8th November 2024

Oldboy Remastered To Release In Cinemas On 16 August 2023

Cape Town, 24 July 2023: The Korean neo-noir action thriller Oldboy is not only considered one of the best revenge thrillers of all time but is also widely regarded as one of the best films of all time. Now Park Chan-wook’s cinema classic is headed back to cinemas for its 20th Anniversary. South Africa will release the fully restored and remastered version of the film, now available, 4K simultaneously with the rest of the world on 16 August 2023.

Oldboy is the second instalment in Park Chan-wook’s “Vengeance” trilogy, which also encompasses 2002’s Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and 2005’s Lady Vengeance.

In the film, Oh Dae-Su (Choi Min-Sik), an obnoxious drunk abducted on a rainy night in 1988, wakes up in a strange, windowless hotel room. Kept under lock and key for an unknown reason, Oh Dae-Su’s invisible captors keep him fed and systematically sedated to avert suicide, providing only a colour television to keep him company. And, after fifteen long years in captivity, perplexed Oh Dae-Su finds himself released. Now, his pitiless abductors encourage Oh Dae-Su to track down the ones behind the mysterious kidnapping and finally get his brutal, longed-for revenge on the unknown tormentor. However, who would hate Oh Dae-Su so much that he would deny him a quick and clean death?

Oldboy remastered will release at:

  • Ster Kinekor – Rosebank Nouveau
  • Ster Kinekor – Brooklyn
  • Ster Kinekor – Sterland
  • Ster Kinekor – Eastgate
  • Ster Kinekor – Gateway
  • Ster Kinekor – V&A
  • The Labia – Cape Town
  • The Bioscope – Johannesburg

Benjamin Cowley, CEO, Gravel Road Distribution Group shared his excitement about the film’s return: “South African audiences are in for an unforgettable cinematic experience this August as we proudly present the remastered version of the timeless masterpiece, Oldboy. This iconic film, renowned for its captivating storytelling, intense performances, complex protagonist and raw emotion, will transport viewers on an exhilarating journey of revenge and redemption. With its enthralling narrative and, Oldboy it a must-watch for cinema enthusiasts seeking a riveting and thought-provoking experience.”