Oldboy

I was hungry for a clever film like this, for the feeling of full satisfaction rather than the abstract meanderings of joy most films provide me with, at least for a change of pace. Prior to viewing this, I only knew that it was disturbing, and I correctly presumed that Park Chan-wook's plot wouldn't disappoint—having seen The Handmaiden. If it wasn't for the last 20 to 30 minutes, I would say that this film is a milder than expected, well-executed action story. The ending, obviously, significantly increased my enjoyment. The film has a lot from everything, it is packed with countless details, yet it doesn't feel messy. Even when it feels chaotic at times, that doesn't translate inconveniently. It feels both raw and endlessly edited. For me, the best aspect of this film is its surprising hero-villain dynamic. That makes a more remarkable difference than the so-called disturbing twist it has.