Oldboy

            A Korean film of rather epic desires. We follow the protagonist as he is out for a drunken night on the town, and then disappears. He finds himself imprisoned in a studio apartment where he is gassed every night to be kept asleep, fed twice a day, and has nothing else to do but watch TV. After a year of imprisonment he sees on the news that his wife has been killed and his 1 year old daughter has disappeared.

            Over time he from kung fu and boxing movies, and counts the years by tattooing tally’s on his hand. 15 years go by and he is released with a cell phone, cash, a new suit, and the chance to figure out why he was imprisoned. He begins fighting, testing out his training, and then he begins tracking down his imprisoners. He falls for a young girl who begins to help him find out what’s going on.

            The rest of the movie is extremely dramatic, and the twists keep coming. Though it’s a little telegraphed, the ending is actually quite disturbing. It is one of the most overwhelming scenes at the conclusion. The storytelling itself is actually the best part. The cinematography and style are quite subtle yet unique, and make use of many elements which are fun, yet surprising. The villain as well is so heinous, and yet you have to know what he’s doing. A definite 2, though at times a little much.