, and never needs to mix the elements to do so. Park Chan-wook is able to capture a Hitchcock feel with a touch of modern horror. His story should be a very hard one to endure, but Oldboy allows you to respect or at least understand its characters so well, you will stay with them to whatever end may come. No matter how Extreme it is.
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