So we now have one small thing for which we can thank the COVID lockdown: online access to overseas film festivals. I hope they continue this innovation once things get back to normality.
The Udine Far East Film Festival has four Korean movies that are available for viewing from the UK. The festival runs from 26 June to 4 July, and the movies will be online during that period.
Ashfall (백두산)
Dirs: Kim Byung-seo, Lee Hae-jun (2019, 129 mins)
Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Ha Jung-woo, Jeon Hye-jin, Ma Dong-seok, Bae Suzy
A task force tries to use a nuclear explosion to stop a volcano erupting. Pyrotechnic special effects and action that’s a 9 on the Richter scale. More info here
The House of Us (우리집)
Dir: Yoon Ga-eun (2019, 92 mins)
Dast: Kim Na-yeon, Kim Si-ah, Joo Ye-rim, Ahn Ji-ho
Over one dream-like summer holiday, 12-year-old Hana leads two little sisters on an adventure to prevent them from moving house. More info here
Crazy Romance (가장 보통의 연애)
Dir: Kim Han-kyul (2020, 110 mins)
Cast: Kim Rae-won, Hyo-jin Kong
Sun-young is sent to help Jae-hoon with his work after he’s dumped by his girlfriend. The two hit it off, but their gossiping colleagues cause problems. More info here
Vertigo (버티고)
Dir: Jeon Gye-soo (2019, 114 mins)
Cast: Chun Woo-hee, Yoo Teo, Jeong Jae-kwang
Life in a sexist, careerist society makes Seo Young’s head spin. But things change when she finds herself face to face with window cleaner Kwon-Woo. More info here
In addition the following Korean movies are available if you’re in Italy
- Beasts Clawing at Straws
- Lucky Chansil
- President’s Last Bang (restored version, 2019)
- The Man Standing Next
- Kim Ji-young, Born 1982
- The Closet
- Exit
Trailers for all the Korean movies screening at the festival can be found here.
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