Oldboy (2003), directed by Park Chan-wook, is a visceral South Korean neo-noir thriller that blends psychological torment, stylized violence, and operatic revenge. It follows Oh Dae-su, a man mysteriously imprisoned for 15 years and then released without explanation, who embarks on a brutal quest to uncover his captor’s identity and motive. The film is renowned for its hypnotic cinematography, haunting score, and iconic hallway hammer fight—shot in a single take. As the mystery unravels, Oldboy plunges into themes of memory, guilt, and twisted justice, culminating in a devastating revelation that redefines the entire narrative. It’s a cornerstone of Korean cinema and a cult classic that helped propel Asian thrillers into global acclaim.
