Josh Brolin Delivers a Powerful Revenge Drama

Park Chan-wook's 'Oldboy,' released in 2003, won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival and has inspired countless creators. Spike Lee, a master of social commentary and one of those inspired, takes on the Hollywood adaptation. The film relocates the story to a fictional American city, set against the backdrop of 1993 to 2013—a period encompassing the 9/11 attacks, the Iraq War, and the election of President Obama. Lee weaves in a wealth of new interpretations to craft a fresh world.

The casting of Hollywood's finest talent is another major draw. Josh Brolin, known for his role in 'No Country for Old Men,' plays the protagonist, Joe. His performance is a must-see, particularly in the opening sequence where he conveys his confinement alone for nearly 20 minutes, and in the long take where he battles over 30 adversaries.

Elizabeth Olsen, acclaimed for her film debut in 'Martha Marcy May Marlene,' plays Marie, a social worker who becomes Joe's emotional anchor. Also not to be missed are the compelling performances by Sharlto Copley and Samuel L. Jackson.

Joe, Driven by Revenge and the Dream of Reuniting with His Daughter After 20 Years of Captivity

In October 1993, Joe Doucett, an advertising executive, was plunged into an endless nightmare. Wandering the city late at night, he found himself locked in an unfamiliar room while drunk and disoriented.

His spirit eroded by the despair of time passing monotonously under constant surveillance, Joe's imprisonment, for reasons unknown, finally reached its 20th year. Then, one day, he was suddenly released back into the outside world. Framed for his wife's murder during his captivity, Joe immediately sets out on a relentless pursuit.

Before he can reunite with his beloved daughter, Mina, Joe vows to find the man who wronged him and exact revenge. The culprit who eventually appears before him is a ruthless individual devoid of all human conscience.

A tragedy unfolds as Joe becomes increasingly consumed by revenge, driven by paternal love and the dream of seeing his daughter again. I want to discover the truth of this complex and intricate mystery, which differs from the original, at the cinema.

Oldboy
Nationwide release on Saturday, June 28, starting at Shinjuku Wald 9 and other theaters.
Director | Spike Lee
Starring | Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen, Sharlto Copley, Samuel L. Jackson
Distributor | Broadmedia Studios
2013 / USA / 103 min / R15+
http://www.oldboymovie.jp
© 2013 OB PRODUCTIONS,INC.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.