Oldboy

“Vengeance has now become a part of me”Tonally contrasting it’s (spiritual) predecessor, Oldboy is a twisted classic of Korean cinema. The morbidly dry sense of humor is a strong departure from the melancholic Mr. Vengeance, cementing the tonal diversity of this trilogy and making me even more thrilled to visit Lady Vengeance, which is next on the agenda.  Oldboy is a brilliantly composed and scored display of compelling storytelling and grittily dynamic action. It’s impossible to not be at the edge of your seat, but the dry comedy adds lightheartedness to the heavy-hearted intensity of this bloody thriller. The morbid twists and turns are complimented by the unserious wit, giving the plot a distinct storytelling personality. Wrath consumes the characters, emphasizing their moral dissonance in the pursuit of repairing their damaged integrity. They eagerly toss away their morality in sadism, obsessed with their own hatred, resulting in both adulterous manipulation and brutality. These qualities emphasize the consuming nature of revenge, and the charmingly raw execution creates a comically disturbing experience. Both a technical masterpiece and a fantastic narrative thriller!