Oldboy (2003) 

Directed by Chan-wook Park 

Starring Min-sik Choi, Ji-tae Yu, Hye-jeong Kang 

If one film has raised the general populaces awareness of South Korea in terms of film production then this has to be the one. 

Oh Dae-Su is kidnapped and imprisoned for 15 years, why? On his release he is intent on finding out and exacting revenge! 

A paper thin plot with some stupendously memorable sequences guarantee this film a good reaction where ever it's screened. I have seen so many serious comments and reviews on Oldboy which in a way is more comical than the film. The film is based on a Japanese Manga of the same name by Minegishi Nobuaki and Tsuchiya Garon and it is a "Black Comedy Revenge Drama" see it, enjoy it, laugh with it (although an understanding of the Asian sense of humour is certainly beneficial) be stunned by the set pieces but please, please, please don't look for any serious messages, there aren't any! 

The film asks you to make a few leaps of faith especially when the 2 main protagonists are supposed to be of a similar age and one looks old enough to be the others father, in actual fact the age difference between the actors is 14 years. 

Korean aspect - Well I don't know about Korean but eating a live squid/octopus? is definitely not something I'd expect to see in my local restaurant. 

Essential cinema - No of course not but a spectacular slice of hokey entertainment. Highly recommended as a good night out at the cinema." 

Cheers Trev. 

BBFC rating 18