Old Boy...Korean film ending

[Dom Tuk]

I am not sure if my take on the ending of the Korean film Old Boy is correct. What does the hypnotist do to him in the final scenes. Does she make it so that his future relationship with the girl (do not spoil it for those who have not seen this remarkable film) is not awkward. Does she erase bits of his memory?

[Blinky]

I probably can't post anything with ruining the ending so it's best if you look on here.

http://www.ruinedendings.com/film4870ending />

[Blinky]

Sorry, as with a lot of links, that didn't work, try this
http://www.ruinedendings.com/
Or just type it in and search for Oldboy....

[Dom Tuk]

Thanks for that Blinky. However the person who wrote that reckons that Old Boys smile indicates that he remembers. I dont think so. I reckon his smile indicates that he is happy and the hypnosis has worked so that he can carry on and live a horrible lie and be punished for eternity.

[goldenboy]

i agree with you dom. i assume the hypnotist felt some sort of remorse for hypnotising him in the first place. in an effort to make amends she rehypnotises him. well he did suffer!

[RobertH]

The smile at the end is ambivalent. Whatever the motives of the hypnotist, she may or may not have succeeded in helping him forget. He may be smiling and crying because he either forgot his fate and is happy or that he hasn't forgot and regrets it. There is no specific way to interpret the smile because there is little or no evidence that it can in agony or satisfaction. That is what makes the film so good. The pain and agony continue in the uncertainty. If you need the ending spelled out for you in a film, stick to Adam Sandler films.

[Dom Tuk]

No need for the snide comment at the end. I wanted to find out what other peoples take was on the subject. Glad you liked the film...who is adam sandler....is he any good?