Today we started class by introducing the concept of the single shot, and the complexity of pulling off compelling visual narratives without any camera breaks. The iconic single-shot fight scene in Park Chan-wook’s Oldboy has been celebrated and discussed since first viewed on the big screen in 2003.
This scene from Oldboy is a brutal and visceral display of the raw determination and pent-up rage of the main character, Oh Dae-su, after years of imprisonment. Armed with only a hammer, he navigates a narrow corridor filled with multiple adversaries, each encounter a flurry of desperate swings, dodges, and grunts. The extended, unbroken camera shot intensifies the claustrophobic setting and the relentless nature of the fight, forcing the viewer to witness every painful blow and stumble in real-time, amplifying the impact of Oh Dae-su’s increasingly battered state.
This extended take is not just a stylistic flourish; it serves to immerse the audience in the chaotic and exhausting reality of hand-to-hand combat. There are no cuts to offer respite or to mask the choreography, highlighting the actor Choi Min-sik’s incredible physical performance and the meticulous planning of the sequence. The scene has become a celebrated example of innovative action filmmaking, demonstrating how a single, continuous shot can heighten tension and create a uniquely impactful and unforgettable cinematic experience.