Which movie am I gonna watch tonight?
Today I will do a double review of Oldboy, the original and the remake.
For starters I want to try to review the remake as a stand alone movie and then compare it to the original.
Unfortunately my opinion is already a little biased since I watched the original Oldboy last year.
So since I am cursed with an awful memory I remember hardly anything, but I do remember tiny bits and pieces.
That being said I think if you watch the remake without knowing the original you will probably like it more than I did.
Oldboy
2013
Directed by Spike Lee
Starring: Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen, Sharlto Copley
So the first 45 minutes of this film were really boring and crappy to me.
It was so all in your face.
Everything about it really.
It was all in your face about how much of a jerk the main character is, and all the other super obvious clues they give you are quite obnoxious to me, since they make me feel like the film makers assume I am too stupid to get subtle clues.
The film then starts doing the typical Hollywood character development that we have seen time and time again, which to be honest is simply predictable and boring.
After that the movie gets a tiny bit less boring, but not less predictable.
And without giving you any spoilers, about 30 minutes before it ends it does get sort of interesting. This is the part that I think the people out there, who have no idea what this film, or the original are about, might find a little interesting.
But that doesn't really make a film good, right?
I have to say I am disappointed at Spike Lee, since I really like his work, but also relieved when I found out he didn’t write the script, since I thought the writing was terrible and miles away from Lees previous work.
I didn’t like this film, and I think the only reason it should be watched, is either to compare it to the original, or if you want to watch every film Spike Lee has directed.
But don’t expect a Spike Lee joint!
Oldboy
2003
Directed by Park Chan-wook
Starring: Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jung
Now that I have rewatched the original film, I dislike the remake even more.
And I must say I am surprised since they kept so many elements from the original!
That apparently isn’t enough to make a good film though, specially if you change those elements so much into stereotypical oblivion.
Park Chan-wooks version has simply better; writing, character development, story lines, etc and it is all in all quite a gorgeous film.
It keeps you on the edge throughout.
It is interesting and intriguing, it has twists and even a touch of surrealism.
The acting is very good, and I still don’t know how he is able to create such realistic violence.
If you are into ultra violent and psychologically straining films I recommend you watch I saw the Devil.
And if you haven’t seen either of the Oldboy versions I’d recommend you watch the original first!
