Oldboy (Korea, 2003)

Park Chan-Wook is an incredible director. From the begining to the ending of the movie, he gets our attention. The story is wicked and terribly brutal for the main character Oh Deasu, but nevertheless told in a wonderful fashion.

In short, Oh Deasu (Choi Min-Sik) is taken away on his daughter’s birthday and is held prisoner for fifteen years. After which he is released and given five days to figure out why he was taken in the first place.

As I like to say, everything is in the storytelling. And in this case, so remarkably executed. Some might say there is too much violence, but the said violence serves the movie and its story. The mood set in each scene by the cinematography is not only for style but to help the audience feel what the characters are going through. Not to say it does not have style, it really does.

Jaded moviegoers who are looking for something different will find it there, that is for sure.

Oldboy is the second part of a trilogy from Park Chan-Wook. It is not a sequel per se, it is a trilogy on the theme of vengeance. Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (available on DVD) is the first one, Oldboy (aslo available on DVD) the second and the conclusion is Sympathy for Lady Vengeance (will be in movie theaters in America by the end of summer).

Absolute must-see for lovers of the genre. It really is.

Gog

Pirates of the Caribbean : Dead Man’s Chest (USA, 2006)

It was a surprise when the first one came out. A swashbuckling movie that actually succeeds at the box office, probably last seen when Errol Flynn was making them !

It was an excellent movie, and this second installment is as good (without the surprise) as the first one. Some even say it is better !

What’s good ?

Well, there is the Kraken, which is well presented and used. We never actually see it clearly or entirely, keeping it a mysterious giant monster and not just a giant octopus. Davy Jones and his crew are also incredible, just bearably disgusting but yet beautiful in their own way and design. Jack Sparrow’s colorful character makes it most enjoyable to watch and be entertained. That Jonnhy Depp guy sure is funny, but you knew that, right ?

What’s not so good ?

Too much Orlando, not enough Johnny. Missing one or two sword fighting scenes. Also, less Will and more Jack. Yeah, I know I just said that. Just making sure my point is getting across.

It is a must see, that is if you like swashbuckling.

Can’t wait to see Chow Yun Fat in the third one !

Gog the Pirate

ARRR !