KINORAFIELD GUIDE TO FILM
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2003 · 120 min · R

Oldboy

Directed by Park Chan-wook · Thriller, Mystery

Oldboy (2003) is a Thriller film, directed by Park Chan-wook set in South Korea during the 1980s–2000s. It runs 120 minutes and is rated R.

A neo noir, with a bleak and tense tone. Themes of revenge, obsession, and isolation play out through non linear / fractured timeline and frame narrative.

Composer
Choi Seung-hyunLee Ji-sooShim Hyun-jung
Cinematography
Chung Chung-hoon
Cast
Choi Min-sikYoo Ji-taeKang Hye-jungKim Byeong-okJi Dae-hanOh Dal-suLee Seung-shinYoon Jin-seo

The world of this film

Setting

Setting

Premise & themes

Premise
Themes
RevengeObsessionIsolation
Structure
Non Linear / Fractured TimelineFrame Narrative
Tone
BleakTense

Shape

Protagonist
Solo LeadAntihero
Pacing
Propulsive
Based on
Pure Fiction
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