Oldboy

The film begins with Oh Dae-su holding another man over the edge of a building, compelling him to listen to his story. This intense opening highlights the desperation and turmoil that Dae-su is experiencing as he confronts the shadows of his past.

We are transported back to 1988, where Dae-su is living an ordinary life as a businessman with his wife Kim Ja-Hyun and their daughter Yeun-Hee. This serene family setting contrasts sharply with the chaos that is about to ensue.

On his daughter’s fourth birthday, Dae-su gets drunk and creates a scene at a police station while showcasing angel wings he bought for Yeun-Hee. His loyal friend, Joo-Hwan, bails him out, but this moment symbolizes the beginning of Dae-su's downfall.

As Dae-su's friend Joo-Hwan engages with his family, masked figures suddenly kidnap Dae-su. This abduction plunges him into a grim reality that he could never have anticipated, leading to years of torment.

Dae-su spends two months trapped in a makeshift prison, where he receives mysterious meals and is often gassed into unconsciousness. His sense of isolation grows as he is cut off from the outside world, and the despair of his situation begins to take a toll.

One day, while watching television in captivity, Dae-su is devastated to learn that his wife has been murdered and that he is the prime suspect. The news shatters any remaining hope he had, leaving him spiraling into madness.

Amidst his madness, Dae-su begins to document his thoughts in notebooks, trying to log potential enemies from his past. This act of writing becomes a coping mechanism for him as he grapples with the chaos surrounding his life.

As the years pass, Dae-su tattoos the years of his captivity on his arm and engages in intense shadowboxing. These physical preparations symbolize his determination to survive and escape the horrendous cycle of his imprisonment.

After a decade, Dae-su discovers a chopstick in a food delivery, which he uses to dig his way out of captivity. This moment of resourcefulness marks a turning point in his struggle for freedom.

Upon his unexpected release, Dae-su finds himself on the rooftop of a newly constructed building. Unused to freedom, he meets a man contemplating suicide, leading to a poignant exchange that profoundly impacts Dae-su's perspective on life.

As Dae-su explores the city, he encounters a gang and showcases his combat skills honed during his years of captivity. This confrontation signifies his return to the world and his struggle to reclaim his identity.

Dae-su meets Mi-do, a sushi bar employee who bears a striking resemblance to someone from his past. Their interaction reveals a spark of connection, layered with the complexities of his previous traumas.

Dae-su receives a mysterious call from his captor, who reveals the chilling truth about his imprisonment being part of a sinister experiment. This revelation propels Dae-su deeper into a web of dark secrets and the need for vengeance.

In his quest for understanding, Dae-su begins unraveling the connections between his past and those involved in his nightmares. Tensions rise as old grudges and painful memories resurface, leading to a frantic search for the truth.

Dae-su finally confronts Woo-jin and faces the painful consequences of his past actions, leading to a climax filled with betrayal and heartbreak. This emotional showdown forces Dae-su to confront the blurred lines between love and monstrosity.