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)
I’m right on the fence between three and four stars. I should mention from the start that I’m not familiar with the original Korean version (I definitely plan to check it out in the future), so there won’t be much comparison here. The story managed to captivate me. Josh Brolin did an excellent job; I was completely engrossed in his antagonist's actions, and the casting was spot-on. I also enjoyed the overall audiovisual presentation, the fantastic cinematography, and the rest of the cast (Samuel L. Jackson felt like a bit of a miscast here, as he didn’t have much to do, while Sharlto Copley was a perfect fit in my opinion). Everyone’s raving about the final twist. I admit, I didn’t expect it, and it was well done, but I was disappointed with everything that followed. It felt like the twist and the subsequent events didn’t quite match up, and I was expecting a bolder catharsis. So, I’ll probably lean towards three stars. But definitely give the film a watch. For me, it’s 7/10.
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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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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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Oldboy is a brutal thriller with a great noir atmosphere and a secret that makes a point that will bring you to your knees, hidden until the last minute. Josh Brolin was a great choice, as he portrays the personal and physical qualities of the character much better than the Asian actor in the original version, which was interesting in terms of art and its exotic audiovisual aspects, but it didn’t work narratively. It left me cold. Spike Lee developed the story, focused primarily on it and the characters, without underestimating the importance of the key battle with the hammer, which is top-notch in this version as well. I won’t give Oldboy a fifth star due to the the overused “mandatory” casting of Samuel L. Jackson in the role of another iconic, eccentrically dressed character, and due to the overdone digital effects in the climax, which take out some (important) brutality out of the film.
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