OLDBOY (2003)

At the end of a long night of hardcore drinking, a man (Min-sik Choi) is kidnapped and wakes up in what looks to be a cheap hotel room.  Problem is he can't get out.  The metal door is locked.  Fifteen years later (and now framed for his wife's murder), he's released.  Consumed by vengeance, he sets off to find out who did this to him and kill them.

OLDBOY is a good film that's been tarnished somewhat (and by no fault of it's own) by the public that has, for some reason, yanked their dicks off over the movie.  I'm not really sure why either.  OLDBOY is a very good film, but even after repeat viewings I'm not sure exactly why the fanboys have centered in on it as being the greatest thing since sliced bread.  On IMDb it's currently (September, 2020) ranked as the #70th greatest movie of all time with an 8.4/10 rating.  That's just insane.  It's a good film, but I thought Chan-wook Park's own THIRST was much better.  But then again, I like vampires.

Quick pace, dated CGI, torture, blood, more torture, tongue removing, super-awesome long-ass fight scene in a hallway, dedicated acting, dickshit, octopus murder, sexual perversions, suicide, dismemberment, woofing like a dog, angel wings.  OLDBOY is a great movie, but just don't let the hype lead you to expect more than it actually is.

Part 1 - Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (2002)
Part 3 - Lady Vengeance (2005)
Remake - Oldboy (2013)

THIRST (2009)

A priest selflessly allows himself to be a research guinea pig to help find a cure to a dangerous disease that is killing off missionaries. During the treatment he starts vomiting up blood and receives a blood transfusion. He dies, but suddenly comes back to life and appears to be completely cured. After being released from the hospital, he realizes that he's showing traits of a vampire! Being a priest and a vampire at the same time is a conflict of interests, especially when he starts having a hot love affair with a beautiful young woman. Now he's torn between his faith, "the blood thirsty beast" living within him and the lust for this woman.

Despite the bland title, THIRST is a highly entertaining film that borders on being great. It's probably the best vampire movie since the original FRIGHT NIGHT. The story is fresh and inventive, the acting is excellent and the photography is especially stunning. The less said the better just watch it.

Highly recommended.