Oldboy
8.3
Oldboy fingerprint
Relentless energy, masterful craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Nerve-racking and brutally violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Violence9
- Adrenaline8
Heart
Melancholic and cathartic
- Melancholy8
- Catharsis8
- Pathos7
Humor
Some dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor7
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Absurdist Humor3
World
Everyday modern life, crime, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Intrigue10
- Direction9
- Acting9
Style
Standout editing, cinematography, and score
- Editing9
- Cinematography8
- Music Composition8
Energy
Very highNerve-racking and brutally violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Oldboy is nerve-racking, brutally violent, and thrilling. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence9Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline8High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare4Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Grotesque7Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Uncanny5Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
LowMelancholic and cathartic
Emotionally, it's melancholic, cathartic, and moving.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor7Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor3Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, crime, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, crime, and mystery. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics5Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
Very highStandout direction, performances, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and characters stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Intrigue10Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity9Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout editing, cinematography, and score
Look and sound: the editing, cinematography, and score stand out.
All style traits
- Editing9Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Grotesque7Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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About
15 years of imprisonment, five days of vengeance.
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about Oldboy
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Oldboy worth watching?
Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 83/100 (IMDb 8.3, Rotten Tomatoes 82%, and Metacritic 78). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Oldboy rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, nudity, sexual content, strong language, and disturbing imagery.
How long is Oldboy?
2 h 0 min
Oldboy runs 2 h 0 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Oldboy?
Yes. Critics average 80 and audiences 87 out of 100, so both groups see Oldboy much the same way.
Was Oldboy a box office hit?
Yes, a big one. It cost about $3 million to make and earned $18 million worldwide, 5.8 times its budget.
What language is Oldboy in?
It was made in Korean. Produced in South Korea.
In how many countries can I watch Oldboy?
+44GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Oldboy in 58 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Oldboy use?
TV Tropes lists 193 storytelling tropes for Oldboy, including Big "NO!", Hypocrite, Mutilation Interrogation.