Oldboy

Oldboy

Year: 2013

Runtime: 104 min

Language: English

Director: Spike Lee

ActionDramaMysteryThriller

In a whirlwind of rage and revelation, a man's decades-long ordeal unfolds as he embarks on a perilous quest for truth: uncovering the sinister forces behind his 20-year captivity, seeking revenge against those responsible, and confronting the darkest secrets of his own troubled past.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Oldboy yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Oldboy (2013)
Trace every key event in Oldboy (2013) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Missed Birthday Party

Joe Doucett, a marketing salesman, misses his daughter Mia's third birthday party. This incident sparks a heated argument with his estranged wife, revealing the strain in their relationship.

2

Self-Destructive Behavior

Following the argument with his wife, Joe spirals into a night of heavy drinking. His reckless behavior highlights his disillusionment and dissatisfaction with life, setting the stage for his subsequent downfall.

3

Imprisonment Begins

Joe wakes up in a small hotel room, alarmed to find himself trapped and isolated. Food is delivered, but he has no human contact, marking the start of his mysterious imprisonment.

Hotel Room
4

Adapting to Captivity

As the years roll on, Joe struggles with hallucinations and the emotional toll of his isolation. The news of his wife's brutal murder reaches him, further deepening his despair as he is framed as the prime suspect.

5

Physical Transformation

During his captivity, Joe dedicates himself to training physically. He also writes heartfelt letters to his daughter Mia, who is growing up without him, showing his longing and regret.

6

Monitored by Chaney

Joe's imprisonment is overseen by Chaney, who is involved in the intricate web of events surrounding him. This adds a layer of foreboding to Joe's attempts to make sense of his situation.

7

Freedom After Two Decades

After twenty long years, Joe is unexpectedly freed. Equipped only with a countdown timer on a cell phone showing Mia's picture, he embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind his imprisonment.

8

Meeting Marie

Joe encounters Marie Sebastian, a kind-hearted nurse who helps him navigate his life after captivity. Her compassion provides Joe with a glimmer of hope amidst the shadows of his past.

9

Reconnecting with Friends

Determined to confront his past, Joe reconnects with old friends, including Chucky. This reflection highlights the lives he has affected and the mistakes he wishes he could amend.

10

Confrontation with Chaney

Joe's quest for answers leads him to a violent encounter with Chaney. This confrontation unveils the depth of the plot and Chaney's role in Joe's suffering, intensifying his pursuit of vengeance.

11

Revelation of Adrian

In a climactic twist, Joe discovers that Adrian is the true mastermind behind his long suffering. This revelation exposes interconnections that add complexity to Joe's feelings of guilt and anger.

12

Unraveling Family History

As Joe delves deeper, he learns about his family's tragic history intertwined with Adrian. This shocking insight complicates his emotional landscape and deepens the narrative of revenge.

13

Twisted Plan for Revenge

Adrian’s motivations are revealed to be rooted in a deep-seated vendetta against Joe. The intricate manipulations surrounding Mia's existence come to light as part of Adrian's excruciating scheme.

14

Heart-Wrenching Finale

The film culminates in a heart-wrenching finale filled with regret and missed opportunities. Joe grapples with the question of what sacrifices are truly worth it, marking a profound reflection on his tortured journey.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 22:34

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