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Directed by
Chan-wook Park
Made by
Tartan
Discover the intricate plot of Oldboy (2005). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
The film opens with a gripping scene where Oh Dae-su (portrayed by Min-sik Choi) is holding another man suspended by a necktie over the edge of a building, insisting that the man must listen to his tale. The story then takes a compelling turn, transporting us back to 1988, where Dae-su lives a seemingly typical life as a businessman, accompanied by his wife, Kim Ja-Hyun (played by an unidentified actress), and his beloved daughter, Yeun-Hee.
On his daughter’s fourth birthday, Dae-su finds himself in a drunken stupor, leading to an incorrigible disturbance at the police station. Amidst this chaos, he showcases angel wings he purchased for his daughter, only to be bailed out by his loyal friend, Joo-Hwan. Meanwhile, as Joo-Hwan converses with Dae-su’s family, danger looms as Dae-su is unexpectedly kidnapped by masked figures.
Fast forward two months, Dae-su is trapped in a dingy makeshift prison, deprived of both freedom and knowledge about his captors. He receives mysterious meals and is frequently gassed into unconsciousness. The stark reality of his situation hits him when he learns via the television news that his wife has been brutally murdered, his daughter is gone, and he himself is the prime suspect. As despair wraps around him like a suffocating shroud, Dae-su descends into a state of madness, punctuated by violent hallucinations.
Determined to maintain his sanity, he begins documenting his thoughts in a series of notebooks, mapping out all the potential foes from his past. As the years roll by, he tattoos the years of his captivity on his arm and trains tirelessly through shadowboxing, while quietly engineering an escape route. After a decade of agonizing isolation, he discovers a chopstick in a food delivery that becomes his tool for digging out.
In a twist of fate, Dae-su is suddenly set free one day, finding himself on the rooftop of a newly constructed building. Not accustomed to the freedom, he encounters a suicidal man who shares a poignant sentiment: > “Even though I’m no better than a beast, don’t I have the right to live?” Dae-su, deeply affected, offers the man a glimmer of hope, asking him to hold off on his demise so he can unravel his own dark tale.
As he navigates through the city streets, burdened with his newfound liberty and the weight of false accusations against him, Dae-su encounters a gang, where his years of training come to fruition, allowing him to fend them off effortlessly. Later, he meets Mi-do, a sushi bar employee who bears a striking resemblance to someone from his memories. A mysterious call soon introduces Dae-su to his captor, who brazenly discloses that the imprisonment was part of a chilling experiment, leading Dae-su down a dark rabbit hole of secrets to uncover.
In his pursuit of the truth, Dae-su learns that the clues left for him intertwine with the tragic fate of his past and others, including his connection to Mi-do. The narrative spirals into a frenetic race against time, involving old grudges and the re-emergence of figures from his past, culminating in shocking revelations about Dae-su’s past actions toward Woo-jin (played by Yu Ji-tae) and his sister.
This harrowing journey of vengeance and revelations extends beyond comprehension, as Dae-su confronts the haunting consequences of memory, regret, and desire. Dae-su’s unique struggle peaks as he grapples with the notion of familial ties in the most horrific sense, all while trying to protect Mi-do. Dae-su’s descent into madness, interspersed with visceral moments, reflects his battle within, only to be met with a heartbreaking climax that beckons existential questions about love and suffering.
In the end, Dae-su seeks help to erase the memories that torment him, echoing the haunting lines first heard from the despondent man he saved. Torn between love and monstrosity, he is left to grapple with the shadows of his choices as he faces an uncertain future with Mi-do, culminating in a complex embrace charged with agony and hope.
Track the key events of Oldboy (2005) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Dae-su's Disturbance
The film begins with Oh Dae-su holding another man over the edge of a building, compelling him to listen to his story. This intense opening highlights the desperation and turmoil that Dae-su is experiencing as he confronts the shadows of his past.
A Glimpse into Dae-su's Life
We are transported back to 1988, where Dae-su is living an ordinary life as a businessman with his wife Kim Ja-Hyun and their daughter Yeun-Hee. This serene family setting contrasts sharply with the chaos that is about to ensue.
The Birthday Incident
On his daughter’s fourth birthday, Dae-su gets drunk and creates a scene at a police station while showcasing angel wings he bought for Yeun-Hee. His loyal friend, Joo-Hwan, bails him out, but this moment symbolizes the beginning of Dae-su's downfall.
Abduction
As Dae-su's friend Joo-Hwan engages with his family, masked figures suddenly kidnap Dae-su. This abduction plunges him into a grim reality that he could never have anticipated, leading to years of torment.
Life in Captivity
Dae-su spends two months trapped in a makeshift prison, where he receives mysterious meals and is often gassed into unconsciousness. His sense of isolation grows as he is cut off from the outside world, and the despair of his situation begins to take a toll.
News of Tragedy
One day, while watching television in captivity, Dae-su is devastated to learn that his wife has been murdered and that he is the prime suspect. The news shatters any remaining hope he had, leaving him spiraling into madness.
Documenting His Thoughts
Amidst his madness, Dae-su begins to document his thoughts in notebooks, trying to log potential enemies from his past. This act of writing becomes a coping mechanism for him as he grapples with the chaos surrounding his life.
Training for Escape
As the years pass, Dae-su tattoos the years of his captivity on his arm and engages in intense shadowboxing. These physical preparations symbolize his determination to survive and escape the horrendous cycle of his imprisonment.
A Breakthrough
After a decade, Dae-su discovers a chopstick in a food delivery, which he uses to dig his way out of captivity. This moment of resourcefulness marks a turning point in his struggle for freedom.
Facing Freedom
Upon his unexpected release, Dae-su finds himself on the rooftop of a newly constructed building. Unused to freedom, he meets a man contemplating suicide, leading to a poignant exchange that profoundly impacts Dae-su's perspective on life.
Encounter with Gangsters
As Dae-su explores the city, he encounters a gang and showcases his combat skills honed during his years of captivity. This confrontation signifies his return to the world and his struggle to reclaim his identity.
Meeting Mi-do
Dae-su meets Mi-do, a sushi bar employee who bears a striking resemblance to someone from his past. Their interaction reveals a spark of connection, layered with the complexities of his previous traumas.
The Call from the Captor
Dae-su receives a mysterious call from his captor, who reveals the chilling truth about his imprisonment being part of a sinister experiment. This revelation propels Dae-su deeper into a web of dark secrets and the need for vengeance.
Clashing Pasts
In his quest for understanding, Dae-su begins unraveling the connections between his past and those involved in his nightmares. Tensions rise as old grudges and painful memories resurface, leading to a frantic search for the truth.
The Climactic Confrontation
Dae-su finally confronts Woo-jin and faces the painful consequences of his past actions, leading to a climax filled with betrayal and heartbreak. This emotional showdown forces Dae-su to confront the blurred lines between love and monstrosity.
Meet the characters that bring Oldboy (2005) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Oh Dae-su
Oh Dae-su, portrayed by Min-sik Choi, is a complex protagonist whose life spirals into chaos after his abduction. Initially presented as a flawed character, his journey unveils layers of resilience and despair as he battles the psychological scars of imprisonment. Dae-su's evolution encapsulates themes of vengeance, identity, and the search for redemption, making him a profoundly tragic figure.
Mi-do
Mi-do, played by Hye-jeong Kang, is a tender yet mysterious character who becomes entwined with Dae-su's tumultuous journey. Her striking resemblance to a figure from Dae-su's past adds layers of complexity to their relationship, embodying themes of love and memory. Mi-do's innocence contrasts starkly with the darker elements of Dae-su's quest, ultimately making her a pivotal figure in his path to redemption.
Woo-jin
Woo-jin, portrayed by Yu Ji-tae, emerges as a formidable antagonist whose past actions intertwine with Dae-su's tragic fate. Driven by a quest for revenge against Dae-su, he embodies the consequences of unresolved grudges. His enigmatic nature and calculated plans introduce an intense psychological dimension to the narrative, complicating the motivations behind his actions.
Uncover the settings of Oldboy (2005), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1988, Present Day
The events of 'Oldboy' span from 1988, when Dae-su leads a seemingly normal life, to a contemporary setting where he confronts the aftermath of his imprisonment. The narrative reflects societal changes over the years, particularly the evolution of technology and culture in South Korea. This timeline reinforces the themes of isolation and the impact of time on memory and identity.
Location
Seoul
The movie primarily takes place in Seoul, South Korea, a bustling city known for its rich culture and rapid modernization. Key locations include the dingy prison where Dae-su is held captive and the urban streets he navigates after his release, highlighting the contrast between his bleak confinement and the vibrant city life. The film effectively captures the noir atmosphere of Seoul, adding depth to Dae-su's harrowing journey.
Explore the core themes of Oldboy (2005). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Vengeance
A central theme in 'Oldboy' is vengeance, as Dae-su embarks on a relentless quest to uncover the truth behind his abduction. His journey is fueled by a desire not only for retribution but also for clarity regarding his past actions and their consequences. The film explores the fine line between justice and obsession, culminating in poignant moments that question the morality of revenge.
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Familial Bonds
Familial bonds and the horrors they can encompass are intricately woven throughout the narrative. Dae-su's quest for understanding leads him to confront traumatic truths about his family, particularly in relation to his daughter and the outcomes of his choices. The theme prompts reflection on the complexities of love, loss, and the ramifications of familial ties.
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Memory and Identity
Memory and identity are pivotal themes in 'Oldboy,' as Dae-su grapples with the fragmented recollections of his past. His ten-year imprisonment distorts his sense of self, forcing him to confront the demons of his memories. The film poignantly examines how memory shapes our understanding of who we are and how the past continually influences our present.
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