One month after the close of LKFF we’re finally getting around to penning some thoughts on the movies we saw there. We’ve already commented on Im Sang-soo’s latest, which left us with very warm feelings about the festival as a whole. What about the rest of the programme? Let’s get this out of the way … [Read More]
Director: Na Hong-jin
BFI Festival Film Review: Na Hong-jin’s The Wailing
Na Hong-jin can sure put you through a mental wringer. Mysterious and very bloody murders, extremely nasty skin conditions: who or what is to blame? The choice seems to be between a mind-altering magic mushroom concoction and a strange Japanese guy who lives in the forest, fishing and living off the land. And what of … [Read More]
Festival Film Review: Blood, Sweat, Tears and Laughter – ‘Yellow Sea’ has it all
While on a visit to Korea, I once asked a wise, old-looking Korean how he would describe the spirit of the Korean people. My friend who was interpreting answered the question instead, to my initial annoyance, giving the answer ‘Fun’, which I found doubly disappointing given its apparent banality. Several years on, I am beginning … [Read More]
“A thrilling reality ride” – Na Hong-jin’s Yellow Sea
Why South Korea’s action movies blow Hollywood out of the Yellow Sea http://t.co/Vs1aM5Mk. Guardian previews Na Hong-jin’s film, to screen at the London Korean Film Festival this year. [Read More]
Na Hong-jin’s Yellow Sea a worthy follow-up to the Chaser
Mind-numbing action. A compelling plot. What sets Na Hong-jin’s Yellow Sea (2010) apart from its peers: http://t.co/cQhdsY5. Inspired by the true story of a Joseonjok hired to murder another man in South Korea for $5,000. One of the highlights of July’s NYAFF 2011. [Read More]
Korean film at Cannes 2011
Three Korean Films have been invited to the 2011 Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard section. Nice to see Kim Ki-duk back in action with Arirang. http://bit.ly/i7Q3D3 #. Na Hong-jin’s Yellow Sea plus the latest Hong Sang-soo also going. [Read More]
Catch Na Hong-jin’s Chaser while you can!
Saharial advises you to go see The Chaser on the big screen while you can. I was delighted when I discovered, at long last, a Korean film showing again in a city centre cinema, something that seems very rare these days. The basic story that I knew before I went in, was that it concerned … [Read More]
The Chaser gets theatrical release
For those who missed “The Chaser” at Frightfest, don’t forget that it’s showing from tomorrow (Friday 19 September) at the Cineworlds in the Trocadero and Canary Wharf, and at the Shepherd’s Bush Vue. Viewing times are on the Evening Standard website here. Jonathan Ross gave it a rave review on Film 2008 earlier this week … [Read More]