Directed by:
Spike LeeScreenplay:
Mark ProtosevichCinematography:
Sean BobbittComposer:
Roque BañosCast:
Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen, Sharlto Copley, Samuel L. Jackson, James Ransone, Lance Reddick, Michael Imperioli, Richard Portnow, Max Casella, Elvis Nolasco (more)VOD (2)
Plots(1)
Revenge thriller directed by Spike Lee and starring Josh Brolin, based on the manga comic and 2003 Korean film. Inexplicably kidnapped and held for 20 years before being released, Joe Doucett (Brolin) embarks on a mission to find the person responsible and demand an explanation for his punishment. Clueless to the identity of his captor, Joe's only suggestion comes in the form of a mysterious phone call which informs him not to focus so much on the reasons for his confinement but rather on the reasons for his release. (Universal Pictures Home Entertainment)
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Reviews (8)
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.
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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.
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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.
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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%.
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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.
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Gallery (78)
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