Oldboy
Performance & Direction: Oldboy Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Oldboy (2013) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Oldboy features a noteworthy lineup led by Josh Brolin . Supported by the likes of Elizabeth Olsen and Sharlto Copley , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Oldboy
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2013, Oldboy is a Drama, Thriller, Mystery, Action film directed by Spike Lee. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Josh Brolin.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. A man has only three and a half days and limited resources to discover why he was imprisoned in a nondescript room for 20 years without any explanation. The screenplay takes time to develop Josh Brolin's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Oldboy
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Spike Lee, Oldboy attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Josh Brolin, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Oldboy reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Oldboy?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Oldboy
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $30.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $5.2M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Oldboy Budget
The estimated production budget for Oldboy is $30.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Oldboy
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Where to Watch Oldboy Online?
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeOldboy Parents Guide & Age Rating
2013 AdvisoryWondering about Oldboy age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Oldboy is 104 minutes (1h 44m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.9/10, and global performance metrics, Oldboy is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2013 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oldboy worth watching?
Oldboy is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 5.9/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Oldboy parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Oldboy identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Oldboy?
The total duration of Oldboy is 104 minutes, which is approximately 1h 44m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
