The film revolves around Jisuk and her mother's relationship spanning Jisook's childhood and adulthood, while i'm not a fan of some of the episodic structure, you can easily fill in the blanks. There are some really great and emotional scenes in the film and one of my main gripes is that much of the film is that the brunt of the film is essentially a collection of these great moments. You can often see where the film is going and won't be too surprised near the end but a incredible performance from Hae-sook Kim is almost disappointing as the rest of the cast remain underused while solid in their performance's. However, your enjoyment of the film will differ depending on your own relationship with your mother and i benefit from having one not a million miles away from Jisooks. I've been in one or two of those situations brought on by embarrassing parents and this film really speaks to me. For what it is, I really can't see many places where the film could've been improved and while flawed, it's positives far outweigh it's negatives. One or two scenes are overplayed but great use of close ups and a great script make the film one of the standout films of the year though i doubt it would get the recognition it deserves.
Reviews
9 Reviews
The Chaser
(2008)
A thriller that is proof of the excellence of Korean cinema
14 December 2010
The revenge genre is very overplayed in korean cinema and takes something of a different quality to stand out like the Chaser does. While it is somewhat predictable to begin with, the film begins to twist into something much more than expected. The plot revolves around a ex cop turned pimp who after losing out numerous girls to other pimps stumbles upon a serial killer. However revealing any more of the plot would only ruin it. Like many korean films the incompetencies and legal issues are highlighted though a bit too much in this film, coupled with political undertones. The cast is fantastic in delivering a excellent performance all round but it really has to be the director who can take a lot of positives in filming a stylish yet amazing story.
Memories of Murder
(2003)
One of the best films i've ever seen and is almost perfect in every respect
14 December 2010
Having seen a lot of good films this year, I picked this up after watching Thirst and wanting to see more of Song Kang Ho, remembering him being great in the Host. However, I was blown away by the fact that I never found this film earlier and while Song is excellent in it, the film and nearly everything about it is flawless in execution. The story about a detective in a small countryside town who finds a serial killer yet it's the incompetencies of the police force in general and human error which leads more and more murders. As the murders continue they find themselves powerless to use whatever clues they have to find the murderer. I'll leave it at that in terms of plot as it the film beautifully pulls you in until it's frustratingly simple conclusion. The cinematography is outstanding with a haunting score worthy of the film's amazing direction. I simply cannot find the words to describe how great this film is. I rarely watch films twice and never watched a film again without getting bored. On repeated viewings, you begin to appreciate the little scenes the director has put in and i didn't pick up one of the running gags until the third time though, they add little to the plot but are enjoyable and fascinating as the director chooses to move at his own pace. While not perfect, the quality of the film brings the smallest niggles to light and while there are only a few, this film does not get the recognition it deserves in the west, yet at the same time, it's like a little secret that is appreciated by those who are lucky enough to find it. As with any murder and mystery, you'll be looking for clues, even on multiple viewings but at best you'll be grasping at straws and jumping to conclusions until the frustratingly simple ending
I Saw the Devil
(2010)
Darker and more disturbing than any Korean film to date yet as brilliant as anything else that preceded it.
14 December 2010
To begin with, this film should be viewed by anyone who enjoys great films but the content is much worse than anything you'd imagine not only for a korean film but for any film in general. A good example is if you've seen the revenge trilogy, as most fans of korean cinema have, and thought it was either too violent or dark, this film is much worse. To my surprise the murders are more graphic due to the sexual nature of some of them, which while dealt with in films like memories of murder and the chaser, the sexual side was often off screen and hinted at but in I Saw the Devil though the majority of the violence is off screen, the director shows enough to create a true monster played effortlessly by Choi Min Sik who steals the show as the serial killer. The story is a cat and mouse between the protagonist and the killer, I've already forgotten their names, but never plays out as you'd expect and when the tables turn, the conclusion is as satisfying as it is unpredictable which will no doubt leave a few plot holes on the way. It will have you gripped and is often relentless with the violence but ultimately another excellent example of korean cinema which may be too graphic for it's own good, the majority of the sex and nudity could have been avoided and kept off screen yet it adds to the dark charm of a film that succeeds in being unique in a old genre
My Dear Desperado
(2010)
a film which defies my initial expectations to become something better
14 December 2010
Glancing at the cover, I expected it to be a typical korean romcom but found traces of both but not enough to be either. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much but was left surprised as it draws away stereotypes and clichés and brings a interesting take on a love story. The plot is built around Sae-Jin and her progress through the world of unemployment tasting the lows of unemployment and society's look on them. Inevitably she meets Dong Chul who's a gangster and also her neighbour but is wiser than he looks and inevitably a love grows between them. Yet their lives play out only intertwining when Dong Chul begins to help Sae Jin in her quest for employment and his deeds begin to grow until the satisfying end in which I was taken back somewhat as the film that started slowly and slightly disjointed became something greater. As a huge fan of korean cinema, one weakness is often the ending doesn't quite live up to what preceded it, yet My Dear Desperado's ending is up there with films like JSA and Memories of Murder, though not in the same tone, you can't help yourself but smile
A Bittersweet Life
(2005)
A film of two halves but ultimately fails when it shouldn't have
14 December 2010
Overall a good film and while it plays with the action and drama, the film has massive potential to be so much more. As my title suggests the film is essentially two different films, which begins brightly before fading fast. The first half effortlessly introduces our protagonist and the majority of the cast effortlessly. While stereotypes are put into play they all show something a little different and the plot at it's quietest plays out quite well and to a high standard expected of korean cinema. Yet as Sun Woo's life begins to break down after a costly mistake, the quality and drama quickly takes a backseat to the all too familiar genre of action and revenge. Yet it is disappointing how a country full of great examples and almost infamously associated with the revenge genre can fail so easily. As with many action films it weaves a lot of style at the expense of logic and only gets worse exponentially as guns are introduced and you have a stylish action film which could've been born out of western cinema that lacks the story telling quality it started with. Muddled with a untidy conclusion the film would've been better if the last hour was taken out and the last few minutes kept in
Joint Security Area
(2000)
a korean masterpiece that deceptively amazes
14 December 2010
I won't go into massive detail but it is a excellent example of korean cinema led by massively likable song kang ho and while the murder element does take away from the film somewhat it leads to a immensely satisfying conclusion The story begins with murder and mystery with political overtones, yet at it's heart, it's a film about friendship. The likable characters which never succumb to stereotypes bring to life a strange friendship which is rare under the political times but is treasured all the same. It does help if you have some knowledge of korean history but isn't required and can appeal any audience willing to invest time into the slow start.
Moss
(2010)
great film which is let down by inconsistency
24 November 2010
after going through a recent love of korean cinema, i accidentally came across moss and found a great film which died out towards it's conclusion. it does have a hefty run time, which isn't a problem, a great film will engulf you and can you forget time.
i won't spoil the story but the characters as likable as some of them are, too much is given away from their direction, it won't be long until characters play to stereotypes and you'll most likely work out the twist.
the protagonist never does anything to make him likable but you do root for him but as the story shifts between him and his father, the quality of the story telling begins to falter. his background is never explored to any detail but his tenacity to find out his fathers killer is portrayed amicably.
the flashbacks are done well but never reveal anything of great importance and the storyline does have areas which set up the flashback to the point it suspends belief at the conclusion. some questions aren't answered and at times the plot becomes convoluted, it's somewhat easier to ignore the property subplot and just assume he's a evil b*****d.
the makeup for some of the characters never seems over the top though it would've been easier to have different actors.
if you can leave your mind in 1st gear and not get caught into some of the details it is an enjoyable film which can never live up to memories of murder but easily better than some of the recent examples of western cinema
i won't spoil the story but the characters as likable as some of them are, too much is given away from their direction, it won't be long until characters play to stereotypes and you'll most likely work out the twist.
the protagonist never does anything to make him likable but you do root for him but as the story shifts between him and his father, the quality of the story telling begins to falter. his background is never explored to any detail but his tenacity to find out his fathers killer is portrayed amicably.
the flashbacks are done well but never reveal anything of great importance and the storyline does have areas which set up the flashback to the point it suspends belief at the conclusion. some questions aren't answered and at times the plot becomes convoluted, it's somewhat easier to ignore the property subplot and just assume he's a evil b*****d.
the makeup for some of the characters never seems over the top though it would've been easier to have different actors.
if you can leave your mind in 1st gear and not get caught into some of the details it is an enjoyable film which can never live up to memories of murder but easily better than some of the recent examples of western cinema
Ocean Heaven
(2010)
Surprising drama which shows potential for Chinese cinema
24 November 2010
Warning: Spoilers
CONTAINS MINOR PLOT OUTLINE
In recent years, Chinese cinema has fallen somewhat behind Japanese and korean cinema in showcasing the best Asian movies. While it won't be challenging for international awards, everyone involved leaves with their reputations raised. So can a Chinese film without a hint of violence, crime or political overtones can be any good? i'd like to think so, if jet li is a stereotype for all those genres, he can safely say he is capable of much more. Many eyes will be focused on Jet Li who is an out and out action star and any foray into western cinema only reifys his action star status. Like Chan before him, he's no longer 20 or even 30, and will be looking for dramatic roles before eventually being put behind a desk in some cop drama. Li excels as the caring father who's autistic son is soon to be left alone in the world as he discovers he has terminal cancer. However the real star is his son, i'm not sure who plays him since the IMDb page is painfully sparse on information. Either way Da Fu is played clinically and with all the mannerisms you'd expect but it all seems natural, he brings life into the character and there's never so much a hint of over acting or artificiality. The supporting cast do what they can in their limited roles and often breathe sympathy towards Da Fu, if only to bring peace of mind to those who wonder if he will actually make it himself. The journey itself moves along at it's own pace with segments of Da Fu being taught to survive on his own, while some areas do seem episodic as his progress is lumped into one section, accompanied by aspirational montage music which is really familiar to spirited away with haunting piano keys and melodic violins. As well as the Ling Ling love interest which removes Li from the equation somewhat. I'd like to think the love interest was in Da Fu's imagination or that of his father's to show people can really past his autism. One scene does seem out of place, and spoilers if you don't wan't to know, so skip the next paragraph.
The scene in question is the scene where Li explodes at Da Fu for not being able to mop but even worse is when he calls him stupid. Up until that point he was caring and tolerant and him snapping seems out of place and against character, while he has good reason to, you would not expect this father to snap. His death was also handled quite off screen and you never really see how Da Fu really reacts, if he ever does.
That said, the film brings out great acting and a film which may love itself in metaphor towards the end. However, the ending does bring justice to the character we've seen develop and even if he is essentially the same person the world around has changed.
In recent years, Chinese cinema has fallen somewhat behind Japanese and korean cinema in showcasing the best Asian movies. While it won't be challenging for international awards, everyone involved leaves with their reputations raised. So can a Chinese film without a hint of violence, crime or political overtones can be any good? i'd like to think so, if jet li is a stereotype for all those genres, he can safely say he is capable of much more. Many eyes will be focused on Jet Li who is an out and out action star and any foray into western cinema only reifys his action star status. Like Chan before him, he's no longer 20 or even 30, and will be looking for dramatic roles before eventually being put behind a desk in some cop drama. Li excels as the caring father who's autistic son is soon to be left alone in the world as he discovers he has terminal cancer. However the real star is his son, i'm not sure who plays him since the IMDb page is painfully sparse on information. Either way Da Fu is played clinically and with all the mannerisms you'd expect but it all seems natural, he brings life into the character and there's never so much a hint of over acting or artificiality. The supporting cast do what they can in their limited roles and often breathe sympathy towards Da Fu, if only to bring peace of mind to those who wonder if he will actually make it himself. The journey itself moves along at it's own pace with segments of Da Fu being taught to survive on his own, while some areas do seem episodic as his progress is lumped into one section, accompanied by aspirational montage music which is really familiar to spirited away with haunting piano keys and melodic violins. As well as the Ling Ling love interest which removes Li from the equation somewhat. I'd like to think the love interest was in Da Fu's imagination or that of his father's to show people can really past his autism. One scene does seem out of place, and spoilers if you don't wan't to know, so skip the next paragraph.
The scene in question is the scene where Li explodes at Da Fu for not being able to mop but even worse is when he calls him stupid. Up until that point he was caring and tolerant and him snapping seems out of place and against character, while he has good reason to, you would not expect this father to snap. His death was also handled quite off screen and you never really see how Da Fu really reacts, if he ever does.
That said, the film brings out great acting and a film which may love itself in metaphor towards the end. However, the ending does bring justice to the character we've seen develop and even if he is essentially the same person the world around has changed.
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