Welcome to The Best Movies I’ve Never Seen! This is the part of the blog where I work my way through 100 films I’ve never seen that are generally considered to be great. You’re invited to watch along with me if you can find a copy or find it streaming. So grab some popcorn and let’s get started!

Oldboy

2003

Directed by Park Chan-wook

Park Chan-wook’s 2003 cult classic Oldboy is not for the faint of heart. This South Korean action thriller takes viewers on a dark and twisted journey of revenge that blends stylized violence with psychological drama.

The film stars Choi Min-sik as Oh Dae-su, an ordinary businessman who is mysteriously imprisoned in a hotel room for 15 years with no explanation. When he is suddenly released, Dae-su seeks vengeance against his captor Lee Woo-jin (Yoo Ji-tae), leading to a series of increasingly shocking revelations.

Oldboy is the second installment in Park’s “Vengeance Trilogy”, preceded by Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and followed by Lady Vengeance. It’s clear the director has a talent for crafting stories about the lengths people will go to get revenge.

Choi Min-sik delivers an intense and committed performance as the unhinged Dae-su, undergoing a drastic physical transformation during his 15 years of isolation. Meanwhile, Yoo Ji-tae excels as the cold, calculating antagonist Woo-jin, hellbent on tormenting Dae-su.

One of the film’s most memorable scenes is the epic “one take” hallway fight scene, which reportedly took three days to film and over a dozen takes to perfect. The visceral and tightly choreographed brawl set a new standard for action sequences at the time.

Oldboy also features some graphic and controversial moments, including a live octopus being eaten on camera (sorry, little guy). Park spares no expense in depicting the depths of human cruelty and violence.

The less said about the plot twists, the better. I’ll just warn you to brace yourself, because the revelations in the final act are jaw-dropping. Park Chan-wook ties the story together in a Greek tragedy-inspired ending that will leave you stunned.

While certainly not for the faint of heart, Oldboy is a bold, shocking and masterfully crafted tale of revenge. Park’s operatic direction and the committed performances from its leads make it an unforgettable viewing experience. Just be prepared to walk away shaken.

Have you seen Oldboy? Share your thoughts on this cult classic in the comments!