Oldboy DVD
Starring: Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen, Sharlto Copley
Director: Spike Lee
Rating: 2.5/5
Oldboy from Chan-wook Park is widely regarded as one of the best movies of the last fifteen years: it has gone on to be a major cult classic.
Therefore, when it was announced that a remake from Spike Lee was in the works, it did ruffle a few fan's feathers.
This is a movie that was always going to divide: there were those coming to the story for the first time, and those who were huge fans of the original.
The film follows Joe’s (Brolin) journey as he is released from his solitary prison sentence and begins an obsessive and tortured mission to find his captors.
Equipped with the knowledge that whilst imprisoned he was framed for the rape and murder of his wife, and his daughter Mia was adopted, he sets out to find her, enlisting the help of nurse Marie (Olsen) in his quest for vengeance.
Taking ever darker turns as he tries to find the mastermind behind his kidnapping, the eponymous ‘Stranger’, Joe’s punishment continues as he realises he’s still trapped in a violent, complex web of conspiracy and torment.
For those who are coming to the film for the first time, no doubt this is a movie that they will enjoy.
Oldboy is a great story about a man who is unjustly imprisoned, and Josh Brolin really does capture the seething anger and darkness that drives this character.
The story and central character is incredibly engaging; there is plenty to enjoy here.
However, if you are a fan of the original I imagine that you will be less than impressed with Lee's interpretation.
First and foremost, Lee has produced a carbon copy of the original; he really does't add anything new when it comes to plot or character development. I would have liked him to really put his own stamp on it in some way.
The original is one of the most powerful, violent, visceral and emotional films that you will see; sadly Lee doesn't manage to capture what made Chan-wook Park's so fantastic.
If haven't seen the first, you will probably find this a great watch. Fans of the original will find it pale in comparison.
Oldboy is out on DVD & Blu-Ray now.