It should have been a great movie, but something appears lost in translation.
When viewed through that lens, the utter failure that is Lees 2013 film becomes even more frustrating.
However, the project fell apart due to a dispute over the rights.
Oldboy’s 2013 remake has just 39% on Rotten Tomatoes compared to the original movie’s 82%.
Spike Lees film, on the other hand, fails to carve out its own identity.
The resulting film feels redundant at best and soulless at worst.
LeesOldboylacks the gripping detective story of the manga, and confuses the compelling message behind Chan-wooks blood-soaked revenge thriller.
The biggest departure fromOld Boyin both adaptations lies in the characterization of its main character.
Buthow could a proven auteur like Lee fumble this remake so badly?
The stars of the Korean ‘Oldboy’ adaptation
Imagine a version ofOldboythat took inspiration from the mangas more introspective and morally complex narrative.
Lees film deserved more than to becut up by faithless studio executivesmore worried about losing money than making art.
There are certainly worse manga adaptations out there, butOldboy(2013) isnt just badits a wasted opportunity.
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The stars of the Korean ‘Oldboy’ adaptation
