There was
absolutely no reason to adapt Chan-wook
Park
The biggest
problem with Spike Lee’s adaptation may also be the greatest asset, which is
the Hollywood system. South Korean cinema has
been influenced greatly by Hollywood
filmmaking in the last two decades since censorship was lifted, and this
resulted in a type of raw energy that is often missing from the safe business
of mainstream American cinema. This film is a perfect example, utilizing violence
in its narrative just like the original, only with a polished feel to it that
takes away some of the energy. The famous one-take hallways battle is a perfect
example of how a riveting and raw action sequence can be refined and
choreographed until the magic is gone.
The story is
compellingly original, or at least it was ten years ago in the first adaptation
of the Manga comic book. Joe Doucett (Josh Brolin) is an alcoholic businessman
and absent father who is inexplicably kidnapped and kept captive for
twenty-years. After the two decades have passed, Joe is released into the world
with the instructions to find out the reasons behind his captivity. Having
spent his time in imprisonment sobering and toughening up, Joe enters the world
again like a wild animal. He is brutal and instinctually knows how to fight
against any aggressors that come his way. Helped by a compassionate young woman
(Elizabeth Olsen) and terrorized by a wealthy man pulling all of the strings
(Sharlto Copley), Joe must discover his faults from the past in order to
protect his abandoned daughter.
Exclusive to the
Blu-ray release are alternate and extended scenes, as well as the workout video
from the film. Also included is a making-of featurette, as well as one about
Brolin’s transformation through the twenty-years of imprisonment.
Entertainment Value:
8.5/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 6.5/10
Historical
Significance: 5/10
Special Features: 6/10
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