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Old Boy
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Old Boy
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- 2013
- Spike Lee
- 99 mins
- 18
Summary
Spike Lee's adaptation of the classic Korean thriller, starring Josh Brolin and Elizabeth Olsen. Executive Joe Doucett is hellbent on revenge after inexplicably being abducted and held captive for 20 years, during which time he's framed for the murder of his ex-wife and his daughter is adopted.
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Review
A star rating of 3 out of 5.
Terry Staunton
This fairly faithful remake of Park Chan-wook's internationally acclaimed 2003 Korean thriller stars Josh Brolin as an arrogant, alcoholic advertising executive. Brolin is kidnapped and held in solitary confinement in a hotel-like prison for 20 years, during which time he's framed for the murder of his ex-wife and his young daughter is taken into care. When he's eventually released in an equally mysterious fashion, he sets out to learn the identity of his abductors and uncover their motives. Director Spike Lee follows the plot of the original film almost to the letter, replicating many of its bloody, violent set pieces and the oppressive feel of Brolin's cell, but he never quite delivers the same levels of atmosphere or menace. And while Brolin gives a steely performance as a man confronting his isolation and his conscience, on a journey signposted by guilt and redemption, Sharlto Copley as his enigmatic adversary veers a little too close to pantomime villainy.
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5.8/10
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Credits
Cast
rolenameJoe DoucettJosh BrolinMarie SebastianElizabeth OlsenChaneySamuel L JacksonAdrian PryceSharlto CopleyChuckyMichael ImperioliDr Tom MelbyJames RansoneHaeng-BokPom KlementieffJake PrestonMax CasellaBernie SharkeyRichard PortnowDaniel NewcombeLance Reddick
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Crew
rolenameDirectorSpike Lee
Details
Theatrical distributor
Universal
Released on
2013-12-06
Languages
English
Guidance
Violence, swearing, sex scenes, nudity.
Available on
DVD and Blu-ray
Formats
Colour
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