---
title: "Oldboy"
year: 2003
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/oldboy-2003"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 670
imdb_id: "tt0364569"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 120
community_rating: 8.2
vote_count: 9979
content_rating: "R"
---

# Oldboy (2003) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/oldboy-2003

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Oldboy is a 2003 South Korean action thriller film directed and co-written by Park Chan-wook. The film is a loose adaptation of the Japanese manga Old Boy by Garon Tsuchiya and Nobuaki Minegishi. It was produced by Lim Seung-yong. The narrative follows a man named Oh Dae-su, portrayed by actor Choi Min-sik. After being kidnapped, drugged, and held in imprisonment for fifteen years without knowing the identity of his captors or the reason for his confinement, the protagonist is suddenly released. Upon his release, he discovers that he must track down his captor within five days to seek vengeance. The film features additional cast members including Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jeong, and Kim Byeong-Ok. Classified as a thriller and mystery, the film has a runtime of two hours. It received a United States release date of March 11, 2005. The story centers on the desperate man's quest for answers and retribution following his long period of torture and isolation.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A man imprisoned for fifteen years without explanation embarks on a desperate quest for vengeance."

### Why Watch
- compelling mystery
- intense performances

### Caveats & Content Note
- contains graphic violence
- disturbing themes
- Tone & Suitability: This film contains scenes of graphic violence and intense psychological distress unsuitable for sensitive viewers.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: intense, gritty, mysterious, visceral

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | None | Kanopy | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | BFI Player, Shudder, Arrow Video Amazon Channel, BFI Player Amazon Channel, BFI Player Apple TV Channel, ARROW | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Curzon Home Cinema |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | Crave, Tele Quebec | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | Beamafilm | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Park Chan-wook
- **Networks / Studios**: Show East, Egg Film, Cineclick Asia

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Choi Min-sik** as *Oh Dae-su*
- **Yoo Ji-tae** as *Lee Woo-jin*
- **Kang Hye-jung** as *Mi-do*
- **Kim Byeong-ok** as *Mr. Han*
- **Ji Dae-han** as *No Joo-hwan*
- **Oh Dal-su** as *Park Cheol-woong*
- **Lee Seung-shin** as *Hypnotist*
- **Yoon Jin-seo** as *Lee Soo-ah*
- **Oh Tae-kyung** as *Young Dae-su*
- **Yoo Yeon-seok** as *Young Woo-jin*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Is this film based on a book?
The film is based on a manga series of the same name.

### Q: What is the primary genre?
It is classified as a psychological thriller.

### Q: Does the film feature subtitles?
Yes, the original version is in Korean and requires subtitles for non-speakers.

### Q: Is this a standalone film?
Yes, it functions as a complete narrative.

### Q: What is the central motivation of the protagonist?
The protagonist is driven by a need to uncover why he was imprisoned and to seek revenge.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Oldboy — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/670)
- [Oldboy (2003 film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oldboy_(2003_film))
- [Oldboy (2003) - Cast & Crew — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/670/cast)
- [Oldboy - Wikipedia bahasa Indonesia, ensiklopedia bebas](https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oldboy)
- [Oldboy (2003) - Wikipedia](https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oldboy_(2003))
- [Oldboy (2003) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0364569)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*