Oldboy (2005)
Trailer
Why watch this film?
From South Korean director Chan-wook Park, tells the harrowing story of a man who is inexplicably imprisoned for years. Upon release, he has only one thing on his mind: revenge on his captor. There is also the American remake from director Spike Lee.
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After being kidnapped and imprisoned for fifteen years, Oh Dae-Su is released, only to find that he must find his captor in five days.
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From the same director
Thirst
From renowned South-Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook (director of 'Oldboy' and the other entries in the 'Vengeance Trilogy'), 'Thirst' is a breath of fresh air to the - often - worn-out figure of the vampire in fiction. Awarded with the Jury's Prize at the 2009 Cannes Festival, the movie is faithful to its director's style in its brutal exploration of violence and lust, although those expecting a deep moral dilemma between Catholicism's morals and the vampiric desires of the flesh may end up somewhat disappointed. It's not Park Chan-wook's best movie, but when it comes to a director of his caliber, that's still quite good.
The Handmaiden
Chan-wook Park became one of the most well-known names in South Korean cinema after the acclaimed Vengeance trilogy - 'Mr. Vengeance', 'Oldboy' and 'Lady Vengeance'. The theme is really something that the director likes to portray in his works, so much so that 'Ah-ga-ssi' also explores it and in an incredible way. The drama, based on British writer Sarah Waters' novel 'Fingersmith', is impeccable and carries all the typical elements of South Korean films, many twists, an intriguing plot and that goes beyond the obvious. It gives the impression that Asian filmmakers are always willing to explore more and discuss in depth topics that we don't see in Hollywood, for example. 'Ah-ga-ssi' is loaded with a strong sensual tension fueled by a thirst for revenge, as already mentioned and a lot of female power. Throughout two and a half hours, which pass very quickly, we are impacted by excellent performances - highlight for the protagonists Kim Tae-ri and Kim Min-hee - and a suspense that captures attention. The work is good to get to know South Korean cinema and also to be admired, because Chan-wook Park hit the mark.
Decision to Leave
Have you ever imagined a movie that mixes, almost in equal doses, romance and police investigation? It seems unusual, even a bit messy, but that's exactly what 'Decision to Leave' does. Directed by Park Chan-wook (from the great 'Oldboy' and 'The Handmaiden'), this winner of the Cannes Film Festival 2022 Best Director Award tells the story of an efficient and meticulous detective investigating a possible murder in a remote mountain village. There he begins to develop a love affair with the victim's widow, whom he considers the main suspect. Reminiscent of 'Ghost Story', talking about love dependence and the challenges of a romance against all social conventions, 'Decision to Leave' is beautiful, unusual, strange and, despite being long (2h19), it passes quickly as it delves into the mysteries of crime and love. Another success from Chan-wook.
Drama
On the Fringe
A Spanish social drama with thriller elements, starring Penelope Cruz ("Dolor y Gloria") and Luis Tosar ("Celda 211"), about the intertwined stories of three characters in difficult economic situations seeking to survive 24 crucial hours for their futures. "En los márgenes" could easily lend itself to exploiting its character's conditions in the most miserable way. However, director Juan Diego Botto and his co-writer Olga Rodríguez find the humanity in these circumstances and bring it to the forefront, presenting a powerful tale of the power of solidarity in tough times.
Please Baby Please
A musical comedy best described as Love Without Borders through the kitsch and camp of John Waters and Pedro Almodóvar, Please, Baby, Please follows a couple who witness a murder, becoming the obsession of a gang, starting with fear and ending in lust. The chameleon Andrea Riseborough (Mandy) delivers a delirious performance alongside Harry Melling (Crimes of the Academy). It will please more fans of Rocky Horror Picture Show than traditional musicals, but it's certainly an experience.
