5.8
Oldboy fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, emotionally cool.
Energy
Brutally violent and tense
Fast from start to finish.
- Violence9
- Tension8
- Adrenaline7
Heart
Moving and cathartic
- Pathos7
- Catharsis7
- Melancholy6
Humor
Some dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor6
- Cringe Humor3
- Wit & Wordplay2
World
Crime, the mind, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability6
- Novelty6
Craft
Standout direction and performances
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Intrigue9
- Direction8
- Acting8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighBrutally violent and tense
Fast from start to finish.
Oldboy is brutally violent, tense, and thrilling.
All energy traits
- Violence9Physical conflict and intensity.
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare5Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Grotesque7Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny6Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
All heart traits
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
LowSome dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor6Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumCrime, the mind, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around crime, the mind, and everyday modern life. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout direction and performances
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction and performances stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Grotesque7Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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About
Ask not why you were imprisoned. Ask why you were set free.
Actors
Crew
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Overall: Similar vibe.
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Questions about Oldboy
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Oldboy worth watching?
Reviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 47/100 (IMDb 5.8, Rotten Tomatoes 40%, and Metacritic 49). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Oldboy rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, disturbing imagery, and strong language.
How long is Oldboy?
1 h 44 min
Oldboy runs 1 h 44 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Oldboy?
Yes. Critics average 45 and audiences 46 out of 100, so both groups see Oldboy much the same way.
Was Oldboy a box office hit?
No. It cost about $30 million to make and earned $5 million worldwide, 17% of its budget.
What language is Oldboy in?
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Oldboy?
+40GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Oldboy in 54 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.