Oldboy

Main Plot

Oldboy follows the story of Oh Dae-su, a man who is inexplicably imprisoned in a mysterious cell for 15 years without any explanation. During his confinement, he learns about the outside world through a television and becomes obsessed with finding out who has captured him and why. After his sudden release, he embarks on a quest for vengeance, armed with little more than his rage and a desire for answers. As he delves deeper into the mystery of his imprisonment, he encounters a young woman who becomes his ally. The investigation leads him through a web of deceit and violence, revealing dark secrets and connections that challenge his understanding of revenge and justice. The film explores themes of isolation, retribution, and the psychological impact of trauma, culminating in a shocking revelation that forces Dae-su to confront the true nature of his past.

Characters

• Choi Min-sik plays Oh Dae-su, a man imprisoned for 15 years without knowing why. Upon release, he seeks vengeance and uncovers shocking truths.
• Yoo Ji-tae plays Lee Woo-jin, the antagonist who orchestrates the protagonist's imprisonment and psychological torment as part of a complex revenge scheme.
• Kang Hye-jeong plays Mi-do, a sushi chef who becomes romantically involved with the protagonist, aiding him in his quest for vengeance and uncovering the truth.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Oldboy, the protagonist, Oh Dae-su, confronts the man behind his 15-year imprisonment, Lee Woo-jin. After a tense confrontation, Dae-su learns that Woo-jin orchestrated his suffering as revenge for a past incident involving his sister. The climax reveals that Dae-su unknowingly had an incestuous relationship with his own daughter, a manipulation orchestrated by Woo-jin to ensure Dae-su's ultimate despair. In a desperate attempt to escape the cycle of vengeance, Dae-su pleads with Woo-jin to keep the truth hidden from his daughter. However, Woo-jin, consumed by his own pain, ultimately takes his own life, leaving Dae-su to grapple with the horrific realization of his actions. The film concludes with Dae-su seeking solace in the company of his daughter, but the weight of his past looms heavily over him. The ending encapsulates the themes of revenge, guilt, and the inescapable nature of one's choices. Dae-su's fate remains ambiguous, highlighting the cyclical nature of violence and the potential for redemption, yet underscoring the profound consequences of his earlier decisions. The narrative closes on a haunting note, leaving viewers to ponder the depths of human suffering and the complexities of forgiveness.