i really liked this film. i know nothing about Asian cinema but took this in when it showed at the Glasgow tartan film festival as there was nothing else on. The guy who plays the lead role did an excellent job playing the hero of the movie that you actually don't particularly like. OK , this movie is a bit pretentious at times with flashy music and camera angles, but this adds to the whole effect of the film - that it is a bizarre and surreal story.i also thought the ending of the movie was great, because it is neither the one you expected or wanted. this is rarely done in films these days and i left the cinema wishing there was a sequel so i could see 'old boy' in another mad adventure. overall a top notch film that mixes adventure , mindless violence,fine acting and a bizarre story.Excellent.