Review of Oldboy (2013) by Jon H — 06 Apr 2014

First off im writing this review without seeing the original, so going on this films merits only! It begins with Josh Brolin's protagonist no one would love or feel for, who soon without no explanation gets kidnapped and framed for his wifes murder leaving his 3 year old daughter! and then we stay with Brolins character for the next 20 years imprisoned in one room! Through his mental torture and imprisonment, he vows to redeem his soul and seek vengeance to his captors.

So we're led to believe it will be a redemptive driven story, however this is far from the truth. The story is well told through some great set pieces and performances by Olsen, carlto Shopley and a driven Brolin! the action is taut, gritty and very violent, but in short supply! the climax to the film as unexpected as it is, doesnt hold up and was the weakest part! All in all the film just falls short of its mark but is definitely worth a watch, especially for Brolins portrayal of a damaged soul.