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Oldboy (2003 film)

Oldboy is a 2003 South Korean action thriller film directed and co-written by Park Chan-wook.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Oldboy is a 2003 South Korean action thriller film directed and co-written by Park Chan-wook. It is a loose adaptation of the Japanese manga Old Boy, following Oh Dae-su, who is imprisoned for 15 years without knowing his captor's identity or motive. The film is widely known to Canadian audiences through international distribution and festival programming, and is considered a landmark in South Korean cinema.

Plot

The film follows Oh Dae-su after he is suddenly released from 15 years of imprisonment. He searches for the person responsible and the reasons behind his captivity.

Production and source material

Oldboy is based loosely on the manga Old Boy by Garon Tsuchiya and Nobuaki Minegishi. It was directed and co-written by Park Chan-wook.

Reception and awards

The film received major international recognition, including the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival. It is widely described as an influential work in contemporary South Korean cinema.

Place in Park Chan-wook's filmography

Oldboy is the middle entry in the Vengeance Trilogy, following Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and preceding Lady Vengeance.

Key facts

  • The film was directed and co-written by Park Chan-wook.
  • It is a loose adaptation of the Japanese manga Old Boy.
  • The story centres on Oh Dae-su, who is held captive for 15 years.
  • It is the second film in Park Chan-wook's Vengeance Trilogy, between Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and Lady Vengeance.
  • The film won the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.
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Canadian context

Oldboy is widely known to Canadian audiences through international film distribution, film criticism, and festival programming; it is also commonly referenced as a landmark title in South Korean cinema.

Frequently asked questions

What is Oldboy?
Oldboy is a 2003 South Korean action thriller film directed and co-written by Park Chan-wook.
What is Oldboy based on?
It is a loose adaptation of the Japanese manga Old Boy by Garon Tsuchiya and Nobuaki Minegishi.
Who stars in Oldboy?
The film stars Choi Min-sik as Oh Dae-su, with Yoo Ji-tae and Kang Hye-jung also among the main cast.
What is the story about?
The story follows a man imprisoned for 15 years who is released and tries to find his captor and learn the reason for his confinement.
Did Oldboy win any major awards?
Yes. It won the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.
Is Oldboy part of a series?
Yes. It is the second film in Park Chan-wook's Vengeance Trilogy.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oldboy_(2003_film)
    Supports: Basic film identification, director, year, plot premise, source material, and cast
  2. Wikipedia — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oldboy_(2003)
    Supports: Vengeance Trilogy placement, Cannes Grand Prix, and influence in South Korean cinema
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0364569/
    Supports: Plot synopsis and release-related information
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/oldboy
    Supports: Genre and theatrical release information
  5. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/70024111
    Supports: Synopsis and principal cast