This war drama excels in its tense spy narrative and expertly directed action sequences but suffers from one-dimensional characterizations. A film is only as strong as its weakest link, and in the case of Operation Chromite the weakest link by far is Liam Neeson’s cringe-worthy dialogue, and indeed tortured performance, as General Douglas MacArthur [Read More]
Director: Lee Jae-han (John H Lee)
71 Into the Fire (포화 속으로, 2010) review: courage, sacrifice and the cost of war
Based on a true story, ’71 – Into The Fire’ tells its tale with gusto throughout, using breathtaking visuals within epic battle scenes to show the chaos and carnage of war and the ultimate price it demands, albeit in a slightly predictable manner in places. [Read More]
John H Lee interview: balancing emotion and intellect
Director John H. Lee discusses “71 – Into the Fire”, balancing ambition and budget in large-scale war scenes, the film’s global reception, and commemorating the Korean War. He also reflects on “A Moment to Remember”, casting Son Ye-jin, director’s cuts, and social themes shaping his films. [Read More]
Film review: 71 Into the Fire
71 Into the Fire, by director John H Lee (이재한), is a film based on a true story which occurred in the early months of the Korean War, when the northern armies swept all before them until they reached the Busan perimeter. A group of 71 student soldiers are given the job of defending a … [Read More]
London Korean Film Festival 2010
The London Korean Film Festival returns at its regular early November slot. With the Barbican cinemas out of action this year’s festival is a bit of a logistical nightmare, with screenings at the ICA, Odeon West End and the Apollo, but there’s more than enough film interest to compensate. One of the highlights of the … [Read More]
A Moment to Remember (내 머리 속의 지우개, 2004) review: a manipulative melodrama rescued by the lead actress
While the plot of A Moment To Remember is contrived and manipulative, it still, somehow, manages to be affecting – with Son Ye-jin’s astounding performance selling every line – and as the credits roll, you’ll find yourself thinking that you should have known better, but a part of you will secretly be glad you didn’t listen. [Read More]
The 2005 London Korean Film Festival programme
Here is the programme of films that screened in the 2005 London Korean Film Festival. Although this post’s datestamp is May 2005 so that it appears in the appropriate month of this site’s calendar archive, it is actually being uploaded in November 2015 (with subsequent edits), and is being posted for archival purposes. It’s nice … [Read More]