Old Boy

Originally written in Japan by writers Garon Tsuchiya and Nobuaki Minegishi, and incipiently brought to the big screen by Korean director Chan-wook Park in 2003; Hollywood short of ideas these days decided to bring this film to the screen once more. Expertly made by Park, this Action/Drama/Mystery was easily slotted as one of the top rated movies of all time, garnering 38 wins and 18 nominations that year. 

Sadly, even though ‘Old Boy’ was re-made with good intentions and with some of Hollywood’s biggest and brightest actors, Josh Brolin, Samuel L. Jackson, and Elizabeth Olsen, to name a few, the movie wasn’t as hard-hitting as it had been when it first appeared on screen. This time it was led by director ‘Spike Lee,’ (Do the Right Thing, Malcom X, Chi-raq) and even with a budget of an enormous $30 million USD only made back $2 million USD at the box-office and although nominated for 4 awards, did not have the pleasure of winning any. 

This inexplicable tale of suffering and rebirth for a man who was trapped and released only to suffer tremendously upon his release; is a clever thought-provoking conspiracy we have to thank the first writers, cast, and crew for. ‘Old Boy’ reminds us that obnoxious behaviour rarely gets us anywhere except in trouble and that sometimes seeking revenge brings us boomerang-like anguish. Whether you watch the 2003 version or the later 2013 version it makes for a warranted night of epic entertainment!

Do the Right Thing

Do the Right Thing an earlier film made by Spike Lee, was probably one of the most muddlesome films etched into then, my young mind. Back then, I'd had a crush on an older, more sophisticated man, or so I thought, and he recommended the film to me. My eyes were smeared and innocence corrupted after seeing this film. I am not saying it was the most hideous film of all time. I respect Spike and his endevours as a film-maker but he is certainly not one of my favourites.

What I do and will always admire though is the simplicity of the message.
Hearing the name of the film by itself and not seeing it, it gives off the illusion of greatness.
A poignant and powerful title. Do the Right Thing. And here it is I repeat it again.

I just want to say --- Do the Right Thing in life, no matter how much it hurts. No matter how high the temptation is, no matter what is lost, always, always .... Do the Right thing... No-one may notice, but you're not doing it for other people right? You're doing it for yourself and for the well-being of the other person, whom you should never take advantage of.

Blessings!
!Jair