An interesting film to consider seeking out instead of, or in comparison to, Sin City is Korean action thriller Oldboy.
Like Sin City it's not for those adverse to violent works that push the boundaries of good taste. It's also related to Quentin Tarantino (the film has repeatedly earned the QT endorsement, ever since it premiered at Cannes when he was heading up the jury).
But Oldboy is the real deal in terms of visceral cinema. The effect of this one is likely to be felt for years.
The story is familiar but with fresh twists. At its core this is a revenge tale, but it's also a mystery, with a man who has been imprisoned for years trying to discover what motivated his enemy to do something so awful to him and who that enemy is.
The actors are solid (and this is a clear showcase for lead actor Choi Min-sik, whose convincing performance will win him plenty of praise) but it's director Park Chan-wook who is the real star. He makes a major impression with a dazzling style that's full of stunning visuals, kinetic (but not sloppy) scene construction and a propulsive use of music. The entire crew deserves praise, especially the cinematographer, editor and composer.
There are significant flaws that hold me back from calling this an outright classic. I have problems with how the film progresses narratively (the ending left me with a disappointed feeling of "oh, is that was this was all about?") and there's a nasty streak of misogyny that prevents the movie from feeling truly mature.
In any case Oldboy is at the very least an instant cult classic. And more than that it's an exciting and original film that showcases a director well worth paying attention to.
Sometimes style really can triumph over substance.
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