Oldboy

This is a fascinating exploration of the underlying complexities of one of the most extraordinary films to have emerged from South Korea in recent times. The DVD comes packed with lengthy interviews with the stars and the production team, for whom many of the questions were formulated by members of the Old Boy fan club.

The director's commentary establishes a mood of earnestness that is reflected throughout the piece. What had initially appeared to be bizarre enunciations of Korean culture, as expressed through Choi Min-sik's raging character, Oh Dae-su, are laid bare.

This is especially rewarding for anyone who wants to retrace the twists and turns of a plotline that, on further investigation, is riddled with clues pointing to the final, most shocking, revelation.

It is also intriguing to gain an insight into the methodology of the lighting and design teams and the extent to which their contribution affects the twisted realism of the film. Initially adapted from a comic book, Old Boy delights in the contrasts between the subterranean world of the private prison facility and the distorted perspective of the real world that Oh Dae-su is confronted with on his release.

This is certainly required viewing for aficionados of the genre, as well as being a master class in a South Korean film industry that is at the top of its game.