Jacobean Drama: Oldboy (2003)
(This is the Korean original, and differs slightly from the 2013 American remake.)
Oldboy is a story of a businessman who is mysteriously kidnapped and held captive in a motel-like prison. The prison has motel-like amenities, such as a bed and television, but has no windows and is reinforced to prevent escape. He is regularly fed with food presented through a slot in the door, and is also gassed on a regular basis when contact with his captors is necessary. He learns of his wife’s death through the news, which also points him as the primary suspect. He is released fifteen years later as suddenly as when he was kidnapped, who then decides to seek answers and revenge.
The story follows a similar vein as Jacobean dramas; it is a story of violence, revenge, jealousy, and incest. The initial capture is fueled by the antagonist’s jealousy and desire for revenge. The protagonist’s path for answers is particularly violent: the film contains extended fight scenes between the protagonist and gang members and henchmen. Some of the violence is also symbolic from a traditionally Korean or Asian point of view; I missed a few of the references myself until someone informed me about them. What makes this film stand out for many viewers is the theme of incest. It plays an important role in the characters’ memories and flashbacks, and most importantly, it is key to the revenge plot.
The feel of the film overall, personally, is one of despair. From the kidnapping to the protagonist’s search for answers, it is an outrageous world that should not exist, yet it feels real enough that you feel helpless watching the awful events unfold. I felt something similar while reading The Duchess of Malfi, especially when I somewhat knew of the ending before starting the book. Oldboy, in many ways, is a work similar in theme with Jacobean dramas.
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