Choi Min (최민)

'Old Boy' cleaves close to Greek tragedy

Source | 2004/06/09 | 0 comments | Permalink |

[Film review] Korean-style revenge flicks are garnering major awards, ticket sales

Kim Soung Su (onomatos)


A man named Oh Dae Su is kidnapped and locked up in a private prison by an unknown organization. While captive, he sees on television that he is being charged with the murder of his wife. Of course, he did not kill his wife since he is already imprisoned. Fifteen years later, Oh is suddenly freed and begins a quest to find out why he was locked up for so long.

This is the beginning of a recent Korean film titled "Old Boy" (2003). Last month, it won the Jury Grand Prix, which is given to the second best picture at the 54th annual Cannes International Film Festival 2004. At the 41st Daejong Korean Film Festival, the film won a total of five grand prizes -- best director (Park Chan Wook), best actor in a leading role (Choi Min Sik), editing, music and lighting.

"Old Boy" is successful not only as an art film but also as a commercial film. Albeit the story ...| More