Fingers (and toes) crossed - Spike Lee to remake Oldboy

If you haven't seen the absolute masterpiece that is Park Chan-Wook's Oldboy, then you have waited far too long. Released in 2003, the film details events in the life of a kidnapped man, Oh Dae-Su, who is suddenly released from a fifteen year imprisonment with instructions to find his captor within five days. Essentially suffering from amnesia, Dae-Su begins what is surreal and violent journey to discover the reasoning behind his imprisonment and locate those responsible. 


Of the films many strengths, the casting of Choi Min-Sik was the most crucial and rewarding. He is an absolute revelation in a role that requires its actor to  portray a myriad of volatile emotional states,often while drunk, delirious, or filled with rage. Min-Sik is note perfect in the role, believably depicting a man who is both angry and confused at his bizarre situation. One of the most famous scenes in the film has become "the octopus scene", in which Dae-Su ravenously ingests a live octopus shortly after being released from confinement, specifically with the intention of eating something "alive". The scene becomes that much more resonant when you learn that Min-Sik is a practicing buddist, and that he said a prayer for all four of the octopuses he ate during filming. The scene itself does not spoil any elements of the film, but but be warned that it will be disturbing to some viewers.


Oldboy is part of director Chan-Wook's "Vengance Trilogy", but you needn't see the other films to understand this one. Indeed, though I own and have seen Oldboy many times, I haven't been able to track down either of its lesser known companions. 


Perhaps you have heard of the film via the recent news that Spike Lee has been slated to direct the American remake. While this made me nervous, the rumors that Will Smith would be cast in the lead role made me feel emotions which shall not be named here. Thankfully, Josh Brolin has been confirmed in the role of Min-Sik, which in my opinion is a much more inspired and appropriate casting choice. This is the type of film that needs less "Holywood" involved, not more. 


Ultimately, regardless of when or how the remake is released, I doubt it will match the quality of the original. Oldboy is an innovative and tense thriller, with some jaw-dropping action scenes and plot twists. Track it down and get ready for a mind-bending journey.