| Overall Grade: |
A+ |
|
| Story: |
A+ |
|
|
| Acting: |
A+ |
|
|
| Direction: |
A+ |
|
|
| Visuals: |
A+ |
|
|
Graphic, Intense, Dramatic and Utterly Original
by Ed Kim (movies profile)
Apr 14, 2007
10
of
12 people found this review helpful
Haven't seen the U.S. theatrical release, but I have my hands on the Korean DVD. This is one of the best movies I've ever seen. Completely original and made with the precision of a Swiss watch and the art of a tortured Van Goh brush. Evidently, I'm not the only one singing its praises. Cannes Film Festival gave it the Grand Prix award (2nd place) and Universal Pictures have bought the rights to the movie for a U.S. remake (scheduled for summer 2005 filming and winter 2006 release). The main character is intense, physical, bitter, edgy and on the border of sanity, much like the main character in Fight Club, Sev7en and Snatch. This film is completely original, with suprises, twists and turns, but the well done visuals don't exhaust the viewer but fit in very nicely with the story. Quaint and sometimes haunting musical score. Acting is brilliant, especially Min Sik Choi, playing the intense and stoic protagonist.
The movie does a unexpected mind job on the viewer and it's often impossible to predict what will happen next. Without spoiling anything for anyone, imagine Kill Bill without the wires and samurai sword (but leave the violence and revenge theme) throw in a ounce of Hitchcock (suspense, morality and social corruption) and a dash of Kubrick (tight, precise film making and wierdness blending with the sublime) and you have Old Boy. See it however you can and get ready for the ride of your cinema life because we ain't in Kansas anymore..... |
My Public Profile 
