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July 12, 2011
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Spike Lee confirmed for Old Boy

— Posted by The "Superior" Anthony


Spike Lee is a talented director. There, I got that out the way. Today we learn that Spike Lee is confirmed to direct a remake of the south korean film “Old Boy”, and he’s also resurrecting “Mookie” for a movie he’s currently filming in Brooklyn.

Source: AICN

Los Angeles (July 11, 2011) – Mandate Pictures announced today that Spike Lee (Inside Man) will direct OLDBOY, a remake of the highly-acclaimed South Korean film. Mark Protosevich has adapted the screenplay and will co-produce. Roy Lee and Doug Davison (The Departed, The Grudge) will produce. The film is a Vertigo Entertainment/40 Acres & A Mule Production. Mandate President Nathan Kahane will executive produce.

“It’s a great honor to put this special project into the hands of such a gifted writer and iconic director,” said Kahane.

OLDBOY tells the story of a man who is kidnapped and imprisoned on his daughter’s birthday. For fifteen years, he is held captive, and, upon his release, must begin his journey to find the reason for his imprisonment. He soon finds out that his kidnapper has plans for him more tortuous than his solitary confinement. The original film, released in 2003, directed by Chan-wook Park won the Grand Prize Jury Award at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.

I like the idea of this movie. I find the premise very intriguing and think the Spike Lee is a curious choice for the job. I don’t believe that he will do a “bad” job just a really curious choice. I think this movie needs some really strong cinematography and would have envisioned Tony Scott being chosen for the job before Spike Lee, but I am optimistic that Lee can make this film enjoyable.The premise leads me to believe that he will need a substantially solid performance for whomever is chosen for the lead role so I look forward to hearing more news.

What’s also intriguing is the return of Mookie!

Fans of Spike Lee (of which I’m one) can rejoice. Apparently he’s started filming just today on a low-budget film in Brooklyn called RED HOOK SUMMER (according to Blackfilm) which is being described as bring about an “adult from Atlanta who comes and spends the summer in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn, NY.”

Spike Lee filming a joint in Brooklyn. Who would have ever guessed such a thing? Either way, I’ve put the movie on the radar. I wonder if this will be a spiritual sequel to “do the right thing” or not.

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11 comments
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420BAND
420BAND

To me Do the Right Thing is still a powerfull effective piece of filmmaking... still his best IMO Mookie! Mookie! "Here comes Mookie with my meatball and parm sub" "and thats the triple truth....Ruth!" What actor?

David Lopan
David Lopan

Are you asking who said that line? Because who said that line was Samuel L. Jackson, son!! :)

420band
420band

And thats the TRUTH!....RUTH! :)

TheSwede
TheSwede

I have been dreading this day. I had a hard time sitting trough the departed, even though I love marty & co. But this is one movie I really really REALLY don't want an americanized version off. The story is just not made to be remade, the twists and turns, similar to departed/infernal affairs, just have to be original in order to make them work. To me it's the best movie ever made and even if it wasn't I don't think they can pull off a remake. Also, isn't it kinda weird that spike lee is directing? He has always been a very original kinda director, always(?) telling new stories.

Roderick
Roderick

@Anthony Have you watched Oldboy yet? If not, please watch it immediately. It is indeed a rare masterpiece of our time. And after you're done watching, i'd imagine you'd be compelled to so no to a remake of that film much like all the fans of the original. Can't hollywood come up with any new ideas anymore. If anything, if this film sucks or is good, i hope people will watch the original.

Rodney
Rodney

Two words. Hallway Fight. But to address your "Can’t hollywood come up with any new ideas anymore" statement. YES. Just because you hear of many sequels or remakes does NOT mean that there is no originality in Hollywood. Far more original films are made in Hollywood than remakes. Its just nonsense to think that there is no originality left just because they remake movies too. Remakes are hardly new to Hollywood. They have been remaking movies for almost as long as they have BEEN making movies.

Ty
Ty

@Roderick I don't think they'll be doing the squid scene without cgi - four squid were eaten for that scene.

TheSwede
TheSwede

anyone else noticed that in repo men they TRIED to mimic the hallway scene.... and failed.

Roderick
Roderick

3 words. Eating Live Squid NO CG! WAS FREAKEN REAL! They have behind the scene video of it. Thats ddedication.

David Lopan
David Lopan

Tony Scott would be at the bottom of my list...just above Marcus Nispel and Samuel Bayer. I think Lee is an excellent fit because of his previous looks and works with Inside Man, Summer of Sam. I read in a few websites that Josh Brolin is also on the "wish list" to play the lead. I have a lot of faith in this project now that Smith and Spielberg pulled out. Others I wouldve considered is Cronenberg and because of the silent/stoic approach to Park's version, maybe Jarmusch too...but I'm very happy with the choice of Lee.

Anti-Septic
Anti-Septic

Oh boy, there are gonna be a lot of haters about this remake, including me. Loved Oldboy, I wont even bother to see this to be truthful. Oldboy was a huge success in the Asian Cinema world, it was constantly talked about. It hasnt even been that long, its still fresh in my mind anyhow. Just think its a horrible idea.

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