A normal office worker, with a wife and a daughter, is unexpectedly thrown into a small cell. After 15 years of imprisonment, he is released only to discover he is a suspect to his wife′s murder, and his daughter is missing. His life is utterly ruined: Who put him in the cell? And why? When he finally meets Woo-jin, the perpetrator, Woo-jin dares him to find out why: not why he was confined, but why he was released. In return, Woo-jin promises his life. In the process of solving this riddle, the man finds out the truth, a truth that he cannot bear to accept. Old Boy mixes the genres of criminal thriller, action and melodrama. It is surprisingly imaginative with its theme, display of desires and sense of guilt. It could be criticizing the modern history of Korea, which is full of control and confinement. It could be focusing on the irrational human relationship where one small act can bring about disaster. The complicated story, stylish visuals and editing as well as the outstanding acting won both national and international acclaim.