Old Boy roars to success in Tigers

Revenge drama nets top award in new Asian film competition

by Amber Wilkinson

Korean film Old Boy romped to victory in the first ever Tiger Awards.

The Korean revenge drama about a prisoner who is released after years in jail, won best film, best actor (Choi Min-Sik), Best Director and best new Director( Park Chan-Wook) and best soundtrack.

Hero, House of Flying Daggers and Shaolin Soccer were among other winners.

"Presenter of Radio 4's Back Row and judge of The Tigers Joe Cornish said: "Even the slowest film fans are now starting to realise that Hollywood has lost it, and Asian cinema has most definitely found it. While the US studios squander millions publicising identikit crowd pleasers, Asian films are slowly and surely winning people's devotion with levels of diversity, originality and imagination that mainstream cinema has long forgotten."

"If you want to see genuinely brilliant filmmaking championed or find out about films that could reinvigorate your love for cinema, The Tigers are the awards to watch."

Laura De Casto, managing director Tartan Film, distributor of Oldboy said; "We're delighted that Oldboy is continuing to receive critical acclaim and that it has been recognised as a great movie by The Tigers. We're proud Tartan Films is at the forefront of showcasing stunning cinema from Asia and will continue to do so."

The Tigers will be celebrated at an exclusive screening at the end of June.

Tigers Winning Entrants

Best Film: Old Boy

Best Actress: Ziyi Zhang, House of Flying Daggers

Best Actor: Choi Min-Sik, Old Boy

Best Director: Park Chan-Wook, Old Boy

Best Drama/Comedy/Musical: Shaolin Soccer

Best Martial Arts: Hero

Best Thriller/Horror: Memories of Murder

Best Animation: Grave of Fireflies

Best Newcomer: Aya Ueto, Azumi

Best Debut Film: Natural City

Best Special Effects - Visual: Hero

Best Special Effects - Audio: The Grudge

Best Soundtrack: Old Boy

Best costume/Wardrobe: House of Flying Daggers

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