Oldboy

Well, this was an absolutely insane mindblow that scores points in every way. The central conceit is famously brilliant, Josh Brolin was perhaps the best possible fit, I ate up his entire role, and the dark, gloomy execution that gradually reveals the pieces of the puzzle, and the way shreds the viewer to pieces in the last three minutes makes it even more successful. In short, I don't know what to praise first. The amazing Elizabeth Olsen in a supporting role is also a delight, and besides all the above, there are some unexpectedly intense fight scenes (which reminded me of the church scene from Kingsman) - so a real kick-ass flick. I'm blown away and Oldboy is for me the new cult-classic of the mystery mindfuck genre, definitely a must see for everyone as it mixes genres perfectly and doesn't let the viewer's attention go for a minute. (07/01/2022)

It's not that categorical waste falls on the director's head because I in fact like Spike Lee, and his handling of the Asian version is culturally much more appealing to me. It is not about criticizing the copying of a favorite title. Spike Lee simply succeeded in removing the curls and mimicry of the Korean version to such an extent that he exposed the vulgar and debased essence of the script in full, all the illogicality and emotional stupidity that is hidden beneath a substantial layer of bait for the festival audience in Chan-wook Park's version. East Asian cinema has long been distant to me, except for a part of Japanese production due to its intense focus on melodrama and love for the aestheticization of brutal violence. Chan-wook Park created a film in the original Oldboy that I privately categorize as cinematic nonsense decorated with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles. You have to admit that when you focus your interest precisely on those sweets, the essence often escapes you. Spike Lee shot it without any softening ingredients and that ground-level shit was exposed in full. Seriously, I have a feeling of something very tasteless, which should be avoided at all costs. Overall impression: 5% for the presence of Josh Brolin and Elizabeth Olsen. (02/04/2017)

Great remake! I wasn't too impressed with the original, probably because I was just starting out in Asia, so I really enjoyed the new Oldboy. The film grabs you from start to finish and doesn't let go! Even though there are only three action scenes, they are fucking brilliant and bloody. The pace of the film is very fast and dynamic, there is always something going on, being solved. Josh Brolin was perfect for the role, he's a proper tough guy! Just a great thrilling ride that will keep you entertained. 75%. (21/02/2014)

I’m right on the fence between three and four stars. I should mention from the start that I’m not familiar with the original Korean version (I definitely plan to check it out in the future), so there won’t be much comparison here. The story managed to captivate me. Josh Brolin did an excellent job; I was completely engrossed in his antagonist's actions, and the casting was spot-on. I also enjoyed the overall audiovisual presentation, the fantastic cinematography, and the rest of the cast (Samuel L. Jackson felt like a bit of a miscast here, as he didn’t have much to do, while Sharlto Copley was a perfect fit in my opinion). Everyone’s raving about the final twist. I admit, I didn’t expect it, and it was well done, but I was disappointed with everything that followed. It felt like the twist and the subsequent events didn’t quite match up, and I was expecting a bolder catharsis. So, I’ll probably lean towards three stars. But definitely give the film a watch. For me, it’s 7/10. (14/01/2022)

The original was formally much more eccentric, and a conventional European viewer necessarily had a problem with the emotions, which are much more understandable and easier to read in this not so pointless remake. The action is equally explosive and uncompromising, and very well shot and edited – with whole shots and without frenetic editing. Josh Brolin also gives an excellent performance in such a demanding role. And just when it starts to become routine, a fantastic twist comes along, which keeps the whole film in a very watchable standard. It is not for multiple viewings, it is not a pleasant film in itself (and it is not about violence at all), but it can be easily managed once. (24/06/2014)