Well, I guess everyone who’s going to watch it has watched it already, but nevertheless I’ve tried to avoid any major spoilers in the below. Here’s the list of things that struck me most about the hit series. Most enjoyable reveal Runner up was the identity of the multi-gazillionaire who set up the game, But the … [Read More]
People: Gong Yoo
LKFF Teaser Screening: Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982
After having had to cancel the Kim Jiyoung screening earlier this year as we went into lockdown, the KCC is resurrecting the event as we gradually emerge. The official announcement on the film festival website promises an introduction, though currently there are no further details. The planned screening in March was going to be by … [Read More]
LKFF Teaser Screening: Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982
The first LKFF Teaser screening of the year: Kim Ji-young: Born 1982 (82년생 김지영) + Introduction by Sarah Shin Dir: Kim Do-young (2019, 118 mins) Cast: Jung Yu-mi, Gong Yoo Tuesday 12 May 2020, 18:15 Barbican Cinema 2 | Beech Street | London EC2Y 8DS Tickets £12 | Buy tickets Based on Cho Nam-joo’s landmark … [Read More]
Kim Ji-young: Born 1982 (82년생 김지영, 2019) review: Cho Nam-joo’s important novel brought to the big screen
This powerful drama examines the systemic gender inequality in Korean society through the psychological breakdown of a stay-at-home mother. Kim Ji-young: Born 1982 is a deftly realised, socially aware and societally critical directorial debut of real importance that shines a much needed light on women’s issues in Korea past and present from a female gaze. [Read More]
Train to Busan (부산행, 2016) review: zombies, corporate self-interest and a relentless ride
A father and daughter’s train journey becomes a fight for survival when a zombie outbreak erupts onboard. Combining ferocious, fast-moving undead with humour, emotional stakes and critiques of corporate selfishness, Train to Busan delivers white-knuckle intensity, crowd-pleasing thrills and a rare balance of spectacle and human drama. Miss it at your peril. [Read More]
Brief review: Train to Busan
What can you say about Train to Busan that hasn’t already been said? When everyone tells you it’s a fantastic thrill-ride you try to go into the screening with lowered expectations just in case everyone is delusional and you come away disappointed. No need to fear. It’s pretty much non-stop entertainment from start to finish, … [Read More]
The Crucible aka Silenced (도가니, 2011) review: silenced voices and the struggle for justice
Based on the true story of innocent children physically and sexually abused at a school for the deaf, The Crucible is a brutal, visceral and ultimately heartbreaking tale serving as proof (if proof were needed) that real life can be far more cruel than fiction. [Read More]
The beauty of particular body parts 2
Thanks to Mrs Daeguowl for the nomination of Gong Yu (공유) for the competition of most sculpted six-pack. Here’s a sample: And something I forgot to include in yesterday’s post. With a big hat tip to Scott Burgeson (1), here’s an itemisation of how the body parts for Miss Korea should stack up, taken from … [Read More]