10 Great Movies You'll Only Want To Watch Once

10. Oldboy (2003)

Asian cinema has a reputation for being messed up, and it's one that is largely earned. Terrifying films like Ringu and Ju-on: The Grudge have led to mediocre American remakes, and Takashi Miike's oeuvre, in particular the blood-soaked masterpiece Ichi the Killer, is rightfully regarded as one of the most twisted in world cinema.

The most disturbing film to come from the eastern world, however, is the 2003 Korean revenge drama Oldboy. The story itself is downright chilling: a loutish man is kidnapped and awakens in a sealed hotel room where he is held for the next fifteen years before being suddenly and inexplicably released. He is then given five days to discover who imprisoned him and why.

The film is anchored by an incredible performance from Choi Min-sik as the protagonist, Oh Dae-su. We follow his journey from a neglectful drunk to a man obsessed with repentance. That we become so invested in the character makes the film even more gut-wrenching. There are several uncomfortable scenes, from the brutal one-shot corridor fight to Choi Min-sik actually eating a live octopus.

However, all the pulled teeth and severed hands can't compare to the utterly devastating finale, where Oh Dae-su discovers he has been sleeping with his own daughter. The moment where he grovels at his nemesis' feet and eventually cuts out his own tongue will leave you feeling like you've been punched in the stomach.