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)

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)

If it wasn't an American remake, I'd give it an even higher rating. However, Spike Lee took a great Korean film, or rather its comic book source, and made a similarly good film out of it. The absolutely great casting led to the film being more accessible to Western audiences in this regard. The plot is well constructed, but the Koreans already nailed that aspect. In some cases, it was almost too obvious that Spike Lee didn't just draw inspiration from the Korean film but outright lifted some great scenes from it. Sharlto Copley once again excels in a fantastic villainous role. It’s great, but it’s just a repeat of the original. (07/05/2014)

The Korean Old Boy is almost one of my favorites, or at least a movie I like a lot. But this one doesn't even come close. The script lacks logic and depth in places. Some of the scenes are completely nonsensical and you could see that they were just shoehorned in because they were in the original. Others were so overdone that they deserved a spanking. And of course they were afraid of the spiciest ones, so they softened them or cut them out completely. The main character is not half the quality of the Korean one. He lacks any charisma, which is almost a must for this role. On the other hand, I recognize that my opinion won't be entirely objective. I could have given it one more star, but knowing and loving the original, I just can't. 2 stars. (30/06/2014)

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)